The summer of 2006 has been a competitive time for VoIP providers, as they battle for new subscribers within this hot new market that's starting to catch on like wildfire. Although VoIP internet phone service has been popular in Asian and European markets for a while now, internet phone service is really starting to take off in the U.S., and we're starting to see some interesting things happening in the world of telecommunications. This is great news for us consumers, because prices on telecommunications services are dropping and providers are adding more free services and features.
As more and more consumers think about disconnecting their land line telephone service in favor of cheaper internet phone calls, other telecommunications service providers have changed their strategies in order to either hold onto market share or gain new subscribers. VoIP service is so unbelievably cheap however, that most thrifty shoppers with broadband internet connections will ultimately choose internet phone service over anything else.
Cable television companies have started partnering with VoIP providers in an effort to re-sell unlimited local and long distance service under the fancy new name "digital phone". In order to capture their share of the internet phone market, they're selling re-branded VoIP service to current television subscribers at a minimum 100% markup, which is still less than traditional "land line" service. "Digital phone service" can cost between $40 and $60 per month for unlimited local and long distance calling.
Traditional "land line" phone companies are rapidly losing their customer base to VoIP service, and have now started offering unlimited long distance plans at deeply discounted rates in an effort to hang on to the customers they still have. Unlimited long distance plans normally cost between $30 - $50 per month, in addition to the monthly cost for "basic service".
Cell phone companies are trying their best to convince customers that they don't need traditional telephone service or VoIP service, and that cellular service will meet all their needs. In an effort to make cell phone service seem cost-effective, providers now offer "family plans", "rollover minutes, "circle of friends" unlimited calling plans, "unlimited nights and weekends", and other similar features designed to make cellular the "service of choice" for consumers. Cell phone service plans vary, depending on the amount of minutes you need each month. The average consumer using cellular as their only telephone requires a lot of monthly minutes, which can easily cost between $60 - $200, depending on calling habits.
VoIP internet phone service costs between $17 and $25 per month for unlimited local and long distance service, depending on the provider and plan chosen. This is way below the cost of even the cheapest "digital phone service", cellular service, or phone company "unlimited long distance" plan. All that's required for VoIP is a broadband internet connection, which is becoming very commonplace. Internet phone service is easy to install, works just like a regular telephone, and comes with tons of free calling features (like voicemail, call waiting, caller id, etc...), that most phone companies charge extra for.
If you're considering switching to VoIP service, the hardest part is deciding which VoIP provider to use. Telephone service is an important part of our daily lives, and it's important to choose a VoIP company that has a reputation for high quality service. In my opinion, the best internet phone service providers for residential use are VoIP.com, Vonage, and Packet8. All three are well known, large, stable companies with a good reputation for quality and excellent customer service. If you limit your choices to these VoIP providers, all you need to do is find the VoIP plan and price that is right for you.
If you are interested in learning more about the best VoIP service providers, please visit:
VoIP.com Internet Phone Service [http://www.long-distance-savings.com/voip-com-review.html]
Vonage Broadband Phone Service [http://www.long-distance-savings.com/vonagereview.html]
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.
