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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Now Includes Calls to 60 Countries
Local & long distance calls to U.S., Canada & Puerto Rico
Unlimited plan offers unlimited free calls to landline numbers in 60 countries. No contract; 30-day guarantee. 3.9¢ per extra minute for Basic 500.
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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