- Vonage is a VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, service that allows you to use your existing Internet connection to talk on the telephone. With Vonage there is no need for a second phone line since everything runs from the Internet. All you need is a high-speed Internet connection from either a cable or DSL provider and Vonage will work for you. While there are many add-ons to the basic Vonage plan, most users do away with their existing landline options in favor of basic Vonage service. Just use the Vonage router to route your calls through the Internet to your home handset.
- Vonage is simple to use and doesn't require the user to have any specialized knowledge. Phone calls are placed as they normally would be and the person on the other end won't know you aren't using traditional phone lines unless you tell her. The process begins as any telephone conversation would between two individuals. The conversation is transferred to a Vonage router where it is digitized and transmitted to Vonage. Vonage translates the data back into a phone signal which is then transmitted to a phone line anywhere in the world.
- Compared to a traditional phone plan from the local phone company, Vonage service costs much less. Basic plans begin under $20 per month for service and include up to 500 minutes. Unlimited plans are priced below $25. Vonage has recently introduced business plans that provide international calls for free. All basic plans come with caller ID and voicemail at no extra charge and a majority of the plans include free calls to Canada and Puerto Rico. Vonage also has fax add-on plans for business users, as well as the ability to take your phone with you while on the go.
