Internet phone service: Everything you need to know before you switch

Gone are the days of having only one telephone service provider offering only one phone service. Today, there are multiple providers offering many different ways for us to connect over the phone — traditional landline service, cellular mobile service and internet phone service, to name a few.

While you’re probably familiar with traditional landline phones and cell phones, internet phone service is still relatively new and didn’t start to take hold until the mid-2000s.

Here’s what you need to know…

What is internet telephone for home?

Internet telephone (sometimes called Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP) is a phone service that connects via the internet through an internet modem instead of a traditional landline. Keep in mind, most are formatted to work only with cable or DSL modems.

To establish the connection, connect an adapter from the VoIP provider to your modem that translates your voice into data packets sent over the internet. For that reason, an internet connection is a necessity, which you can get from any available provider in your area. Most of the VoIP plans require a touchtone phone as well.

The pros and cons of VoIP

In addition to standard local and long-distance calling, some of the pros of internet calling include:

VoIP vs. a landline phone

Landline phone service brings a dedicated line from a telephone pole or buried cable into your home. AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, Spectrum, Vonage and RingCentral are just some home phone providers. 

Landlines aren’t susceptible to internet outages since they are not attached to that service. A phone hardwired into your home does give you the best reception available for voice calls, but it is pricier than VoIP services. 

VoIP will not function when your internet is down, which could be an issue during an emergency. Latency or lapses in your internet connection can cause you to temporarily lose a caller. VoIP does have better security and allows text messaging, not to mention it is a cheaper option.

Who offers internet phone service?

Several companies provide VoIP service. Take your time when choosing one because most have varying levels of service and coverage. A few providers advertise free monthly service, but you must purchase their equipment, starting around $100. Those free services also usually have taxes to pay if applicable, as well as a 911 emergency fee. Other VoIP providers give you their adapter and charge a monthly or yearly rate. Most offer international calling but with their more expensive premium or next-level plans.

Some of the top internet home phone providers include:

VoIP for business

Getting a VoIP service for your business is a smart solution to your calling needs. According to PCMag, “Modern business VoIP systems often combine voice calling with video, chat, SMS, and integrations with other business software, such as your CRM system.” 

There are several options for businesses of all sizes including, RingCentral, Vonage and Intermedia Unite. 

Other options to VoIP

Some internet service providers also offer mobile phone plans that you can bundle with. your internet plan. The ISPs use larger phone provider networks like Xfinity and Spectrum, which use Verizon, and Optimum, which is on the T-Mobile network. You usually need to be a customer of the ISPs to take advantage of their fairly inexpensive cell phone pricing.

AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile are also popular phone providers that offer internet bundles as well.

VoIP FAQs