Will VoIP Services Work with a Cable Modem?

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October 3rd, 2011 - Posted by polina

Source: Creative Commons, Solace Consultants

Using VoIP services that utilize cable broadband will usually ensure higher quality audio and better phone calls. VOIPo, Phone Power, and Phone.com are all top-rated VoIP services that let you plug into your cable modem.

VOIPo, one of our favorites thanks to its simplicity, doesn't require any software downloads, and you don't need to go on your computer to use it. Just plug into the broadband connection and use your regular phone. Phone Power and Phone.com services use a broadband connection as well. Whether you're plugging into a cable or dsl modem, they will connect to your phone power servers quickly and efficiently.

Compare a variety of VoIP services!

My phone service has been disconnected. Will I still be able to sign up for VoIP?

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September 29th, 2011 - Posted by jeff

Q: My phone service has been disconnected. Will I still be able to sign up for VoIP?

A: It depends. All you need for VoIP to work is an active Internet connection with a router. Most VoIP adapters hook up directly to your router, so it uses the Internet connection to make the call. If you receive your Internet through your phone service, then it won’t work if your service has been cut off. If on the other hand you receive your Internet over a cable line, then you should be able to hook up your VoIP adapter to your router and use the VoIP services. Check out our VoIP reviews to see which service best fits your needs.

Can I use my fax with a VoIP telephone line?

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September 16th, 2011 - Posted by jeff

Q: Can I use my fax with a VoIP telephone line?

A: The answer largely depends on which VoIP service you are using. Mostly, it is not a good idea. Fax machines generally use the standard analog network (normal phone service) to transmit data, where VoIP compresses the analog voice data into digital data, which tends to operate differently with fax machines. Short answer: They aren’t compatible.

Having said that, Vonage claims that you can hook up any analog fax machine to your Vonage telephone adapter, as long as you already have a voice line with Vonage. Of course, you can’t make calls and accept faxes at the same time, so getting a second line would be advisable. They also have an extensive fax trouble shooting section on their online support page, if you were to have problems.

Most other VoIP companies provide Internet Fax options, so that you don’t even need to deal with the old analog fax machine. VoIPo offers a Virtual Fax Service that can be added to an existing account for those who want a fax line for their home or office. When a fax is sent to the line, the service will turn the fax into a PDF and email it to your provided email address. Phone.com also offers a digital fax service standard with most of their phone plans.

If you don’t want to set up your fax service through your VoIP account, there is also the option of using a third party fax services, which we review here.

I live both in Canada and the USA. Can I install VOIPo in Canada and/or the USA? What local phone number (area code) can I use? I just want the US and Canada calls. What is the total cost, including adaptor cost, other fees, etc?

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September 8th, 2011 - Posted by jeff

Q: I live both in Canada and the USA. Can I install VOIPo in Canada and/or the USA? What local phone number (area code) can I use? I just want the US and Canada calls. What is the total cost, including adaptor cost, other fees, etc?

A: VOIPo’s 7,000 service areas only include the US, but services set up in the US provide unlimited local and long distance calling to all of the US and Canada. You can set up your service in any area code included in those VOIPo service areas. Since the VOIPo adapter is portable and the service can be used anywhere that has an Internet connection, you should be able to set up your adapter (with your US number) in Canada as well, although VOIPo support staff is not equipped to troubleshoot in other countries.

VOIPo offers three different payment plans: a 2-year plan for $6.21/month, a 1-year plan for $8.25/month, and a monthly plan for $15/month. All plans are unlimited in the US and Canada. Both activation and the VOIPo adapter are including in the plan, so there are no extra fees to pay.

I am so tired of paying high phone bills. But my question is if I switch to VOIPo can I keep my phone number? I have had it for 35 years.

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September 8th, 2011 - Posted by jeff

Q: I am so tired of paying high phone bills. But my question is if I switch to VOIPo can I keep my phone number? I have had it for 35 years.

A: Yes, you can keep your phone number if you switch to VOIPo, as long as your number is within the 7,000 areas that VOIPo covers. The company allows you to transfer your number to their service free of charge. And since VOIPo doesn’t give out numbers that are active with other phone companies, there is no chance that VOIPo has already given your number to another customer. To confirm your number can be transferred you can email your number to support@voipo.com.

