There will likely be various other features, too, but these four should be a baseline for any residential service. These include caller ID, voicemail hosted by the provider (meaning you don't need an answering machine), call waiting (essentially a one-line hold), 911 support (sometimes called "E911"), and three-way calling. With one of these, you should get at least four core features. However, those services generally come with fewer features than what you'd get from a dedicated VoIP provider, because a triple-play company probably isn't as focused on its VoIP product as it is on TV or internet service.įortunately, several dedicated residential VoIP providers offer service that's unfettered by your ISP, usually with worldwide calling plans. We'll explain why you may want to sign up for one.Īs mentioned, you've probably been offered a home VoIP solution several times already if you've got cable TV service, or if you're getting your internet access from one of the larger internet service providers (ISPs). Many people don't realize that there are other, independent home VoIP services that can run over any sufficiently fast residential internet connection. However, you don't have to be locked into the phone service your cable or DSL provider offers. Ever been offered a "triple play" deal from your local cable company-internet, TV, and phone-for one low monthly price? That phone service is a VoIP service. Yes, it's true that many such services are aimed at business buyers, but not all of them. You might think voice-over-IP (VoIP) sounds like something only IT professionals use.
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