VoIP Phone Service: An overview of what you need to know
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is simply the use of your Internet connection to make phone
calls instead of the traditional phone company's wired network. It is the use of digital technology
instead of analog --- and is not all that dissimilar to the transition that has been going on in the
wireless industry over the past 10 years.
- VoIP phone service can save you $300 or more a year on your home phone service
- The VoIP services discussed here let you make phone calls the same way you do today
- You'll need high speed Internet (broadband) to subscribe to VoIP
- VoIP gives you the same calling features you have today plus some cool new ones
- There are a few other issues to consider before moving to VoIP service
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Compare Internet Phone Providers
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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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Now Includes Calls to 100 Destinations
Local & long distance calls to U.S., Canada & Puerto Rico
One free month. Unlimited plan offers free calls to landline numbers in dozens of countries around the world. Calls to mobile numbers included for some of these destinations.
Prepaid Annual Plan (Save $60)
Local & long distance calls to U.S. & Canada
Annual plan prepaid at $239.99 per year ($19.99/month). Freedom Unlimited Global plan available that includes a variety of international destinations.
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 minute in a month.
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