Skype Insider

What is a broadband or ‘VoIP’ service phone and how does it work?

A broadband phone or Voice over Internet Protocol service phone transmits calls through the internet to the desired location. The company provides you an adapter that you connect to both your modem and phone. Another method is to download the ‘VoIP’ application to your computer or use it with your mobile.

What features do ‘VoIP’ services have to offer?

The number of phone features varies from company to company. The features given below are of ‘Phone Power Digital Phone Service’  and a downloadable VoIP service called Skype.

You can keep use your existing number, access your voice mail from your email account, reject calls from people who do not display their caller ID, free second phone line with the same number, call waiting and forwarding, 911 service that sends your name, address and geographical information, conference calling and an out of area number. Call log viewer, speed dial list, ‘non-emergency’ services in supported U.S cities, 611, 811 and directory assistance are also available to the user. You can get a service plan for less than 19$ / month.

Some of the features offered by Skype are given below.

Free video and audio calls to people on the same network, voice mail, call forwarding, text messaging, long distance calling and your personal online number. The software can work with Windows, Mac, Linux, mobiles, ‘WiFi’ phones, cordless and ’iPhones’. You can get a service plan for less than 3$/ month.

Note: Calls can be made using ‘Skype’ with the in-built microphones found on most computers but a headset will give much better sound quality.

Are there any drawbacks of these services?

Here are some drawbacks that I could find during my online research of these two ‘VoIP’ services.

‘Phone Power’: Phone Power offers a more land-line like experience but the setup process is frustrating. Internet connection and signal setup can take a lot of time even with the support of the tech-support staff.

Note: The rate comparison chart on their website shows a ’single’ flat-rate for companies like T W Cable and Comsat (two companies that I checked) whose rates vary with customer location. So, the comparison chart might be true for a particular location only. Ask the customer support for information on the conditions of their no contract policy.

Downloadable ‘VoIP’ - ‘Skype’:  The software works with ‘Belkin WiFi’ expect for hotspots that require Web authentication such as ‘Starbucks’. 

A product like Skype is competition for AT&T, so ‘iPhone’ users cannot use the Skype service on high-speed 3G wireless network of ‘AT&T’ and they can use the ’Skype’ service only at ‘Wi-Fi’ hot spots. Your existing number cannot transferred to the Skype network, but you can get a new number in your area code if you want ( may take more than one try  ). 911 emergency services is not an available option.