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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As low as $7.95/month
Local & long distance calls to U.S. & Canada
Plans for all levels of usage, starting at $7.95/month. World Unlimitd plan includes unlimited calling to landline phones in the U.S. and 45 countries. For 250 & 500 minute plan, additional minutes are 4¢ each.
As low as $14.95/Month with Commitment
Local & long distance calls to U.S. and Canada
Pay monthly or save more by either prepaying for a year or paying monthly on a one or two year contract. 2¢ per extra minute on outgoing calls for exceeding 5,000 minutes in a month.
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