This describes the plan that is offered. Unlimited will always included calling to the U.S. 48 States and to Canada. You will not be billed per minute to these destinations, for you have unlimited minute usage. As far as Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, they are only included if specified in the chart. If you are interested in plans that are Limited (cheaper), Click Here.
This describes the plan that is offered. Limited will usually included calling to the U.S. 48 States and to Canada. You will be billed per minute to these destinations if you use more minutes that are in your plan. As far as Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, they are only included if specified in the chart. If you are interested in plans that are Unlimited (more expensive), Click Here.
Monthly Base Price (Total)
This is what the plan is going to cost you before taxes, fees and etc. (Total) The price in Brackets is the estimated price you will be paying after everything is said and done. Please note. The total price that we display is the most accurate we can possibly get to the real price. Price may differ from city to city, but not by much .If you want the exact price down to the penny, please contact the company directly.
Grand Total for First month
This is the total amount you should be paying for the first month. This includes the monthly fee and the activation, equipment, and shipping charges (where applicable). These fees are one-time fees and will only be charged the first month. The total price that we display is the most accurate we can possibly get to the real price. Price may differ from city to city, but not by much. If you want the exact price down to the penny, please contact the company directly.
This column in the chart will tell you how many minutes or days you have to try out the service. This is how it works: Suppose you choose Voipnet. You sign up and they send you the equipment and everything is fine. After one week you decide that you do not wish to keep Voipnet. As long as you didn't use more than 250 minutes, you will be eligible for a refund of any fees (unless indicated otherwise). In most cases the shipping fees are not refunded. Even if you haven't used the maximum of minutes for the trial (which in our case would be 250) but you passed 14 days [that Voipnet allows] from the sign up, you will no longer be eligible for the refund. The trials work by whichever comes first; the days or the minutes.
Most companies listed do not require you to sign up for a yearly contract. Meaning, you pay by month and can cancel any time you wish. However, some companies require you to stay with their service for at least 1 year. Canceling your service will result in a penalty listed in the next column.
This column will tell you what your fine will be if you end your service before your contract has expired. This column is irrelevant if the service you choose does not require a term contract.
This feature is one of the great advantages of VoiP. A virtual number gives you a second number in a different city. For example: You live in New York and you have a 212 area code. Your parents live in Florida and have a 305 area code. You can order a virtual number with a 305 area code that will ring on your phone in New York. Now you have two area codes ringing on the same number. Calls made by your parents to your 305 number, will be local calls. Some companies listed even offer virtual number for overseas locations (see Advanced Chart).
Can I Keep My Current Number ?
This feature is also known as LNP (Local Number Portability). This will tell you if the VoiP provider will be able to port your current phone number over to their company. Meaning, you will not get another phone number. Whatever phone number you have now you will be able to keep.
Directory Assistance
This column will tell you what the VoiP providers charge for a directory assistance call. In most cases you can reach Directory Assistance by dialing 411. In most cases a directory assistance call will allow you to request two listings. Prices in this column are per call, not per listing.
Charge For Changing Number [moving]
This column will tell you if there will be a charge in the event that you wish to change your phone number. Wanting to change your number could be for many different reasons, most likely for customers that are moving to a different area code.
Charge For Changing Plans
This column will tell you how much you will be charged \in he event that you want to change your plan. For example. Let's say you have a plan that gives you a limited amount of minutes and you see that you need more. You would like to change plans. Will it cost you a fee ? The same goes if you have an unlimited plan and wish for something smaller (cheaper).
International Virtual Numbers
This feature is one of the great advantages of VoiP. A virtual number gives you a second number in a different city. For example: You live in New York and you have a 212 area code. Your parents live in France. You can order a France virtual number that will ring on your phone in New York. Now you have two phone numbers ringing on the same number. Calls made by your parents in France to your France virtual number, will be local calls.
Fax Compatibility
This will tell you if the VoiP provider is able to transmit faxes over your VoiP router. This is done by plugging in a fax machine into your router. Most companies tell us that it depends on the fax machine you have.
Will my number Be Listed ?
This column will tell you if your VoiP phone number will be listed in the national directory (i.e. phone book, 411).
Process Time
How long will it take from when I place my order until I receive the equipment? Most providers will give you your new phone number [or a temporary one, if your are porting your current number] within 24 hours.
Customer Service
This tells you the hours the customers service reps. are available to answer your questions.