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The field of VoIP is growing very fast because it offers features and services that are not usually found in traditional phone service. In addition, it offers all the familiar features and benefits of traditional phone service. And it can do all this for a lower cost. So it's no wonder that the VoIP phone service is changing the way that people use their telephones. It's a pretty good choice now for almost everybody, whether you're a homeowner or business owner.

As I said before, VoIP service offers the sorts of features that we were used to paying extra for. For example, long distance calls are going to be free or nearly free on VoIP phone systems. This is because VoIP uses the Internet to send your voice messaging. The Internet is a global network, and long distance calls aren nearly effortless. And another thing: Wherever you go, as long as you have an Internet connection, you can have VoIP service.

Here are some things that you should investigate when you're choosing a VoIP service provider:

Audio quality

The newer VoIP technologies give you better sound quality, while reducing overall noise. Expect the best from your VoIP service provider. Make a test call before you make any commitments. If you hear any kind of lag, or any kind of delay in your phone call, then that VoIP service provider is probably not for you.

If you think I'm exaggerating, think about a one second delay and what it can mean. It could mean that the person you are talking to is hesitating for some unknown reason. It could mean that the person you are talking to doesn't understand what you are saying, or is simply confused. Or it could mean that you have a slow Internet connection. Before you commit to VoIP service, eliminate the possibility that the delay is due to technical reasons.

Reliability

If you're a business owner, you can imagine the damage that can be caused if your phone goes out in the middle of an important conference call. Worse yet -- imagine that there are 10 people on the call at your end and 10 people on the call at the other end. If the call goes down for even 15 minutes, that's five man-hours of productivity that's lost. So don't cut corners with your VoIP service provider. Pay a little bit more and get top-notch, reliable service.

Customer service

It should go without saying that your VoIP service provider should give you 24/7 customer support. Not only that: you shouldn't have to wait on hold -- you should be able to get a straight answer quickly. Look for a VoIP service provider that offers alternate modes of tech support, like live chat.

Features

Your VoIP service provider should be able to give you all the standard features that you're accustomed to PLUS free long distance calls, e-mail, fax, Web conferencing, even videophone for no extra fee at all. Other VoIP service providers may charge you for these features. Know what you need ask and for it at the best price before you make a decision.

...and speaking of price

We all feel that VoIP should be free or very cheap. At the very least you should be able to get free long distance and a low monthly service charge. But make sure you're getting more than you pay for. A low price with low voice quality is not a good value. If your VoIP service provider offers a trial. Take advantage of it to make sure that you're getting your money's worth.

Even with all of these benefits VoIP still has a couple of drawbacks. The most notable drawback is that you must have a high-speed Internet connection for VoIP service to work. If you have a slow Internet connection or if your power goes out and you have no Internet connection, you will not have phone service. So make sure that your Internet service is reliable and fast.

As for which companies are the best VoIP service providers, visit this page to find out how to make an intelligent comparison. You'll have to do a little bit of homework and find the best VoIP service providers available to you. But you'll find the investment of time to be worth it.

Conclusion

Before you can make an informed decision about a VoIP service provider, make sure you know all the issues involved.

Ara Rubyan is not a part of the VoIP industry, nor does he sell VoIP services, nor does he pretend to be a guru of any kind. Instead, he is like you: a consumer, a business owner, and someone who has been researching the industry so that he could make an informed decision about the best VoIP service for his needs. Now, he's put all his research (so far) in one convenient location and he's sharing it with you, no strings attached.

For more info on VoIP service providers, visit Ara Rubyan's VoIP Solution.