VoIP service providers offer a wide range of service plans for their product. You can use some of the tools at this site, such as the VoIP comparison chart, to help you in deciding on a plan that fills your needs. This article will point out some of the things that you should be aware of when selecting a plan.

Plans and prices vary widely among VoIP service providers, but all of them will provide significant advantages in both features and price when compared to regular telephone service. You can use the VoIP comparison chart to obtain a quick overview of each provider's most popular plans. The chart has entries to compare the most popular plans in 4 categories - least price for limited usage, lowest price for unlimited plan, minimum business plan and costliest business plan.

Least price for limited usage - Most providers offer a minimum plan with a fixed number of anytime calling minutes available. These plans will include all of the basic features of VoIP, including caller id, call waiting, call forwarding and web-based voice mail. These plans will also quote a low per-minute rate for calls exceeding the monthly limit.

Lowest price for unlimited plan - These plans offer the best overall value for most residential users. They will include the basic VoIP feature set, plus unlimited calling for calls placed to the US and Canada. The price for these plans is astounding when compared with any other type of long-distance plan (regular or cellular). Also, these plans apply to calls placed anytime during the day or night.

Minimum business plan - VoIP providers, just like regular or cellular providers, have different plans available for business use. These minimum plans are similar to the residential plans, but usually have a higher number of minutes available. Also, most all VoIP business plans include a fax line at no additional charge.

Costliest business plan - These plans typically offer more included features than the minimum plan, plus unlimited anytime calling to the US and Canada. As with the minimum plan, a fax line is included.

Most service providers offer these plans based on a fixed period of 1 or 2 years. For a slightly higher fee, you can choose to sign up for month-to-month service. If you choose to sign up for a fixed period, note that a fee may be charged for early cancellation. However, most providers waive cancellation fees during the first 30 days of a contract. This gives you a chance to evaluate their service without risk.

Another item to consider when choosing a plan is activation fees. Not all providers charge an activation fee to begin with, and some of them will waive this fee if you agree to a 1 or 2 year term. Another consideration is the cost of equipment. Some providers offer free ATAs (or analog telephone adapters) or USB softphones. This is more common for plans that specify a term, but is available from some providers even if you sign up on a month-to-month basis.

International calling may be a consideration for you as well. First, make sure that a provider has international calling available. Then, visit their site, where you will find a list of per-minute rates for calls to each country. You will likely be pleasantly surprised by the low rates.

With the wide range of plans and services available from VoIP providers, you should be able to easily find a plan that meets your needs. Be sure and take advantage of the tools available at this site, including the VoIP comparison chart, the VoIP reviews and the other articles on VoIP technology.

This article "Choosing VoIP Calling Plans" is Copyright 2006 Compare-VoIP.net and may not be reproduced.

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