VoIP Phone Service & Cable Internet
Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, is moving its way to top of mind for many consumers thanks in part to massive ad campaigns from companies such as Vonage. VoIP allows users to make calls over the Internet as opposed to using traditional phone lines, and this service boasts free unlimited long distance calls.
Voice Over IP service requires a broadband connection to be effective, which begs the question which type of service would work best? At present, satellite and wireless services are problematic as they are not yet fully compatible, so that leaves DSL and Cable. With VoIP technology in it's current state, cable Internet is a superior choice over DSL.
The Cable Problem: There Isn't One
From a technological standpoint, it would appear VoIP was developed with cable Internet in mind. This isn't the case, but the fit is so perfect that consumers will find that the two services are practically made for each other. Since phone lines are not used for Internet access, once the need to make phone calls over them is removed they are no longer needed at all. With the average VoIP price at around $35 per month, there should actually be a saving involved in dropping phone service all together. This also fits well into the trend of cell phones, and further speeds the demise of expensive long distance and copper wires.
It is important to not that in some markets 911 service is not available over VoIP. This is a problem being addressed by providers, but is still a big problem in some area. Be sure to research this before disconnecting your land line. The issue is that 911 services are separate from phone services, but were integrated over the last 25 years. This marriage of services took a long time, and more than a little bit of money, to make happen so it will be a while before 911 services are available in all VoIP markets.
One method Telcos are using to keep customers is to offer VoIP with 911 services. Many providers see this as an unfair business practice and are taking action against it, but as of this writing it is still available. Unfair or not, it's a great service if the user doesn't have to maintain a land line to get it (many Telcos require this).
Cable Internet Performance
In relation to Voice Over IP, Cable Internet outperforms other broadband connections by a wide margin. The main factors that place cable above the competition are:
- Always on
- More bandwidth
- No additional fees beyond VoIP service
- No additional hardware required
- No phone line required
- No phone service required
Cable Internet is the clear choice for VoIP users, and it doesn't look like this is going to change in the near future.
The only drawback that can really be found is the lack of 911 service In some areas, and if the consumer uses a cell phone, this isn't that big an issue, although it should still be resolved from a safety perspective.