How to Choose a VOIP Service Provider

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Find out if your internet connection is "VOIP-ready".

   Most of the time when people are unhappy with VOIP service it's not the fault of the service itself, but the internet connection of the subscriber.
   
   Go to voip speed test and run some of the call quality tests there to see if your connection is fast enough to support VOIP.
2. 2

   Step 2: Look at your phone bill to see how much you're paying in services and what services you really need such as call waiting

   Jot down your total amount paid each month for services.
   
   If you're looking to VOIP to save you money, consider how much it would cost you to lose "bundled services" such as DSL, and Television if you were to cancel your landline phone service. , Google Talk (http://talk.google.com) and Skype offer both free and paid services. , Make sure that any service provider that you're considering has at least a 30 day guarantee.
   
   If they don't offer a guarantee then don't even consider them.
   
   All of the major providers offer a solid guarantee.
   
   Be sure you understand the contract term and know how long you are committing  yourself too.
   
   Watch out for "FREE" ploys which lock you into a long term contract or charge you for the equipment when you cancel service.
   
   No contracts required for some service provides. , Most phone companies will offer a "metered service" that you will pay for per call.
   
   Since you're going to be using VOIP, you will not be making many (if any) calls over your copper line, only running DSL over it.
   
   It's really essential to look into metered service if you're using DSL.
   
   After all, why would you want to pay for a standard line if you're going to be paying for VOIP? , If you need to keep your current phone number then don't consider a provider that cannot let you keep your current number. ,
3. 3

   Step 3: call forwarding

4. 4

   Step 4: three way calling

5. 5

   Step 5: caller ID

6. 6

   Step 6: Research several different VOIP providers to find out which has the features that you need or desire for the best price.

7. 7

   Step 7: Look at the money back guarantee

8. 8

   Step 8: contract term

9. 9

   Step 9: and equipment return policies.

10. 10

    Step 10: If you are using DSL

11. 11

    Step 11: be aware that you may not be able to cancel your phone service.

12. 12

    Step 12: Look into number portability for the provider that you're considering.

13. 13

    Step 13: Order your VOIP service and enjoy all of the fancy phone features for free that you would normally pay an arm and a leg for through your local phone provider.

Detailed Guide

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