VOIP Service Provider Guide
You need to sign up with a VoIP Service Provider (also known as a Broadband Phone Company) if you want to use VoIP to replace or supplement your existing phone service. After signing up, your VoIP Service Provider will assign you a phone number that can be used like a regular phone number in the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). They will also give (or sell) you the necessary equipment to set up your VoIP system.
VoIP Service Providers usually provide equipment that includes an ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter) or IP Phone. Both the ATA and the IP phone can directly connect to a broadband modem; the ATA will allow you to use existing analogue phones for VoIP. You simply need to connect your analogue telephone into the ATA device.
Whatever device you use, it will have a unique number associated with it. This number will identify your current IP (Internet Protocol) address. An IP address can be static or dynamic. A static address always stays the same, but the majority of IP addresses nowadays are dynamic – this means that you are assigned a different IP address each time you connect to the Internet. If you are regularly on the move and connect to the Internet at various locations, your VoIP Service Provider will keep track of your current IP address which will allow other people to contact you no matter where you are. When choosing a VoIP Service Provider, you will need to check what protocol(s) they use. The 2 most common protocols are SIP and H.323. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is becoming the standard for VoIP, and most VoIP Service Providers and soft-phones use, or at least offer this protocol. For more information on SIP and H.323, read our articles on VoIP Protocols. |
Skype (one of the most popular PC-to-PC VoIP systems) uses a proprietary protocol which means that it is not easy to connect to the Skype network from another VoIP Service Provider. Skype has a service called SkypeIn, which allows Skype users to receive incoming calls from PSTN networks, however you will need to pay extra for using this service.
Some of the more popular VoIP providers are Vonage, Lingo, Sunrocket, Packet8, and VoicePulse. Most of these companies are based in the United States but also have offices around the world. For relatively low monthly price plans, they offer many features like unlimited calls in certain geographic areas, voicemail, call forwarding, call barring and conference calls at no extra cost.
To find out more about the different VoIP Service Providers, price plans and features they provide, see our VoIP Service Provider pages and read our VoIP Service Reviews.
| Popular Resources | Popular Articles | Most Popular VoIP Providers |
| Compare VoIP Service Providers | VoIP Frequently Asked Questions | Vonage Broadband Phone Service |
| Read VoIP Service Reviews | Choosing A VoIP Service Provider | ViaTalk Broadband Phone Service |
| UK VoIP Service Providers | VoIP Training | Packet8 Broadband Phone Service |