Broadband home phone service enables voice telephone calls to work over your high-speed Internet connection. A broadband phone (also known as a VoIP or Internet phone) utilizes the same IP network as your Internet service. Hardware adapters connect a standard telephone to the broadband Internet connection to create a broadband home phone service.

Broadband home phone service Internet Compatibility

Most broadband home phone services work only with DSL or cable modem Internet. If you subscribe to dial-up, satellite or wireless broadband, these tele home phone services will likely not work in your household.

Broadband Home Phone Service Plans

Service providers offer many different broadband home phone service subscription plans. As with a cell phone, some service plans for these telephones feature unlimited local calling or large numbers of free minutes.

However, the cost of broadband home phone service is highly variable; international, long distance and other calling charges often still apply.

Broadband Home Phone Service Reliability

Compared to a broadband Internet network, the standard home voice telephone network is extremely reliable. Calls cannot be made with the broadband home phone service whenever your home Internet service is down.

Additional failures within the broadband home phone service itself will add to any downtime caused by the Internet connection.

Home Phone Service Number Portability

A popular feature associated with broadband home phone services is number portability. This feature allows you to keep the same telephone number you had before subscribing to the Internet-based plan.

However, this feature may not be available depending on your number and the local broadband home phone service company involved. You are normally responsible for requesting and paying for the broadband home phone service number portability service.

Broadband Home Phone Service Lock-In

The contract you sign with a broadband home phone service provider may restrict your ability to change providers at a later time. High service fees may be charged to change your telephone number, service plan, or switch to another broadband home phone service company. Likewise, the local telephone compoany may charge high fees to restore their home phone service, should you change your mind later.

Broadband Home Phone Service Sound Quality

In years past, the sound quality supported by broadband home phone service was significantly less than with traditional telehome phone services. Though it can vary by provider and location, in general the quality of broadband home phone service audio is very good.

You might notice a small delay (”lag”) between when you speak and the other party hears your voice.