With VoIP, you’re in control. Save money and get the services you want!

Although people love to say talk is cheap, that’s not the case with most standard and mobile phone service providers. Whether you have a traditional landline or one of today’s hottest smartphones, you know just how quickly the fees, premium services and minutes add up.

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) may be the cost-efficient solution you’ve been looking for. This technology, which has been advancing rapidly over the past decade, allows you to make voice and video phone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular phone line by converting your voice into a digital signal. Using VoIP for both your home and your business offers several advantages.

Benefit 1 – VoIP saves you money in important two ways.

If you’re like most people, you’re looking for smart ways to reduce costs. VoIP can help you do that in two significant ways.

• VoIP eliminates the surcharges, hidden fees and usage penalties so common with telephone service. With VoIP, you can select a low-cost plan, enjoy unlimited talk time and many other familiar services – including call forwarding, call waiting, caller ID, voicemail and more – and avoid sticker shock when the bill comes.

• Using VoIP means you, as well as those who call you, don’t pay pricey long-distance or international calling charges. With low-cost virtual numbers (1-800 or 1-888), family, friends and important business associates can stay in touch with you for little or no charge – no matter where in the world they are.

However, before you choose a VoIP provider, it’s wise to shop around. Some providers limit VoIP services to computer-to-computer calling, require the caller and receiver to both have VoIP phones, or charge extra for calls outside the network. Make sure you understand the restrictions before signing up.

Benefit 2 – VoIP gives you tremendous flexibility.

With most VoIP providers, you no longer have to pay for standard services you don’t want, just because they’re "part of the deal." Even better, VoIP gives you options traditional phone service providers can’t offer, such as voicemail-to-text and voicemail-to-email conversion, call forwarding to multiple numbers, virtual phone numbers and advanced call screening. Although fees may apply for these special services, the cost will be spelled out before you opt in.

Benefit 3 – VoIP equipment is affordable, and you can even use the phones you currently have.

You don’t have to buy a lot of expensive hardware to get VoIP. As long as you have a broadband (high-speed Internet) connection, most VoIP services will work using different types of equipment, including:

• A computer, an inexpensive microphone and software from the provider.

• A specialized VoIP phone that plugs directly into your broadband connection and operates much like a traditional telephone.

• Your current landline and a VoIP adapter, which allows you to dial normally.

Benefit 4 – VoIP numbers can go wherever you go.

With VoIP, you really can take it with you, no matter where you move. That’s because VoIP numbers are portable. No more expensive disconnect and installation fees. No more waiting for the service tech to arrive. No new phone number to memorize. And, best of all, no interruption of services.

If you’re a business owner, portable VoIP numbers can save you hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars by eliminating the need for remote call forwarding.

Benefit 5 – VoIP is easy to use.

Even though VoIP is technology-driven service, there’s no need to be computer savvy to use VoIP. In fact, you never even have to touch a computer if you don’t want to. Simply contact your VoIP provider of choice by phone and set up your account. You can decide to keep your current number or request a new one. Then, once you receive the adapter, plug it into your phone, and you’ll be enjoying your VoIP savings in minutes!