Vonage

Bottom line: Included calling to 60+ countries w/ Vonage World, great quality, no set-up fees, no contracts
VOIPo

Bottom line: Cheapest domestic calling plans, great sound quality, free equipment, and US-based customer support
Phone Power

Bottom line: Inexpensive 2-year plan and overall low international rates
Phone.com

Bottom line: Recommended for great customer service, nice call quality, and web-based faxing
ViaTalk

Bottom line: Nice call quality and cheap plan (2 years unlimited for $189 + $40.94 setup) but some cancellation problems
VYL Media

Bottom line: Great call quality, no-commitment contract, and excellent customer service
Voip.com

Bottom line: Great value on feature-packed plans with multiple payment options, but buggy service and ineffective customer support
Lingo

Bottom line: Solid plans from reliable company; unlimited calling to 45+ countries; discounted first month with code
Skype Phone

Bottom line: Cheap plan with pricey phone is the only way to get Skype without a computer; no 911 calling

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Keep an ear out for HD VoIP

June 19th, 2008 - Posted by Caitlin

The primary selling point for VoIP services is the decreased cost in comparison to traditional phone lines. But as VoIP services become increasingly popular and commonly used, we can look forward to an additional benefit – dramatically improved sound quality. At the moment, high definition VoIP has a bit of a mythical quality, since the technology is still being developed and there is not a great deal of readily available information just yet. Iristel introduced high definition VoIP in Canada on February 1st, 2007, claiming that the difference in quality was comparable to upgrading from an old AM radio to a CD.

Aside from Skype-to-Skype calls, however, HD VoIP is not yet readily available in the U.S. One problem with HD VoIP is the fact that unless both parties have an HD VoIP service, it is unlikely that either caller will notice improved sound quality. But as VoIP becomes more widespread and the technology continues to improve, it seems as though we can look forward to greater clarity in VoIP calls in the future, which is something to keep in mind when considering VoIP services. To learn more about VoIP services, visit our Internet telephone service provider comparison and reviews.

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