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

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.

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

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.

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Will VoIP work with a mobile broadband Internet connection?

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.

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Can I still use my fax machine with Vonage?

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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Can we get separate Vonage accounts with different phone numbers on the same internet connection?

The following is an actual-user submitted question:

Q:  My mom and I live at the same address and use the same cable connection for broadband internet service.  Can we get separate Vonage accounts with different phone numbers?  Will it be separate phones or will it be like a party line where if she is on her phone and I pick it up to make a call I will hear her conversation and visa versa?

A: Yes, you can have 2 separate Vonage accounts at the same physical address using the same broadband internet service.  If you sign up one account under your name and one under your mother's name they will be billed seperately.  You will also get 2 different phone numbers.

The Vonage phone service supports up to 5 phones on one broadband internet connection.  This is because Vonage only uses a limited amount of bandwidth to function.  You can either have these phones all on the same Vonage account, or you can sign up for different and separate accounts where each account has it's own  phone number.

If the accounts are different, as in the case of you and your mom, you will not be able to hear or intercept each other's phone calls.  It will work just as if you had 2 different land lines.  Your phone won't hear any of her conversations, and she won't hear any of yours.  Because they are are 2 separate phone lines you could actually call her phone from your line and you could talk to each other (this would come in handy if you have a big house!).

There are a myriad of uses for multiple Vonage lines.  It's convenient for large families who want a separate line for their teenagers, or homes with multiple families under one roof.  It also works well for those who would like both a home and business line at their address.

Right now Vonage World is running a special where the first 6 months are only $14.99 a month (and $25.99/mo  thereafter).  With Vonage World you can make unlimited calls within the US and to 60+ countries.  You can sign up online, or if you're more comfortable you can call Vonage direct with questions at 888-692-8076.

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How do I use Vonage to make international calls without being charged?

The following is an actual user-submitted question:

Q: How do I use Vonage to make international calls without being charged?

A: Vonage World makes things as easy as possible.  You just dial the number as you normally would, including the international calling code.  If you're calling a number in the US, or in one of the 60+ countries Vonage World includes, it's free.  If the call is not to one of these 60+ countries then Vonage will charge you a reduced fee per minute.

If both you and the person you're calling have Vonage, the call is free.  Yes, Vonage-to-Vonage calls are free (all you have to do is pay for the monthly service).  If you frequently call someone overseas who isn't included in the 60+ countries, this is a great way to save money.  Just purchase Vonage World for yourself and your friend.  The mailing address on both accounts must be within the US, but once you receive the Vonage adapter you can ship it to whoever you intend to call.

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How can I use Vonage to block unwanted calls?

The following is an actual user-submitted question:

Q:  How can I use Vonage to block unwanted calls?

A: Vonage provides several ways to block both inbound and outbound calls.  These features are included free of charge with your Vonage plan.  With Anonymous Call Block, you can block  inbound callers who aren't allowing their caller ID to be displayed.  These callers will hear an automated message indicating they need to disable their caller ID blocking and call back.  You can enable this feature either from your phone or your online account.

Activating the Do Not Disturb feature will cause all inbound calls to be sent to voice mail.  This is convenient if you'd like to take a nap, or if you just don't want to be disturbed by the sound of the phone ringing.  You can also set this up directly from your phone or via your online account.

Finally there's International and Directory Assistance Blocking.  If you don't want outbound calls made to international or directory assistance numbers, just login to your Vonage Online account and turn it on.  It's a great feature if you're having a party and don't want random (and possibly expensive) calls showing up on your bill.

At this time Vonage does not allow you to block specific inbound call numbers.  As always, you can easily reach Vonage at any time by calling their toll-free number:  888-692-8076.

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Can I use Vonage with a wireless internet connection?

The following is an actual user-submitted question:

Q:  Can I use Vonage with a wireless internet connection?

A: Yes, you can.  Regardless of whether your internet connection is wireless or wired, if it's your personal high speed connection you'll have a router/modem on the premises.  The Vonage phone adapter plugs directly into this router/modem, and then your phone connects to the phone adapter.

The exception to this is if you're using a public wireless connection where you don't have direct access to the router/modem.  If this is the case, you won't be able to use Vonage World with a normal phone.  Instead, you can download a Vonage add-on feature called Vonage Softphone to make calls from your computer (PC or Mac).

Vonage Softphone is similar to Skype in that you would actually be making and receiving calls from your computer.  It costs $9.99 a month for 500 minutes of calls to the US and Canada.  These 500 minutes would be in addition to the unlimited free calls to 60+ countries you get with Vonage World, so you could still use your land line to make as many free calls as you want.

If you normally use a land line to make and receive calls and just want to make calls on your computer occasionally you might want to consider adding Vonage Softphone to your Vonage plan.  However, if you plan to make all your calls via the computer you probably want to opt for Skype.

As always, if you have any questions about Vonage or the Vonage plans, you can call Vonage toll-free at 888-692-8076.

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How do you select a phone number when signing up for Vonage? Will it be considered a local call for our friends and family that live in the same town?

The following is an actual user-submitted question:

Q:  How do you select a phone number when signing up for Vonage?  Will it be considered a local call for our friends and family that live in the same town?

A: Vonage actually goes one better on this.  They offer you the choice of keeping your existing number or getting a completely new number.

If you'd like to get a new number, it's easy.  During the sign up process, Vonage will ask you what area code you'd like and then display all the available numbers in that area code.  You can pick the phone number that appeals to you.  If you're concerned about keeping the call "local" for friends and family, you should choose a number that remains in their local calling area. You don't even need to choose a phone number that relates to where you live.  If you live in Phoenix, and want a New York area code and number, you can do that.

Vonage has a money saving feature where you can purchase a "Virtual Number" in addition to your main Vonage phone number.  With a Virtual Number, people outside of your local calling area can call you for the price of a local call.  For example, if you live in San Diego, you can have a local phone number so that people who live in San Diego can make local calls to you.  But if you also have a lot of family in Mexico City, and you'd like then to be able to make local calls to you, you can add a virtual Mexico City number to your plan.  Then everyone in San Diego AND Mexico City can make local calls to you.

Virtual Numbers ring through to the main Vonage number that people would normally call you on and range from $4.99 to $9.99 a month.  You can add as many Virtual Numbers as you like to your existing Vonage plan.  If you have more questions about Virtual Number and Vonage plans, you can call Vonage's toll-free number:  888-692-8076.

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Does Vonage have 800 numbers available? If so, what would be the added cost?

The following is an actual user submitted question:

Q: Does Vonage have 800 numbers available?  If so, what would be the added cost?

A: Vonage has a pretty darn good deal on 800 numbers.  It's called Toll Free Plus and would be an "add on" to an existing Vonage plan.  Toll-Free Plus allows you to receive incoming calls from anywhere in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Because it is an "add on", you would need to purchase a Vonage residential or business plan first.  Vonage is running a special on their Vonage World plan right now and for only $14.99 a month for the first 6 months (and then $25.99 a month) you can get unlimited calling within the US and to 60+ countries.  After you have a Vonage plan, all you need to do is login to the Vonage Online account you're given and add Toll Free Plus.

A Toll Free Number costs $4.99 a month (plus taxes and fees) for 100 minutes. After the first the 100 minutes, the cost is 4.9 cents for each additional minute. There is also a one time activation fee of $9.99.  If you're interested, you can even add multiple toll free numbers to your account.  If you have any questions not addressed in this blog, you can easily speak with a Vonage rep at their toll-free number:  888-692-8076

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