Dial-Abroad.org - USA and World Phone Services, Comparisons, Reviews
Broadband Phone Comparison

To compare details of broadband phone services see my comparison before choosing a provider.

Broadband phone Providers

Packet 8
Editor's Choice

Packet 8 stands slightly above the other broadband phone providers in the comparison (although I really like what iConnectHere has done). It's an experienced provider that has gotten better with time. The $19.99 is a great deal... Review


iConnectHere
Editor's Choice

For just $6.99 per month get a broadband phone plan with all savings and extras. Then pay by the minute at super cheap rates (lower than Skype's). This plan is the best one for many people who want broadband phone service but don't want to pay for an unlimited minute plan... Review

vonage VOIP

Vonage is another highly developed broadband phone service, and it's the market leader in the USA. The service quality is generally very good. The biggest problem with Vonage is the cost. The unlimited calling plan seems reasonable at $24.99/mth, but they quietly includes an additional $1.50 monthly fee and a 3 percent federal tax. That brings the real cost up over $27.00/mth. Vonage also has higher international rates, and if you live outside of the USA, Vonage will not ship an adapter to you. You can use the service worldwide, but adapters are only delivered to addresses in the USA. Vonage is still a good value, but it's not my first or second choice among these choices.

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Vonage broadband phone review

Phone calling reviewIf you are thinking about trying a VOIP phone service, you are on the verge of a new level of freedom to pick up the phone and call the world. This is an ideal time to learn your options and choose a provider that will treat you well. To compare Vonage with other providers see my broadband phone comparison.

If you are located in the USA read this review instead.

Sign up for Vonage online - click here

Quality

Like all the broadband phone providers in these reviews, Vonage can give you high quality call connections with lots of included features. Vonage has been in the broadband phone business a long time, and they have worked through most of their issues already.

Broadband phone calls should be equal in quality to calls using regular phone lines. But there may be times when the service wavers. You should anticipate a few frustrations with any broadband phone service that you choose. Most people move to VOIP calling to save money and enjoy the extra features. They know this technology is still improving and don't expect perfection.

Features

Vonage is loaded with features, as a broadband phone service should be. The regular service includes personalized voicemail, forwarding, 3-way calling, call waiting, call hunting, and more. For an extra monthly fee you can create a toll free number or an additional local number. Calls to addtional numbers can be directed to your VOIP phone or any other number you select.

Everyone gets a local phone number in the USA as part of the service. Choose a local number in any US area code. Anyone calling from that local area can call you anytime for free.

Like all broadband phone services, you get unlimited free minutes with others using the same service.

Broadband phone services are also portable. Take your broadband phone adapter with you and plug it into high speed Internet connections around the world to make and receive phone calls.

Service plans and pricing

Individual/Family Users
For $24.99 per month get unlimited minutes to and from the USA, Canada and Puerto Rico (including Alaska and Hawaii). Unlike other broadband phone providers, Vonage charges users a monthly service fee ($1.50) and a 3 percent federal tax, so the real cost is closer to $27. The rate seems high compared with other plans in my broadband phone comparison.

For $14.99 Vonage gives you 500 minutes to the USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Again, the real cost is closer to $17.00. This plan gives you access to Vonage's low international rates and allows you to call other users for free.

International Users
The plans above all work anywhere in the world if you are plugged into a high speed Internet connection, but Vonage only ships adapters to addresses in the USA. If you are looking for a service that is more friendly to users outside the USA, see my reviews of Packet 8 and iConnectHere.

Business Users
You can sign up for the plan above. If Vonage decides your calling volume is too high, they may require you to upgrade to the business plan below.

For $49.99 you can get a business plan with unlimited calls to and from the USA, Canada and Puerto Rico. The plan includes a dedicated fax line, but that won't be available outside the USA.

For $39.99 Vonage offers a "basic" business plan with 1500 minutes to the USA, Canada and Puerto Rico and a dedicated fax line (in the USA only).

If you want a budget business phone service to use outside the USA, you should also read my iConnectHere review. Or if you want more business features, see my Packet 8 review.

User experience

Vonage provides a good service and has many satisfied customers. Every broadband phone provider has some bumps in their history, so keep that in mind when reading negative opinions online. At least with more experienced services like Vonage and Packet8 the majority of problems are behind them.

Conclusions

Vonage is a very good broadband phone service provider. I think the price is a bit high, especially when you consider the extra fees in the fine print. If you're looking for similar features at a lower price, see my comparison. Use the link below to learn more and sign up. You get a 30 day trial period with a money back guarantee, so read the conditions carefully and save all of the original packaging just in case.

Rated: 4/5

Sign up for Vonage online - click here

For more options see my VOIP comparison.