Residential VOIP Service
Residential VOIP Service by Voipo
In its residential VOIP service, the Voipo offers the Internet based Telephonic service to its customers. This service is for Home or Home based office use. With this residential plan Voipo offers its customers to make and receive unlimited number of phone calls to the United States of America and Canada regions. The great thing and the beauty of the service is that these phone calls can be made or received with a regular phone that the user may have at its home or office. The customer needs not to have a special high cost setup for using the VOIP Residential Phone service from Voipo. What they need just include a regular phone and a high speed Internet connection.
The subscription to the residential VoIP service of VoIPo is quite cheap and economic in use. The VOIPo residential VoIP plan offers a year of service for $99. But it does not end here. This purchase of 99 US dollars includes a free phone adapter, free activation, and free shipping too. VoIPo does not charge anything extra for these things. The plan offers residential users unlimited calling to the US and Canada and 60 minutes of free international calling each month. The user can use these freebies for any type of phones either VoIP or PSTN switch based regular phone numbers.
The residential VoIP plan from VoIPo is a full home phone service package which replaces a land line phone and does not require any huge setup for use and not even a computer. Although, the computer is not required for use of this VoIP service, yet if the user is interested to use a soft phone (a telephone utility software on computer which can be used in place of a hardware phone), the user is free to use this with a computer also. If the user is using a regular phone connected to high speed Internet, then it is not compulsory to switch on the computer in order to make a call. Rather, the call can be directly made if the Internet connection is working. This is not all over here, but the user of VOIP Service of Voipo can continue using its Internet surfing while using the VOIP Telephonic Service. Voipo allows web surfing while making and receiving VoIP calls simultaneously. It shares the bandwidth connection with other LAN computers and prioritizes voice.
VoIP Service can be used for calling to or receiving the call from any phone number whether it is a VoIP phone or a regular PSTN phone. The call can be made and received from any location and region across the globe.
The residential VoIP plan from Voipo includes about thirty eight different features relating to telephonic calling. It provides the great advantageous service of voice mail too, in which the user can accept the voice messages from the caller when it is not possible to take a call. The caller ID facility is also included that displays the phone number from which a call is coming. The luxury of call waiting facility and three way calling service add to the value of the package. