VoIP Service Provider

Monday, May 07, 2007

Connect VoIP line easily!

How easy is it to connect a VoIP line?

I was actually surprised at how easy it was to connect and configure my VoIP line. Typical VoIP Service Provider interface boxes have four connections to be made: power source, one CAT5 cable to your internet modem, a second CAT5 cable to either your computer or router, and one regular RJ45 line to your telephone. There are variations in this setup, so make sure to read the instructions that come with the VoIP Service interface box. The whole connection process shouldn't take more than a few minutes at most. Remember that once you have the system set up then you'll need to login to the VoIP Service Provider's page to register your interface device before it will work properly. Note that some VoIP Service Providers will wait until the device is registered before assigning you a telephone number.

How did I choose my VoIP service provider?

Selecting a VoIP Service Provider is like choosing a cell phone service provider -- you need to do your research first by visiting VoIP service providers' web sites and learning about the service they offer and the fees involved. Talking to friends is also very important since they will likely be more than happy to share their thoughts on their current VoIP Service Provider. Another option to consider is to call potential VoIP Service Providers and to ask them to tell you about their product, service fees, number portability, and so on. Customer service is very important to me and therefore if a VoIP Service Provider can't answer your questions about their product they you really shouldn't be considering them for service since this could be an indication of problems to come!

I finally had my landline number "ported" in late January 2006, so now I'm exclusively on a VoIP Service Provider connection. When the port occurred, I had to do a little re-wiring in the basement to disconnect the incoming landline wires and route the VoIP wires into the existing phone wiring in the house. This was fairly easy and maybe took 5 minutes.