VOIP Plan Comparisons

You've probably heard everyone talking about VOIP, but maybe you've been afraid to ask your geeky friends what a VOIP is. Never fear. VOIP (or Voice Over IP) is simply a way to get telephone service over your broadband Internet connection.

If you set up your cable or DSL modem, then you'll be able to set up VOIP in a matter of minutes. Basically, you just plug in the VOIP hardware (usually a little box) between your cable or DSL modem and your computer (or home network). You then plug your phone into the box and you've got inexpensive service with tons of great features.

To help you choose the best VOIP plan for your needs, here's a comparison table of popular VOIP plans, compiled and maintained by geekbooks.com (used with permission).

NOTE: Some VOIP plans may charge for calls to Hawaii and Alaska. This list is not the be all, end all ... always check with each provider for the specific features and benefits of their plans. You can also expect to pay various pesky little (i.e.: $1-$3) monthly charges for things like Regulatory Recovery Fees, Universal Service Funds, and E911. The devil is the the details.

* Lingo's Western European VOIP plan includes: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Luxembourg, Vatican City, Norway, Portugal, and Spain plus Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea. However, this does not include calls to mobile phones, premium and special service numbers in these areas. US includes Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands and calls to cellular phones.

** Lingo's International VOIP plan includes: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guam, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico (Including Mobile), the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Vatican City. However, this does not include calls to mobile phones, premium and special service numbers in these areas. US includes Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands and calls to cellular phones.

*** Lingo's Asia VOIP plan includes: UK, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea and Guam.

+++ Packet 8's Freedom Unlimited Global plan includes: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Moscow-Central, Moscow-Suburb, St. Petersburg, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Chile, Sao Paulo, Caracas, Puerto Rico, Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Israel.

# BroadVoice Unlimited World VOIP plan includes: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States, and Vatican City. Calls to mobile numbers outside the US and Canada are not included.

## BroadVoice Unlimited World Plus VOIP plan includes: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States, and Vatican City. Calls to mobile numbers outside the US and Canada are not included.

### SunRocket's SunSpots include: (Countries) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Vatican City. (Cities) Caracas, Guadalajara, Helsinki, Hong Kong, Lima, Mexico City, Monterrey, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, St. Petersburg, São Paulo.

Still on the fence? Read Geekbooks.com's VOIP survey results.