5 Steps to VoIP

2. Choose the Plan that is Right for You

A good idea is to make a written list of your needs, wants, and features in a phone. This will help you compare different plans and choose the service provider that will best fit your needs. If you are looking for residential or business service, make sure that you note that in your list. Residential plans usually come in two forms- basic (which is a certain amount of minutes) and unlimited (which will give you unlimited local and long distance talk time). Business plans can include amenities such as multiple phones, greater minute talk time, greater unlimited calling plans, business features bundled with your plan, faxing and voicemail to your computer capabilities, and extras such as yellow page listings. Check with the company to find the plan that meets your requirements.

3. Setting up the System

Some service providers will send you the equipment that you need to begin using VoIP. You will first need to make sure that your computer system is compatible with the VoIP service. You will also need to have high speed Internet already installed with your computer. If you are using VoIP for a business or for a call center, it is best to leave the installation to a professional. Installing VoIP for a residence or home office is typically simple enough for most residents to do themselves.

One of the best features that VoIP has to offer is the freedom to select your own telephone number. If you just want to transfer your old number to your new VoIP system, check with your service provider before making your final decision. Many VoIP providers will allow you to transfer your phone number.

If you want to select a different area code, this option has many advantages. First, for friends and family members who don’t have unlimited long distance calling, selecting the same area code as them can save them money. They will appreciate being able to call you as if it were a local call.

This strategy is also very beneficial for those whose businesses are targeting specific areas. Say there is a California company, yet they want to increase business in Tampa, Florida. By selecting the Tampa, Florida area code, they can increase sales and productivity by having a local number for customers to call. This also reduces the need for a toll free number.

VoIP comes with many features included in your service plan. For residential customers these include Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Call Block, and Do Not Disturb. Always check with your service provider for a detailed listing of the features included with your plan. For Small businesses, amenities such as multi phone users, free fax lines, and integrating your VoIP and web features are all available. VoIP also contains many of the same features bundled with basic plans as well. When you are choosing a provider, compare their business plans and select the one that best fits your business needs.

As VoIP technology continues to advance, a new array of accessories appears on the market. Today you can choose from VoIP phones, headsets, and even VoIP videophones that work as a web camera incorporating video with your audio.

In a 10 minute Video News Blog, Ed Asner, the most prominent actor/activist of his time, takes on the Los Angeles City Council for failing to stop Time Warner Cable from closing down the 25 year-old public access studios and channels system on December 31, 2008. Appearing on the Emmy Award-winning Full Disclosure Network®, hosted by Leslie Dutton, Asner is critical of the LA Council for diverting the $25 million cable Franchise Fees paid by Time Warner Cable that was intended to support public access cable television operations. (PRWeb Jan 5, 2009)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/ED_ASNER_PUBLIC_ACCESS/FREE_SPEECH_LOS_ANGELES/prweb1817844.htm

FutureView Technologies is literally changing the face of corporations around the globe. (PRWeb Jan 5, 2009)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/FutureView/InterActive-Operator/prweb1812064.htm

Vikas Kapoor, iQor's president and CEO, has joined the Rubin Museum of Art's (RMA) Board of Trustees. (PRWeb Jan 5, 2009)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Vikas_Kapoor/Rubin_Museum/prweb1729534.htm

Homepath Products, LLC introduces eXapathTM , a patent-pending revolutionary low voltage cabling pathway solution for new home construction and renovations. eXapath helps homes and homeowners keep up with the cabling technology advancements in consumer electronics. (PRWeb Jan 5, 2009)

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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/bluetooth/speaker/prweb1822994.htm

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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/simplesignal/wesbell/prweb1823494.htm

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Proxicast's LAN-Cell 2 3G cellular router is fast becoming the professional choice for secure 3G wireless video communications. (PRWeb Jan 2, 2009)

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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/customer_care/dan_borislow/prweb1812304.htm

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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/mobile_workspace/console_pocket/prweb1807694.htm

So you’re ready to enjoy unlimited long distance calling and lower monthly phone bills. Well, before you make the switch, here are five steps that will help you get the VoIP plan that is best for you.

AOL, Sprint, and Verizon are offering VoIP as well as Internet Messaging services such as Yahoo, MSN, and AOL IM.