How to Buy VoIP Phone Service
In the past few years, more people have decided to buy VoIP instead of traditional telephone services. This has been especially true in situations where companies were switching their telecommunication systems to VoIP. But in many cases this is a very bad decision. In this article we look at three reasons why you shouldn’t buy VoIP.
The first reason is because it’s not convenient. Having your own phone number is really great. You get to pick your own hours, make your own calls, and generally do whatever you’d like with it – as long as you have a plan with the carrier that lets you use it. With VoIP, however, you have to use the same plan as everybody else who uses the same carrier. And if you want to switch carriers, you’ll have to re-buy your VoIP services.
Switching plans is a pain – and the process of changing plans can take months. There are two major problems with switching plans: the time involved to get all your phones switched and the fact that your VoIP phone will no longer be connected to the same plan as the one you have now. Each plan holder is assigned a unique IP address that determines their own capabilities. If you move to a different plan, your phone will stop working.
Another problem is that switching plans are expensive. Many people have multiple phone numbers that they use for business and personal use. Switching to a new plan will involve canceling these other numbers. This means you’ll have to call everyone you know and tell them to stop calling. Not only that, but you might have to give up your current VoIP phone number.
If you’re a heavy VoIP user, you’ll find this problem too hard to live with. You’ll be tied to an expensive contract with a company who won’t let you go. They’ll also charge you monthly fees for the services they provide you with. If your usage is minimal, you’ll only pay a low base fee. But if you use VoIP heavily – and keep changing your numbers – you may end up paying much more for your services.
A better option for VoIP phone users is a prepaid plan. With this type of plan you don’t pay any monthly fees or long-term contracts. Instead, you buy VoIP minutes that you use yourself. You’ll receive an activation number in the mail or online, give this number to your VoIP provider, and then use this number to make and receive calls when you need to.
Your VoIP provider will provide you with an activation kit to help you set up your new VoIP service. You’ll simply use your regular cellular phone (that’s already modified to a VoIP plan) in order to make phone calls. You can even use this same phone to make and receive VoIP calls when you travel abroad. So, if you travel a lot, this is a great way to continue to make calls even while you’re on the road.
There are many VoIP plans available. Some are even bundled with home phone service. Check out VoIP prices and features before choosing a VoIP plan. Choosing the right plan means that you’ll be saving not just money today, but over time as well.
Look for a plan that offers more than just unlimited long distance, but also unlimited international calling for calls made within the U.S. Also, look for a plan that provides extra minutes for night calls. Some plans are designed to work well with any type of cell phone. Check VoIP prices and features to see what types of plans will work for you. You’ll also want to consider extra features that may be included with the plan, such as extra minutes or text messages.
Be careful about using a VoIP service for international calling. Most countries don’t have VoIP yet, so you’ll need an adapter. A VoIP phone service will enable you to call internationally, but your adapter needs to be compatible with the country you’ll be calling. You can get a VoIP phone that works abroad and uses your regular phone. If this option sounds like too much hassle, you can buy a simple adapter that connects to your home phone.
When you buy a VoIP phone service, be sure to check out online vendors. Some offer free trials, which can save you some money. And some sites let you compare different VoIP phone plans side by side. It can be difficult to make a good decision without all the information at your fingertips.
