VOIP phone services were greeted by the market with excitement and the belief that this technology would change the way consumers purchased phone services. However, these same consumers were quick to tamp down the fervor. Consumers erroneously thought a VOIP phone would keep them tied to their home computer. They seemed markedly hesitant to believe that the Internet could provide the reliable service of their landline or the network coverage of a large mobile service. Fortunately, the brave few who took the VOIP plunge have discovered a phone service with a large available network that is expanding daily.

VOIP coverage is growing by leaps and bounds. Rural areas and small towns are catching up to medium-sized and large cities at a rapid rate as network coverage increases. As the coverage grows, so does the demand for VOIP service. Even grandma can do it!

There are a wide variety of networks available; but it varies by area. While Vonage has one of the largest VOPI Servicenetworks and widest area of coverage, Skype and VoiceGlo aren't far behind. There are also other, smaller companies not mentioned here that continue to try to compete for a market share.

A VOIP phone has service wherever you can go online with the Internet. Vonage, for example, allows you a portable phone in addition to your regular home phone line. The cell phone explosion was sparked by the increased placement of the cell tower. Many cities are hoping to fuel the VOIP phone revolution by increasing their number of free “Wi-FI” areas. This could by the impetus needed to allow consumers to see VOIP phone service as the ultimate melding of convenient portability and reliable home phone service.

What about using VOIP at home? Most software for VOIP can be found and easily downloaded over the Internet. Once the download is complete you can communicate with friends and family who have the same software. Instead of traditional phone bills – you only pay for the service. This means calls are not charged individually by length of call or by geographic area. No long distance fees and you don’t have to worry about getting an unexpectedly large phone bill. You use your VOIP phone service just as you would a traditional landline.

You can use your old phone – except now you are calling through your computer instead of out-dated phone lines. This will save you money on long distance costs. If you have the Internet and VOIP then you have the ability to call anyone else who has the Internet and VOIP.  You can make calls when you want, because worrying about long distance charges or free calling after a certain time will be a thing of the past.

It is here that we reach the original appeal of VOIP services. The market was excited about VOIP phones because VOIP services could save consumers money. The concept of combining Internet service with phone service is a simple way to cut expenses. Now that VOIP networks are becoming even more efficient, it is clear that the consumer can have the best of both worlds. They can save money and receive remarkable service through a VOIP phone.