| Telephones aren't for phone companies anymore. | | | | you to speak to and through your PC. You'll want |
| Thanks to the widespread availability of | | | | to use your regular handset to make and receive |
| broadband internet, other companies - like your | | | | calls. Same for the people you are calling. |
| local cable company - are starting to offer their | | | | 7. Can I change phone numbers? If so, how much |
| own version of telephone service. You'll probably | | | | does it cost? - Sometimes you just need a new |
| see it called Broadband Phone, Internet Phone or | | | | phone number. Make sure you can get another |
| VoIP (Voice over IP) service. | | | | number without having to buy new equipment or |
| That's great news for us. Breaking the monopoly | | | | establish a second account. |
| over phone services has really lowered prices. If | | | | 8. What will my calls sound like? - Your broadband |
| you are still using a traditional phone company, | | | | phone calls should sound as least as good as your |
| you really should compare broadband phone | | | | traditional phone calls. There shouldn't be any |
| service to what you have now. You'll find some | | | | "drops", pauses or echoes. |
| internet phone vendors over more features and | | | | 9. Can I call directory assistance (411)? - Most |
| services for far less than Ma Bell. | | | | internet phone companies have access to the 411 |
| Here's a handy list of questions you should ask | | | | system though the calls are rarely free. Find out |
| when comparing internet phone companies: | | | | what they charge for each call. You still might be |
| | | | better off doing a Google Search or hitting the |
| 1. Can I still use my phone? - Unless you have a | | | | Yellow Pages. |
| rotary phone, you'll probably be able to use the | | | | 10. Can I dial 911? What about Enhanced 911?- |
| phone you own now. But, sometimes you need a | | | | The 911 service was designed to be accessed |
| particular phone. Don't get stuck buying a new | | | | over phone lines not over the internet. Some |
| phone unless absolutely necessary. | | | | broadband phone providers have figured out a |
| 2. What basic features do you support? - Make | | | | way to get 911 working through their service. |
| sure that you get all the same basic features | | | | Make sure yours is one of them. |
| you'd expect from a phone company. Features | | | | 11. What kind of fees do you charge? - |
| like call waiting, call forwarding, etc. | | | | Broadband phone providers don't have to charge |
| 3. What features set you apart from your | | | | the regulatory fees set for traditional phone |
| competition? - Internet phone providers aren't | | | | companies. But, that doesn't stop them from |
| subject to the same regulations as a telephone | | | | making up some of their own. Find out what the |
| company. This gives them the opportunity | | | | fees are up front rather than getting surprise on |
| provide features that your phone company can't. | | | | your first bill. |
| For example, some providers offer a second | | | | 12. What is your guarantee? - How long do you |
| phone number in another area code - so distance | | | | have to test the service? Do you get a |
| friends and relatives can call you using a local | | | | money-back guarantee? Can you cancel without |
| exchange. Shop around and see what is out there. | | | | any fees? |
| 4. How much does the service cost? - Does the | | | | 13. How easy is it to setup my new broadband |
| broadband phone company charge a flat rate or | | | | phone service? - Can you install the service |
| based on usage? Do you pay monthly? quarterly? | | | | yourself or do you need a professional installation? |
| Do you get a discount for paying for a full year | | | | How long does it take to setup? What if you |
| (which is often a great buy!). | | | | want a professional installation? Can you get one? |
| 5. Can I keep my current phone number? - The | | | | What does a service call cost? |
| answer should be yes. But, sometimes their are | | | | This list of questions covers all the main points for |
| issues when transferring a phone number from a | | | | shopping and comparing broadband phone service |
| DSL provider. | | | | providers. Get the answers from each individual |
| 6. Do I need to speak through my computer to | | | | internet phone company then compare the |
| use your service? - Make sure you aren't signing | | | | results. The results should clearly show which is |
| up for a "PC-to-PC" service which would require | | | | the best broadband phone service for you. |