Complete Guide to VoIP Services

The following is a snapshot of prices and features for some of the major nationwide hardware-based residential VoIP services in the U.S. They provide rate centers in a majority of states so most users can pick a new local number or port an existing number. New VoIP services keep cropping up all the time, however, and prices and features change quickly. For a longer list of providers, including some of the many local companies, check out VoIP-Info.org.

Unless otherwise noted all of these are flat monthly-rate plans that piggyback onto your existing broadband Internet service and provide Caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, three-way conferencing, E911 service, automated account management, voicemail and local long distance for a single line. All unlimited long-distance plans also cover Canada (but not unlimited international calls), and include free local and regional dialing. Unlike cellular, there is usually no minimum contract length for VoIP service, you can cancel anytime. You may have to pay a termination fee if you received free equipment, however (or return it). Many providers also charge activation fees, typically $20-$40.

AT&T CallVantage. AT&Ts unlimited plan has dropped to $24.99 a month, including first month free. A local plan is available at $19.99 a month, with 4 cents a minute charged for long distance. Both plans offer advanced features such as voicemail-to-email, speed dialing, call logs, Do Not Disturb, a flexible call forwarding feature called Locate Me, and a conferencing system for up to nine users. There is even fax and modem support. International calls vary by country, with typical charges ranging from 5 to 16 cents per minute. AT&T also has a two-line plan for $49.99 aimed at those with teenagers or home businesses. www.usa.att.com/callvantage

Linksys WIP330 Wi-Fi Phone

BroadVoice. Raising the stakes for unlimited coverage, BroadVoice has a $19.95 plan that offers unlimited access to 21 countries, including the U.S., Canada, and most of Europe. A $24.95 plan extends that to 35 countries, adding locations mostly in East Asia and South America. Theres also a $9.95 in-state plan and a $29.95 plan aimed at small businesses. BroadVoice gives you a lot of features for its bargain prices, including selective call forwarding and blocking. The low prices are somewhat offset, however, by an activation fee of $39.95 and a shipping fee of $15. BroadVoice is one of the few providers that lets customers bring their own SIP-compatible broadband adapters and handsets. It was also the first VoIP service to offer a WiFi SIP phone for use with open Wi-Fi networks. www.broadvoice.com

Broadvox Direct. Broadvox's unlimited residential plan is now $29.95, including one free extra local long-distance number that can be in a completely different area code of your choosing. Theres also a $9.95 plan that gives you 100 outbound minutes a month and charges $52 for set-up and shipping (compared to $42 for the unlimited plan). Features include Do Not Disturb, contact management and Find Me, Follow Me. Small business plans are available for $35 to $45, including fax lines and Yellow Pages listings. International rates are just 2-3 cents per minute to most countries in Europe and Asia (mobile connections much higher). www.broadvoxdirect.com

EarthLink trueVoice. EarthLink's competitively priced residential VoIP service comes in two flavors: a $24.95 unlimited package, and a $14.95 package with 500 minutes of local or long distance calls. International rates are also low, $.04/minute to Australia, for example. The unlimited package has no activation fee. Both also include a full range of features including enhanced call forwarding to multiple numbers ($4.95/month), call blocking, and an EarthLink email address. www.earthlink.net/voice/truevoice/

Net2Phone. Net2Phones VoiceLine service offers a $29.99 unlimited plan, a $14.99 plan with 500 long-distance minutes, and numerous options for unlimited overseas calls to various regions, such as $19.99 for 500 minutes to Europe, the U.S. and Canada. VoiceLine to VoiceLine calls are free. The activation fee is $29.99 and shipping for the free adapter is $10. Net2Phone also offers Wi-Fi handsets for use with open networks. web.net2phone.com/consumer/voiceline/

Packet8. A pioneer in VoIP and videoophone technology, Packet8 offers a low-cost residential service that includes a $19.99 unlimited plan. Unlimited international plans start at $49.99 and unlimited small business plans start at $39.99. All the main plans require a $30 activation fee. Features include voicemail-to-email, call blocking, Do Not Disturb, and optional 411 services. Theres also a unique videophone option for $100 when purchased with a $19.95 unlimited contract. www.packet8.net

Time Warner Cable Digital Phone. This service is primarily for those who already subscribe to Time Warner Cable TV or Internet service. If you have both TWC video and cable modem accounts the price is a relatively pricey $39.95 a month, or $44.95 if you have one or the other (plus a monthly $2 maintenance fee). Installation is free, but a technician visit is required. Aside from offering 911 service, features are skimpy (no virtual phone numbers or fax support), and voicemail costs extra in most locations. One advantage Digital Phone offers is the ability to rewire all existing phones through your regular phone jacks to the cable modem router (assuming you discontinue analog phone service). But all phones must share a single line, and you can't order additional lines. www.twcdigitalphoneoffers.com

Verizon VoiceWing. Verizons unlimited service has dropped to a competitive $24.95 per month, and there's a multi-line option for $44.95. You can choose your own area code, and access your voicemail from any Internet connection. Features include address books with click-to-dial, Do Not Disturb, fax support, call blocking, enhanced call forwarding and speed dialing. www.verizon.com/voicewing

USB Phone

VoicePulse. VoicePulses unlimited plan is $24.99, while a $14.99 plan gives you unlimited local calls, plus 200 long-distance minutes. All VoicePulse plans come with call blocking, distinctive ring, Do Not Disturb, multi-ring, contact management and a sophisticated customized call following feature. Directory assistance is available at extra cost, and you can purchase additional lines or virtual numbers. http://www.voicepulse.com

Vonage. Vonage offers a $24.99 unlimited plan and a $14.99 plan with a 500-minute limit. Small business plans run from $40 to $50. Features include 911 access, voicemail with access available over email or the Web, and the ability to order additional virtual local long distance numbers for $5 each. Other extra-cost options include 411 directory assistance, additional voice and fax lines, toll-free numbers, and a PC-based soft-phone version of Vonage. The latter, which requires a standard Vonage account, is also co-marketed with Boingo Wireless software to support Wi-Fi access to Vonage through Boingos hotspot network. http://www.vonage.com