If you're considering switching your traditional phone service to VOIP, you must look at not only the amount of static on the phone line, but the features and limitations of the service as well. VOIP, or voice over internet protocol, uses broadband data lines including cable, DSL, and fiber rather than traditional copper phone lines. In layman's terms, it's making calls over the internet.

First, let's take a look at the benefits of VOIP service.

Benefits of VOIP
First and foremost, VOIP's claim to fame is cheap, unlimited calling. While no VOIP service is totally free, you can make calls through the internet anywhere between 50-90 percent less than traditional phone service depending on the provider. And calling isn't limited to local numbers, either; you can dial national and even international numbers (depending on the provider) for free on an unlimited basis.

You will never receive a telephone bill. You will have to pay a monthly or annual fee, but that's all there is to it. No confusing phone bills, no surprises. It's a great way to preserve those pricey, expensive minutes on your cell phone. But perhaps the best way to describe how to assess the quality of any given VOIP service is to provide an actual user's experience with a popular VOIP provider.

VOIP Limitations
Here's what you need to know about VOIP. The new technology has three significant limitations: 1) temporary loss of service with a power outage; 2) you may not be able to port your current phone number to your new VOIP provider; and 3) choppy sound when your computer is performing a memory-intensive task such as uploading a video to YouTube.

To summarize, here's what to consider if you're planning to switch your traditional phone service to a VOIP provider:

1) Does the service offer phone number portability (can you use your current phone number)?
2) Is the phone service that much cheaper than traditional or cell phone service?
3) Will you get unlimited local, national, and in some cases, international calling?
4) How is the sound quality? Is there too much static on the line? Does the sound become choppy when you're performing a memory-intensive task on your computer?
5) Will you receive all-inclusive features including call waiting, caller ID, and voicemail?
6) Does the service have a workaround in case the electricity goes out? For example, Vonage will forward your calls to your cell or traditional phone.

In my experience with VOIP phone service providers, I've found that it is not a replacement for traditional line or cell phone service. It is, however, great if you're wanting to cut down on those expensive cell phone minutes using VOIP's unlimited local and long-distance calling.

Learn more about this author, Daniel J. Gansle.
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