Microsoft takes over Skype
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.
NextAdvisor launches Voip.com review!
June 3rd, 2011 - Posted by Sarah
It was gone, but now it's back! We reviewed Voip.com again. Now that it's been bought out by Phone Power, how has Voip.com changed? Click here to find out!
Do any VoIP services include faxing?
May 26th, 2011 - Posted by Sarah
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q. Do any VoIP services include faxing?
A. That depends whether you're looking for home or business VoIP. If you're looking for home VoIP, the only service that also offers faxing is Phone.com. It's web-based, so you can send a fax from your browser.
However, for business VoIP, you have many more options. First, there's Nextiva, which includes one toll-free number, one virtual fax number, and eight local numbers. That's more than any other VoIP service we review, so we recommend Nextiva if you're looking to save money. Your only other option for included Internet faxing is RingCentral. If you prefer to pay extra for Internet fax, you can choose from Vocalocity, 8×8, GlobalPhone, Apptix, and Improcom.
Can you be online and talk on phone at the same time? What if you have problems?
April 27th, 2011 - Posted by Kent
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q: With VoIP, can you be online and talk on phone at the same time? What if you have problems?
A: Yes, you can. The adapter provided by your VoIP company allows you to be on the phone and online at the same time. The adapter prioritizes voice, meaning that if there is a bandwidth problem, it's not the phone call that will be affected. In our testing, we've never had an issue. In a recent test, for instance, we tried calling while streaming a movie on Netflix, and had no problems. Of course, this all depends on your Internet connection. If you have problems, call your VoIP provider as they may be able to help you optimize your connection.
If you are concerned about how well your Internet connection may handle traffic, choose a provider such as VOIPo that offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. That way you'll be able to fully test how well it works for your setup.
How would the phone service work through a laptop? Is there any other equipment to attach or can you talk and hear through the laptop?
April 5th, 2011 - Posted by Kent
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q: How would the phone service work through a laptop? Is there any other equipment to attach or can you talk and hear through the laptop?
A: Home VoIP services use the exact same Internet connection as your laptop, but it doesn't actually use your laptop at all. In fact, all you need is an Internet connection. VoIP uses your regular home phone, connected to an adapter (or router) provided by the VoIP company. Your laptop (or wireless router) also plugs into the adapter, allowing you to use the Internet and make calls at the same time, and your computer doesn't even need to be on.
The only exceptions to this are products such as magicJack, which we review in our VoIP alternatives section.
Are these VoIP devices portable? That is, can I connect the VoIP adapter to my router in Boston, or my router in FL and have the same phone number?
March 29th, 2011 - Posted by Kent
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q: Are these VoIP devices portable? That is, can I connect the VoIP adapter to my router in Boston, or my router in FL and have the same phone number?
A: Yes, absolutely. That's the beauty of VoIP; it doesn't really matter where you are physically. Your number is virtual and the VoIP adapter is highly portable. You can even use it in hotel rooms that have Ethernet connections; simply plug the adapter into the Ethernet cable, plug in the power cable, and hook up the phone. Using it in the different locations you described will be no problem. Calls to your Boston number will be routed to you wherever you are.
Here's one thing to keep in mind. Since your number is virtual, 911 services will have no idea where you're calling from if you have an emergency. So, when you arrive in your new location, you'll want to contact your VoIP provider and let them know you've changed physical addresses. Most of the time, you can change this by logging into your account.
I have a Verizon hot spot MiFi 2200 for my Internet. Will VoIP phone service work with this unit? And will VoIP phone service use up substantial kilobytes?
March 28th, 2011 - Posted by Kent
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q: I have a Verizon hot spot MiFi 2200 for my Internet. Will VoIP phone service work with this unit? And will VoIP phone service use up substantial kilobytes?
A: Verison's hot spot Mifi 2200 is not the best choice for VoIP, at least using a full VoIP plan like Vonage, Phone.com, PhonePower, or other services we've reviewed. There are two main reasons, and you point out one of them above. With the MiFi, you're limited in terms of data usage, which means any data you send or receive will count against your total allotment. According to estimates we've seen, VoIP runs through 10 to 40 megabytes per hour, depending on the type of compression used by the VoIP service. This could really add up if you use it for all your calls.
The other problem is that the MiFi, from what we can tell, only allows w-ifi-enabled devices to connect to it, while all the routers we've seen work through a wired connection. Because of this, you might benefit from the magicJack. Since it connects to your USB port, the data will travel via your computer's wi-fi connection, so you don't need to worry about a wired connection. We've always said magicJack shouldn't replace your normal phone line, but it's a good supplement if you want to take advantage of cheap calling. Since you choose when to use magicJack, you can just unplug it if the data usage gets too high.
Do I have to have Internet service to use VoIP?
December 16th, 2010 - Posted by Kent
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q: Do I have to have internet service to use VoIP?
A: Yes, VoIP requires a broadband Internet connection to function, whether it's a cable, DSL, or satellite/wireless. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol; it's a technology that utilizes your regular telephone, but sends your calls over the Internet by turning voice into data. Traditional phone service turns the callers' voices into electrical signals which are sent over copper wires. This is why you need both an Internet connection and a special converter box. You do not necessarily need to have to have a computer, though it is very helpful for setting up and customizing the service. However, since broadband Internet service runs about $50.00 per month, it's probably not worth having it just for VoIP.
Find out more about VoIP by reading our VoIP Frequently Asked Questions.
Q: Do I have to leave my computer on for MagicJack to work?
August 31st, 2010 - Posted by Kent
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q: Do I have to leave my computer on for MagicJack to work?
A: Yes, you do. Alas, the MagicJack is not really magic at all (though it is a jack, so they're half right). While the MagicJack uses VoIP (Voice of Internet Protocol) technology, it's different from a service like Vonage. The MagicJack hooks into your computer's USB port and your phone. Your computer becomes the conduit for all your calling using the MagicJack software. If your computer is off, well, that's like turning off your cordless phone's base station. That's why we don't recommend MagicJack as a replacement for your home phone service.
Check out our VoIP and Other VoIP reviews for a full rundown on the technology that can save you money on your phone calls.
Can I still use my fax machine with Vonage?
April 19th, 2010 - Posted by Tasha
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q: Can I still use my fax machine with Vonage?
A: Yes, you can use your fax machine with Vonage. Once you've signed up for Vonage, you'll receive the Vonage V-Portal in the mail. If you have a single Vonage line, just plug your fax machine into Phone Port 1 on the back of the V-Portal and it's connected.
Having a single line means that you'll be sharing your fax line with your phone line, just like you would on a regular land line. For example, if you're on the phone you won't be able to receive or send faxes and if you're using the fax you won't be able to talk on the phone. However, since most people don't fax that often this will probably work for you.
If you need a dedicated fax line, there are a couple of options. Residential customers taking advantage of the current Vonage World deal of $14.99/month can add-on a dedicated fax line for $9.99/month. Vonage business customers have a dedicated fax line included in their subscription. For additional fax questions or plain old Vonage questions, Vonage is just a toll-free call away at 888-692-8076.
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