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VOIP Services
These plans work just like the telephone in your home today. The only difference is that you're using the Internet as your connection. You must have a high-speed Internet connection (DSL/cable/other broadband) to make and receive the calls. And you'll need a couple extra devices like an adapter or router that plugs into your home network. It sounds a lot harder than it is. Each of the sites below offers great instructions on how to get connected!
• Ooma.com - You pronounce it like the first name of actress Uma Thurman. A one-time purchase of around $200 give your lifetime phone service with no monthly bills ever again. Of course, "lifetime" means the lifetime of the company, not your lifetime!
• Packet8.net - Cost: Residential plans range from $14.99-$24.99 per month. Includes unlimited long distance and local calling, caller ID, voicemail and call forwarding.
• Vonage.com - Vonage has two residential plans: Premium Unlimited Plan: $24.99 a month - Includes unlimited local and long distance calling within the U.S. and Canada, call waiting, voicemail, call forwarding, repeat dialing, call transfer, caller ID, caller ID Block.
Basic 500 Plan: $14.99 a month - Includes 500 minutes of local and long distance calls to the U.S. and Canada.
• iConnectHere.com - With this company, you can talk over the computer with or without a telephone. To talk directly through the PC, just hook your headset or telephone jack into the computer. Plan rates vary so check the website for details. Includes unlimited long distance, voicemail, caller ID and all of the other extras.
• Skype.com - Skype has announced unlimited calling to about 34 countries for $10/month. This includes most of Europe and some of Asia and the South Pacific. Right now there's a special where you can get a third off the price if you buy a subscription before June 1. (Editor's note: The Skype price is accurate as of April 22, 2008 )
