VoIP by Vonage
The early leader in VoIP
Vonage has jumped out to the early lead in the number of VoIP service subscribers. They are the most aggressive marketers of VoIP, but whether they will be able to retain their lead is another question. There are a growing number of complaints about Vonage. Even their IPO (initial public offering) has been a source of disappointment.
Features
Their features include a low base rate for service and cheap international rates. They also emphasize that you can "keep your own number." Vonage911 is a direct address of an issue of some concern for all VoIP services. Caller ID and Voicemail Plus (playback messages over the phone or through e-mail, etc.) are standard features with Vonage.
Prices*
- $14.99 per month for their Basic 500 Plan - 500 minutes per month anywhere in the U.S., Puerto Rico or Canada ($29.99 activation fee).
- $24.99 for their Premium Unlimited Plan that allows 500 minutes to calls in North America as well as calls to U.K., France, Ireland, Italy and Spain.
- The Small Business Basic Plan is $39.99 per month for 1,500 minutes anywhere in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
- The Small Business Premium Plan is $49.99 per month with unlimited calling to anywhere in North America as well as the U.K., Ireland, France , Italy and Spain. This includes a dedicated fax line.
Call quality
The sound quality for Vonage is rated "very clear" by most users.
Service reliability
The service reliability is rated "fine" for Vonage by reviewers. There are complaints about too many dropped calls, hidden fees and fine print in the contracts. However, this seems par for the course in the industry; the root cause of problems may not be Vonage.
Customer service
Vonage also gets low marks from subscribers who ran into trouble with Vonage service. Few complaints seem to acknowledge the company's strict policy that all cancellations of service are to be done by calling their toll-free number; service cancellation cannot be done online. The cancellation process should take about 10 minutes.
Broadband type
Cable and DSN.
*all prices quoted in yourguide2voip are subject to change at any time.
