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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 24 2006, 6:50 PM EST | Patty | 4 words added, 1 word deleted |
| Mar 24 2006, 5:38 PM EST | Patty | 2 words added, 2 words deleted |
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Most people have heard of broadband cable, a service which brings channels like HBO to the television, but broadband phone service might be something new to you. Like cable television, broadband phone service is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) that uses a phone instead of a computer to communicate but still runs on broadband Internet connections.
For those who have broadband in their area, it might now be possible to use IP phones instead of landlines, or as you know them, conventional telephone services. One of the largest benefits to switch is cost. For example, if you already have cable Internet service, you might be able to sign up for phone service through a provider such as skyrocket.com.
The pros
Currently, IP phone service providers generally bundle yearly phone service plans with a free IP phone. If you’re already spending $40 or more a month on a landline phone, you can save the equivalent of multiple month's worth of phone bills by going with an IP phone. In addition, for the same fee you’re not charged for long-distance calls, whether you're calling from state to state or internationally. You also get many features, such as caller ID and call waiting, which you expect from your regular phone service. Some IP phone companies throw in an extra number for free.
The cons
You do need to shop carefully for IP phone service. First, make sure broadband Internet access is available in your area -- otherwise it won’t work. Second, some providers might not have 911 or 411 capabilities -- if you have an emergency or need information, you could find yourself in dire straits. Third, if your cable company doesn’t have a reliable connection, you won’t be able to talk on an IP phone when "the cable goes out." Fourth, IP phones might leave your PC vulnerable to hackers scanning for unprotected information on your computer.
What to expect with a VoIP phone
If you’ve decided to make the jump to a VoIP phone, you’ll find that they offer many of the same features of a conventional phone. For example, the free phone that Skyrocket.com offers customers is the Uniden DCT 756 Single Handset Phone System, which retails anywhere from $50-70. It’s a 2.4GHz Dual Cordless System that includes the handset rest/recharger. It’s also compatible with other models (DCX750 or the DCT640) so you can have more than one phone in a location as long as you have a broadband connection to the receiver.
You’ll also find this IP Phone has the following features:
Some users of Uniden phones who have commented on them at Amazon.com and similar sites found that Uniden phone features are a bit difficult to remember sometimes. Overall, however, they have nothing but praise, especially in terms of sound quality and overall feature set. Before you decide on any IP phone, remember to verify that it will be compatible with your chosen service provider and then take proper security steps.
See also:
For those who have broadband in their area, it might now be possible to use IP phones instead of landlines, or as you know them, conventional telephone services. One of the largest benefits to switch is cost. For example, if you already have cable Internet service, you might be able to sign up for phone service through a provider such as skyrocket.com.
The pros
Currently, IP phone service providers generally bundle yearly phone service plans with a free IP phone. If you’re already spending $40 or more a month on a landline phone, you can save the equivalent of multiple month's worth of phone bills by going with an IP phone. In addition, for the same fee you’re not charged for long-distance calls, whether you're calling from state to state or internationally. You also get many features, such as caller ID and call waiting, which you expect from your regular phone service. Some IP phone companies throw in an extra number for free.
The cons
You do need to shop carefully for IP phone service. First, make sure broadband Internet access is available in your area -- otherwise it won’t work. Second, some providers might not have 911 or 411 capabilities -- if you have an emergency or need information, you could find yourself in dire straits. Third, if your cable company doesn’t have a reliable connection, you won’t be able to talk on an IP phone when "the cable goes out." Fourth, IP phones might leave your PC vulnerable to hackers scanning for unprotected information on your computer.
What to expect with a VoIP phone
If you’ve decided to make the jump to a VoIP phone, you’ll find that they offer many of the same features of a conventional phone. For example, the free phone that Skyrocket.com offers customers is the Uniden DCT 756 Single Handset Phone System, which retails anywhere from $50-70. It’s a 2.4GHz Dual Cordless System that includes the handset rest/recharger. It’s also compatible with other models (DCX750 or the DCT640) so you can have more than one phone in a location as long as you have a broadband connection to the receiver.
You’ll also find this IP Phone has the following features:
- Caller ID
- Call waiting caller ID
- 100# programmable memory with alphabetical search
- 3-way conferencing
- 10# speed dial locations
- Redial/flash/mute
- Personalized ringers
- Voicemail message waiting indication at handset
- Find lost handset/paging key
- Intercom/call transfer between handsets
- Unit can also double as a baby/room monitor
Some users of Uniden phones who have commented on them at Amazon.com and similar sites found that Uniden phone features are a bit difficult to remember sometimes. Overall, however, they have nothing but praise, especially in terms of sound quality and overall feature set. Before you decide on any IP phone, remember to verify that it will be compatible with your chosen service provider and then take proper security steps.
See also:
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