Types of VoIP Service Providers

VoIP service providers are defined by the type of service they provide. Whether its residential or commercial voice over Internet services, VoIP providers fall into one of three different categories. Each category has a specific focus and provides a specific communication need to the customers it serves. Here’s a look at each type of VoIP service provider and how they differ from one another:

Residential VoIP Service Providers

Residential or consumer VoIP service providers focus on basic residential and small business needs. This type of service caters to individuals switching from traditional landline phone and fax service to Internet-based phone and fax. A residential VoIP service provider gives consumers the means of connecting to VoIP using their existing phone and fax equipment. The VoIP service also provides call waiting, call forwarding, voicemail, caller ID and other features that people are accustomed to having from their landline phone service. Within the residential VoIP type are pure play companies that offer telephone and fax service only, and triple play companies that offer VoIP phone and fax, television and Internet services.

Peer-To-Peer VoIP Service Providers

Peer-to-peer VoIP service providers, also known as P2P, operates on a dedicated network, with VoIP services obtained from an individual’s computer or mobile phone. The inexpensive service caters to mobile workers, self-employed contractors and people who have replaced their landline phone with a mobile phone. The peer-to-peer VoIP service typically provides the necessary software for free, but charges if phone calls or faxes are sent to landline phones or fax machines.

Cable VoIP Service Providers

Cable VoIP service providers have bundled their phone and fax service together with its cable television service, and in some instances, its Internet services as well. Most cable providers use the term “digital” to describe their VoIP phone and fax service, but they are still providing VoIP over an Internet network. Cable VoIP service companies differ from state-to-state, so not all service plans are available countrywide.

Choosing the type of VoIP service provider that’s best for you depends on how much service you need and your budget. Cable VoIP is more expensive, however you are receiving more than just phone and fax service and bundling plans lowers the cost. Businesses and homeowners who don’t want to do away with phone and fax equipment find residential VoIP service economical, while more Internet-savvy people go with peer-to-peer VoIP service. Whatever your lifestyle may be, with the evolution of VoIP technology, there is a type of VoIP service provider to meet your faxing needs.