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problems with the default bandwidth setting that Vonage uses anyway.

Vonage: The Cons

Waiting Time- Once you order your Vonage VoIp service, the negative is that you have to wait for the kit to arrive in the mail. Sure, it doesn't take very many days, but that's as long as the postman actually leaves it at your doorstep. It can be a potential extra hassle if the mail man or woman supplies you with a slip and then you have to arrange a special day to get out of work early just to make it to the post office in time to get your equipment. This could cause huge delays depending on your schedule.

Cancellation Fee- One thing Vonage loves to leave to the fine print readers only is the fact that once you sign up with them, you are agreeing into a contract. In other words, you get charged if you cancel before the contract is up. And I believe it is a standard for any given new Vonage customer to be automatically enrolled in the one year agreement. Therefore, if you cancel before you've had Vonage an entire year after your thirty day initial trial is up, you owe them a fee of about $35.

Dialing 911- As of yet, most VoIP companies are not set up to transmit your number to the emergency service 911 offices when you call them. This can pose a major problem, such as in cases of emergency where you are unable to speak or for one reason or another are only able to quickly pick the phone up, dial the number and disconnect. Supposedly, plans are in the works to fix this issue but right now it is still a major problem.

Vonage, VoIP, like any other communications device and medium has its good points and bad. While my list above clearly indicates far more positives than negative aspects of Vonage service, some of the weaknesses may be too detrimental to risk, such as the 911 availability. It really all depends on the individual and your own priorities and needs. Just keep this list in mind when making your decision and at least you will know what to expect.

Learn more about this author, Lori Voth.
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