In the analog phone world, you pick up your phone, get a dial tone and call the person on the other end. The call travels through the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and the person on the other end receives your call. Although the PSTN is mostly computerized today, this basic flow hasn't changed much since Alexander Graham Bell made his first call over 100 years ago
In the digital world, with Broadband calling, you pick up your phone, get a dial tone and call the person on the other end who also picks up on a regular telephone. It's the exact same way you call someone today. The difference is that your voice is turned into a digital signal, and the call bypasses the PSTN (for the most part) by traveling over the Internet.
The adapter is what converts your analog signal into digital. If you have digital cable TV, this is the same function performed by your set-top converter box. The router effectively lets you utilize your Internet connection for simultaneous web browsing and calling. Depending on the service you sign up for, the phone adapter may also function as your router. Note that in most cases the router is optional, and only needed if you want to browse the Internet on a computer.
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Important Tax/Fee Update!
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As of July, 2006, the government will no longer collect the 3% federal excise tax on telecommunications. However, at the same time, VoIP providers will now be required to contribute to the Universal Service Fund, which helps subsidize service in rural and low-income areas. The contribution rate for this fund varies by quarter and can even vary by VoIP provider (because it is based on interstate call percentages). Initially, however, it is expected to be about 6.8%, and we have updated our tax/fee calculations accordingly.
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One Month Free
Local & long distance calls to U.S., Canada & Puerto Rico
One month free on unlimited plan only. That plan also offers unlimited free calls to landline numbers in France, Ireland, Italy, Spain & UK. No contract; 30-day guarantee. 3.9¢ per extra minute for Basic 500.
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Local & long distance calls to U.S., Canada & Puerto Rico
First month free. Plan offers free calls to landline numbers in 21 countries, including much of Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore & South Korea. Free Linksys adapter included.
Prepaid Annual Plan (Save $100)
Local & long distance calls to U.S., Canada & Puerto Rico
Annual plan prepaid at $199 per year ($16.58/month). Includes unlimited international free calls to landline numbers in France, Ireland, Italy, Guam and US Virgin Islands.
$9.95 per Month for 3 Months
Local & long distance calls to U.S. and Canada
First three months $9.95/month on Residential 500 or Unlimited or prepay and save even more. 4¢ per extra minute for Residential 500 or for exceeding 3,000 minute in a month on Residential Freedom.
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