Broadband Phones

Broadband phones as the name implies require that you have a broadband (high-speed) connection to the Internet. Any cable, DSL, or satellite connection will work as long as you have speeds of at least 256k download. This type of service works more like a traditional phone in that you can use any analog phone that you have handy.

With this type of service you get a regular phone number, use a regular phone, and place and receive calls just like a normal phone. Typically, the service provider will give you the equipment necessary to start using the service right away. The equipment comes pre-configured, so that all you have to do is plug the phone in and you're ready to start using the service.

For all intents and purposes the service looks and acts like a normal phone except your calls travel over the Internet rather than a normal phone line. Most consumers feel that the quality of this type of service is close to if not as good as regular phone service.

Cost for this service varies, but expect to pay a monthly service fee of $20-$40 per month. With this montly service fee you can get unlimited calling anywhere in the US (and sometimes Canada). Certain plans give you a monthly alotment of minutes for service and then additional minutes range from .02 to .04 cents per minute. In addition, you'll probably get a bevy of extras that usually cost extra with a Ma Bell phone. Call waiting, caller ID, call blocking, call forwarding, to name just a few.

New Broadband Phone News

Cable to Hit 11 Million VOIP Subscribers 8/6/2006

Ligh Reading posts this news story on August 3, 2006.  It reports that North American cable VOIP subscribers will add up to 7 million subscri... read more >>

Vonage Reports Losses 8/6/2006

TMCnet reports that Vonage, while adding an additional 256,000 subscribers, reported $74 million in losses during the second quarter of this year.... read more >>

PC World Reviews VoicePulse and others 5/18/2004

In this article from the May, 2004 issue of PC World Magazine, 8 different Internet Phones are reivewed.  The service is explained in depth a... read more >>

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New Broadband Phone Reviews

USA Today - AOL VOIP Review 8/25/2006

This AOL VOIP service review posted on USA Today is based on the beta version, but it still gets 3 out of 4. And service no longer requires me... read more >>

Business Week - Sunrocket Review 8/25/2006

From Business Week Online, a generally favorable rating from the reviewer. With good marks for call quality, set up and price and bad marks fo... read more >>

PC Magazine - Lingo Review 8/20/2006

Bottom Line: If you call Europe or Asia on a regular basis, this is the service for you. Pros: Wide availability, unlimited calling plans ... read more >>

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