To transfer your number, VOIPo asks you to fill out and return a Letter of Authorization giving them permission to transfer your number, as well as a copy of your most recent phone bill, which confirms your name and phone number. The transfer usually takes about 1-2 weeks, and the number must remain active with the old phone company until the transfer is complete. Make sure the VOIPo service is working before you cancel your old service.

I'd like to sign up for a VOiP home service, but where I live wasn't on your list of towns. Does that mean I cannot get VOiP here?

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August 25th, 2011 - Posted by Tasha

Q:  I'd like to sign up for a VOiP home service, but where I live wasn't on your list of towns.  Does that mean I cannot get VOiP here?

A: If you live in the U.S. (regardless of which town), you should be able to use VOiP provided you have the following items:

1. A high speed internet connection such as Cable or or DSL.
2. A touch tone phone.  Wireless or wired is OK, but rotary dial phones won't work.  If you don't have a touch tone phone, you can pick up a low-cost phone at your drugstore or chain market.
3. The VOiP phone adapter, which will be sent you you by the service you sign up for.  Most services, including Vonage, VOIPo and PhonePower, will give you the adapter free of charge.

VOiP is a great way to save money on calls, so if you're on the fence you should seriously consider it.  To learn more about VOiP and how it works, see our VOiP FAQ.  Also, take a look at our home VOiP comparison chart to compare and contrast our reviewed services.

When using VOiP to make and receive calls, does my computer need to be logged on to the internet all the time?

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August 17th, 2011 - Posted by Tasha

Q:  When using VOiP to make and receive calls, does my computer need to be logged on to the internet all the time? If not, does my computer need to be on if the system is plugged into my router?

A: You do not need to use your computer in any way when you have a VOiP phone system. That means your computer does not need to be turned on or logged into the internet. The only things you need to enjoy VOiP are a broadband internet connection (DSL or cable) and a touchtone phone. All the VOiP systems we review provide you with any other necessary equipment.

VOiP works just like your current phone service;  to make a call you pick up the phone and dial the number, and when someone calls you the phone rings and you pick up the phone and answer it.  It sounds and feels the same to both your and other people. The only difference is the less expensive price.

VOiP is a great choice because the cost savings are generally much greater than a standard phone line, especially if you make long distance or international calls. This is because VOiP uses your internet connection for calls instead of phone lines. Our top contenders for home VOiP service from a service and value perspective include Vonage and VOIPo, but we also review many other home VOiP services.

Can I keep my phone number with VoIP? Will it work with one phone and two extensions?

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August 8th, 2011 - Posted by Sarah

The following is an actual user-submitted question:

Q. Can I keep my same phone number with VoIP? Will it work with one phone and two extensions, one being in a trailer outside the building?

A. Vonage offers you a choice between keeping your existing number or getting a completely new number. Regarding your second question, most VoIP providers allow you to use more than one extension from a single phone. However, you'd have to add a phone in order to receive an extension outside of your building.

Will VoIP work with a mobile broadband Internet connection?

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August 3rd, 2011 - Posted by Sarah

The following is an actual user-submitted question:

Q. We have a mobile broadband connection for our computer. Will VoIP service work with that?

A. Sorry to say, VoIP needs to be plugged into a modem to work. If you have a wireless or corded modem for your Internet connection, though, you should still be able to use VoIP by simply plugging it into the modem. Customer service representatives for VoIP companies such as Vonage should be able to guide you through the setup steps.

Microsoft takes over Skype

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June 20th, 2011 - Posted by Sarah

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Skype CEO Tony Bates shake hands in May at a San Francisco news conference, predicting what was to come.

Skype is famous for its computer-to-computer calling, but it also provides VoIP. However, Microsoft's takeover of Skype might change a few things within the company.

Over the weekend, the Federal Trade Commission terminated its review of the proposed acquisition early, which means that it is not believed to harm competition or impact consumers in a negative way. Microsoft has already purchased Skype for $8.5 billion, and it's shaking up the infrastructure by firing many of Skype's senior executives. But how will it change the service?

Microsoft is being coy about that aspect. It says it's going to expand Skype and operate it separately within Microsoft, and speculation is that Skype will become a part of Microsoft's digital advertising and business conferencing. Skype is also planning to integrate better with Facebook, which means users will be able to chat with Facebook fans and friends through Skype. Finally, some mobile innovations might be in the works. All this will likely result in a better business VoIP offering from Skype, but we'll be sure to update you when the changes come through.