Vonage VoIP Provider Description
Thursday, July 6th, 2006
Vonage with a motto of “Voice over net age” is a VoIP network company providing telephone services via a broadband. The company is leading the Internet phone revolution with the huge subscribers’ database of more than 1.5 million lines all over United States, Canada, U.K and other countries. The prerequisites for a Vonage service include a branded VoIP router or a phone adapter or a broadband modem, an uploading speed of 30-90 kbit/s and a reliable/QoS optimized connection.
VoIP works on Packet Switching systems as compared to Pubic Switch Telephone System (PSTN) that works on circuit switching. VoIP operates in various forms. It can be used for instant messaging program with voice on your computer. Some of the service providers using this program are Yahoo, AOL, MSN, ICQ and Google. The basic advantage of this program is that they can be downloaded without paying a single penny. With the help of a microphone and speakers, the user can talk over the Internet absolutely freely and for an unlimited period of time. VoIP technology can also be used for the basic telephonic needs. Vonage provides VoIP at a nominal monthly fee. The VoIP services can either be used on the Internet or connected with the standard phone via modem. Many users prefer VoIP services for its cost effectiveness, especially for a long distance call. There are several service providers which offer unlimited calling plans coupled with features such as Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Transfer and 3 Way Calling. Hoards of companies have entered the business and there are many knocking the doors
VoIP is truly a viable source of telecommunication in this age of advanced information technology and its users can buy specialized VoIP phones which are both cordless and corded style. The utility of such phone lies in the fact that they come with conferencing facilities and are suitable for small or home business needs. Another form of VoIP telephone is the wireless VoWiFi phone that can be used whenever there is a High Speed Internet Connection. The market also has hybrid phones, which allow both VoWiFi and Cellular calling, and such phones have attracted many users.
Vonage:
Today, there are several VoIP service providers in the market and the users have an ample choice. However in the last three years, Vonage has shot up to the top position and has earned a clientage of more than a million customers. Doing away with the landline connection at the cost of a Vonage connection needs a little bit in-depth study of the pros and cons of the Vonage connection.
A Vonage connection demands a broadband connection preferably cable-based. A Vonage customer gets a tiny box, which is to be plugged into the telephone and cable modem or DSL. The customers now have access to their telephones through their computer and broadband connection. The most advantageous point that goes in favor of VoIP is its cost effectiveness as compared to the traditional phone. The telephone bills are bound to come down considerably.
Vonage offers the following four packages for all calls in US, Canada and Puerto Rico.
A) a premium unlimited offer at US $ 24.99,
B) a basic plan of 500 minutes at US$ 14.99,
C) a small-business unlimited package at US$ 49.99, and
D) a basic small- business offer of 1500 minutes at US$39.99
Besides the above given plans calls to other world destinations from the US are charged by Vonage at a nominal per-minute rate which is certainly less than that of land line rate. A call of one minute to Mumbai (India) would cost US$ 0.17 and the cost of a call to UK would be a meager US$ 0.04. The biggest advantage of Vonage connection is that the Vonage number can be taken to any part of the world with broadband connectivity and calls to US can be made at local rates. However, a Vonage connection will only last as long as your broadband connection works. Any change in technology will make the Vonage connection un-functional.
The Vonage Company today faces stiff competition from AT&T and Verizon. Vonage is no doubt a clear winner when it comes to features. It would be worthwhile to opt for a trial of 14 days or 30 days money back offer package before taking a final decision.