Residential VoIP Service: What you need to know

The use of Residential VoIP to keep your home connected with the outside world can reduce cost while increasing quality of phone service. However, as with any technology, a downside does exist. Switching to Residential VoIP can be a very good idea or one that won't be the best for you. This article can help you decide.

Is cost the main incentive to switch from a landline service to a Residential VoIP service? If so, weigh the cons of the decision first. While the cost of calls worldwide will decrease, the balance is that there are security concerns and some issues with phone number listings and emergency calls. Security concerns would be mainly based on the internet connections common to the country where service is provided. This issue has been drastically reduced as VoIP service has gained popularity. Some areas, however, continue to battle the security situation.

In terms of number listings and emergency calls, Residential VoIP provides a number based on the ISP used. Therefore, a benefit is that the number can be used regardless of the computer location, so you can take your phone number with you while traveling. The downside is these numbers are not recognized in the same way as a traditional landline and therefore, listings in the White and Yellow pages are not as easily procured. Also, because the ISP is not locked to one location, any calls to emergency services require the caller to be able to provide location as well as emergency details. This can be a detraction when an emergency is occurring and the caller is the victim and is not able to provide the details necessary.

Even considering these issues, however, a change to VoIP service may be the best option for your home because of the decrease in cost, the availability of a number of providers that not only offer quality telephone service but also free voice mail features and other add ons that cannot be provided with a traditional landline. Many of the leading VoIP providers are based in the United States. However, some Australian providers have been gaining ground in the Residential VoIP market. Also, the U.S. providers still provide service at a cheaper rate than a traditional landline, making the switch a wise choice even with a foreign VoIP service provider.

VoIP Services

Home

What is VoIP?

VoIP Providers

VoIP Phones

VoIP Phone Systems

VoIP vs Landline

Residential VoIP

Business VoIP