lifestyle

GOING VOIP

PROS

Cost: VoIP service costs much less than a landline.

Call quality: VoIP's reception varies, but can be better than that of a cell phone.

Feature-rich: VoIP has lots of features, including free long distance, caller ID and voice mail. Other features cost extra.

 

CONS

Power outages: Landline service works even when the electricity is off. VoIP won't work in a power outage.

Broadband required: You can't get VoIP without a high-speed Internet connection.

911 service: Landlines, cell phones and Ooma are connected to 911. Other VoIP services require you to register your address.

Faxing woes: Fax machines might be slower or not work at all with slower broadband speeds.

No guarantees: VoIP companies won't guarantee secure and reliable connections, although some will refund most costs within 30 days.

Power-hungry: Some VoIP systems require the computer to be on to receive or make calls.