VoIP information

Updated July 2009

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In this report

VoIP links

If you aren't ready to give up your landline, see our report on traditional long-distance phone service. Many cell phone plans now include nationwide long distance at no additional charge. See the ConsumerSearch report on cell phone plans for more information on those. Our cordless phones report offers options for hybrid landline/VoIP phones. In considering whether or not to choose a bundled cable plan, you might also need our report on ISPs.

A May 13, 2009, article at PCMag.com discusses new FCC rules that protect VoIP customers, as a result of SunRocket's sudden closure in 2007.

If you have Google Desktop installed, you can add a Google Gadget from TestYourVoip.com that updates a chart showing the call quality you can expect when using VoIP to call various locations around the world.

An April 2009 article, "Checklist: How to Mix VoIP with the iPhone," provides useful tips for iPhone users.

Aoife McEvoy, writing for PCWorld.com, provides "VoIP Tips: Get Your Net Phone to Come in Loud and Clear."

James Martin's still-relevant 2004 article in PCWorld.com, "Avoid VoIP Gotchas," identifies key factors to consider in signing up for VoIP services.

An interactive tool at BetterTelephoneRates.com helps you select a VoIP plan based on the country you call most, whether or not you want a plan without an activation fee, and/or one that provides a free router/adapter and/or a free digital phone. However, it appears that only five providers are compared.

Robert McMillan, writing in PCWorld.com on April 11, 2009, reports that according to security researchers, "VoIP Services are Vulnerable to Botnets," which hack into Internet phone accounts and use them for nefarious purposes. At the time of the article, Google had patched its security flaw, but Skype had not -- though in the past Skype has fixed several vulnerabilities.

HowStuffWorks.com has an excellent article with a detailed explanation of VoIP.

VoIP and 911 emergency calls

A January 2008 article in Popular Mechanics suggests buying a relatively small UPS (uninterruptible power supply) so you can use a hardware-based VoIP service even in a power outage. The author recommends a "relatively low-power 300- to 750-watt UPS" (uninterruptible power supply) that would cost between $50 to $150.

The FCC publishes expert advice on VoIP and 911, with a link to a printable four-page PDF file.

"VoIP and 911: Emergencies Lost in the Fog" at ECommerceTimes.com discusses 911 calls on VoIP, focusing on if you move or use VoIP away from home.

911VoIP.org provides useful tips on taking 911 calling into account when choosing and using a VoIP service. The site also has links to several providers' information on how they handle 911 calls, though some of the links are outdated.