SOHO VoIP

Features to look for:

• unlimited incoming calls
• whitelist and call blocking
• basic SMS
• ATA option (like magicjack adapter)

Termonology

• softphone: a software program for making telephone calls over the Internet using a general purpose computer, tablet or smartphone
• BYOD: Bring Your Own Device, meaning a hardware setup that will allow you to use your regular phone (ATA) or a special phone that connects directly to VoIP networks (IP Phone).
• ATA: Analog Telephone Adapter, a device used to connect one or more standard analog telephones to a digital telephone system such as Voice over IP.
• IP Phone: IP Phone using voice over IP (VoIP). Phone calls are made from the IP Phone over an IP network such as the Internet instead of the ordinary PSTN system.

CallHippo

• Up to $18/mo to have an inbound number, too expensive starting point.

MagicJack

• No SMS
• avg $3.00/mo

MightyCall

• Too expensive

Ooma

• not completely free as they claim, you will pay a monthly bill regulatory taxes and fees
• requires special proprietary equipment that is costly

PhonePower

• avg $8.33/mo start

ViaTalk

• Too expensive after 1yr promo ends

VoIP.ms

• pay per minute model, however, rates are pennies.

Features include: call waiting, voicemail and caller ID, voicemail to email and DID forwarding, complete list:

• +3-way calling +Audio Conferencing +Call Encryption +Call Forwarding +Call Hunting +Call Recordings +Callback +Caller ID Filtering +Calling Queues +Call Waiting

+Digital Receptionist (IVR) +DISA +Do not Disturb +Failover +Music On Hold +Phone book Groups +Ring Groups +Recordings +Sequences +Speed Dial +Time Conditions +Unlimited SIP URI Calling +Voicemail

Configurations: Asterisk, FreePBX, Talkswitch, Trixbox, LinkSys PAP2T, Cisco SPA2100, X-Lite, Zoiper, PBX Systems, ATA Adapters, Softphones

You need a SIP or IAX2 compatible phone.

VoIPo / HostGator

• $149 for 2 years or $6.21/mo

VoIPo is owned by HostGator, which is fine. However, they (in the past) did run a false marketing ploy on their homepage which leads you to believe that a special event sell is ending in a few hours. Everyday the clock resets and the sale is back on. This is false advertising and demonstrates that you cannot trust the company. This is an automatic disqualification.

Vonage

• Too expensive