Before you read, I must say that I am not an expert nor have any work experience in this field. What you are about to read is based on my own research.
There are several phone companies within the US that you can choose to use. If you are not afraid of having a same phone service from your ISP (Intert Service Provider), you might want to consider switching your phone company. I am not talking about trying out a bundle service from cable TV companies, since they cost almost the same as a regular landline. What I am talking about here is a phone service called, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). For more information about VoIP, please visit wikipedia.
Currently, there are 4 companies you can choose for commercial use. For business, I suggest doing a google search on your own since there are multiple companies out there, and you might want to choose a company located near your place.
- Vonage ($24.99 per month *Other plans available)
- magicJack ($39.95 dor the first year, $19.95 from second year)
- Skype ($2.95 per month for unlimited calls to US and Canada Other plans available)
- ooma (One time fee of $249.99)
*If there are other companies that I am missing, please let me know.
Looking at the price, you will instantly notice that Skype is the cheapest way to go for the first year, but magicjack is better from the second year on. But there something that you would need to know before deciding what is the best for you.
When we are talking abour consumer level VoIP, there are three ways to handle this.
- A device that hooks up your phone to the router or modem
- A device that hooks up your phone to your computer via USB
- Using a headset or separate headphones and microphone and calling out via your computer
- Using a special phone for that specific service
Vonage uses the method 1, which allows you to use your favorite phone without too much of a hassle. Their device has a 1 port router, so you do not have to buy an extra router. The only problem with Vonage is that they have a monthly fee that is relativly high compared to others.
Pros: Easy Installation
Cons: A bit pricey
magicJack uses method 2. It is almost the same as Vonage because you can use your current phone system. But the problem with this is that you need to have your computer on in order to make or recieve calls. Check their website for details http://www.magicjack.com/4/faq/.
Pros: Easy Installation and afforadable price
Cons: It relies on your computer. Computer off = no phone connection
Skype is a bit different from the above two. It can use method 2 through 4, and you can use it for free if you are calling to another Skype member. Also, you will need to purchase your phone number separatly from your monthly unlimited call plan. Although it may sound like a pain to use Skype, I recommend Skype because you can even purhcase phone numbers outside of US and Canada. I have a Japanese phone number with Skype that my friends can call without having to worry about International charges.
Problem wth Skype is that the main usgae would be over the computer, and you would need to purchase a skype phone in order to be free from your cmputer. Or you can get an USB adapter that would let you connect your phone to the computer like magicJack. They do cost a bit, so please be careful about what you are going to get.
Pros: Inexpensive if you are to only call Skype members or only make outgoing calls using monthly unlimited calls.
Cons: Not a simple installation if you want to use phone systems, and would have to invest at the beginning if you are to use them.
ooma uses method 1, so it is very similar to Vonage. The difference with Vonage is that you do not have to pay for monthly fee if you do not wish to use their premier service. premiere service is $12.99/month or $99.99/year. If you don’t use their premier service, you will be paying almost as much as a years worth of Vonage. This means that you will start to save from the second year if you are comparing to Vonage.
Pros: Easy setup, and no monthly fee depending on your choice
Cons: Need to pay $249.99 at the beginnnig.
After reading to this point, the choice is yours. Think about how you will be using your phone system, and how you want it to be connected. I am not here to make the choice for you.
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