A residential VOIP phone system can reduce your monthly phone
bill tremendously compared to a traditional residential phone system. Most
residential VOIP systems are hosted VOIP solutions. Learn more about
residential VOIP, and view residential VOIP providers below.
Residential VoIP phone systems are generally much cheaper than
traditional telephone systems. Most residential VoIP systems are provided by
Hosted PBX providers, although there are other options. Learn about residential
VoIP and residential VoIP providers below.
Benefits of
Residential VoIP
Switching to VoIP is one of the most convenient money-saving
steps homeowners can take. Now that the majority of internet users have
broadband access, taking advantage of the many benefits of residential VoIP
service is easier than ever.
Saving With
VoIP
The primary attraction of VoIP is its affordability in
comparison with traditional landlines. Voice Over IP, or VoIP, is more cost
effective because unlike landline providers, VoIP providers don't need to tack
on the service charges, taxes, and other fees that drive up customers’ phone
bills. Many residential customers who have switched from traditional landlines
see their bills reduced by as much as 50 percent. Likewise,coupon sites offer
additional discounts for VoIP customers, and providers often extend sign-up
bonuses and special offers, creating the potential for even greater savings.
Superior
Features of Residential VoIP Service
In addition to being the most cost effective home phone option,
VoIP providers offer a number of services that are not available with
landlines. Because of the unique way VoIP and ATA (traditional phones fitted
with a simple internet adapter) receive data, service providers can offer a number
of premium features at no cost. Even the most basic VoIP plans include services
that are only available from landline providers for a significant fee. Some of
these features include Caller ID, E911, Call Forwarding and Call Waiting, Voice
Mail, Simultaneous Ring, Address Book, Virtual Second Line, 3-Way Calling,
Choose Your Area Code, and more. Along with these features, users can enjoy
low-cost and often unlimited long-distance calls to the U.S., Canada and many
other countries.
VoIP and
International Calls
Using a traditional phone company to make international calls is
prohibitively expensive. Fortunately, the advent of VoIP is making it possible
for customers to call worldwide at a fraction of the cost. Because each region
has a different infrastructure and cost formation in terms of landline and
cellular services, there are variations in pricing from country to country. In
the simplest terms, calling within a VoIP network is free anywhere in the
world. Calling an international landline is often free or very inexpensive,
depending on the provider’s presence in the target country. Calling
international cell numbers is sometimes more costly that calling a landline,
because cellular providers have their own networks and therefore can set their
own fees, but in all cases, using VoIP for international calls is more
affordable than it would be with a traditional phone company.
Choosing a
Residential VoIP Provider
Research: As with the selection of any service provider,
consumers should do their research before signing on with a VoIP provider. The
first step is to compare each potential service provider’s fees and services.
The next crucial step is to look at reviews of each provider. This can include
investigating consumer protection sites for ratings and complaints regarding a
company, using review sites to see what current customers are saying, or even
looking at the provider’s social media pages to observe their interactions with
customers. This step is of the utmost importance for understanding how often a
provider encounters technical problems, their commitment to customer service,
and their overall reputation. Even if a company offers the lowest prices, it’s
not a bargain if their service is inferior.
Internet Service: A broadband connection is the most basic requirement for VoIP service. Because VoIP data needs to be sent and received at a relatively high rate of speed, an upload speed of at least 3Mbps is recommended for the best sound quality and full access to calling features.
Equipment: Providers offer a range of pricing options on equipment. Some providers charge a flat rate to buy or lease equipment, while others offer it free and make up the difference with slightly higher service rates. Again, comparing providers before signing on can help consumers find the best deal. The basic options are either an IP phone, one that is connected directly to modem or router, or a VoIP Adapter (ATA), which attaches a traditional telephone to allow access to the VoIP network.
Multiple Phone Options: In most buildings, there are a number of phone jacks that allow users to hook up phones in multiple areas. With VoIP service, there are several additional options, such as using a wireless phone with several handsets, taking advantage of mobile apps that can be used anywhere, or simply connecting an IP phone to each internet wall jack.
Internet Service: A broadband connection is the most basic requirement for VoIP service. Because VoIP data needs to be sent and received at a relatively high rate of speed, an upload speed of at least 3Mbps is recommended for the best sound quality and full access to calling features.
Equipment: Providers offer a range of pricing options on equipment. Some providers charge a flat rate to buy or lease equipment, while others offer it free and make up the difference with slightly higher service rates. Again, comparing providers before signing on can help consumers find the best deal. The basic options are either an IP phone, one that is connected directly to modem or router, or a VoIP Adapter (ATA), which attaches a traditional telephone to allow access to the VoIP network.
Multiple Phone Options: In most buildings, there are a number of phone jacks that allow users to hook up phones in multiple areas. With VoIP service, there are several additional options, such as using a wireless phone with several handsets, taking advantage of mobile apps that can be used anywhere, or simply connecting an IP phone to each internet wall jack.
Leaving the
Landline Behind
As the population begins to rely more heavily on networking for
both work and leisure, it makes sense to integrate home phone service with
internet service. In addition to being the most cost-effective option, VoIp is
the most practical option for most internet users who still need the
reliability of a home phone. While landlines only offer the basic functions of
incoming and outgoing calls, VoIP offers a range of options that will help
customers stay connected. For instance, VoIP service offers the convenience of
allowing customers to take their home phones wherever they go by allowing easy
set up of call forwarding to a cell phone.
Some potential VoIP users hesitate to make the trade because they worry about the inconvenience of changing their home phone numbers, particularly if they’ve had the number for several years. Fortunately, because of number portability, most customers are able to take their existing landline numbers with them when they make the move to VoIP. It’s as easy as asking a potential service provider if the old home phone number is eligible.
Letting go of the landline and getting on board with VoIP is one of the best ways for consumers to save money and streamline networking. In addition to the substantial savings offered by VoIP providers through integrated premium features and low-cost or free international service, the ability to access information like address book and voice mail from anywhere is an invaluable service that just isn’t possible with a landline. The features and benefits of VoIP are so superior to the standard landline, there’s really no comparison. It’s time to make the switch.
Some potential VoIP users hesitate to make the trade because they worry about the inconvenience of changing their home phone numbers, particularly if they’ve had the number for several years. Fortunately, because of number portability, most customers are able to take their existing landline numbers with them when they make the move to VoIP. It’s as easy as asking a potential service provider if the old home phone number is eligible.
Letting go of the landline and getting on board with VoIP is one of the best ways for consumers to save money and streamline networking. In addition to the substantial savings offered by VoIP providers through integrated premium features and low-cost or free international service, the ability to access information like address book and voice mail from anywhere is an invaluable service that just isn’t possible with a landline. The features and benefits of VoIP are so superior to the standard landline, there’s really no comparison. It’s time to make the switch.
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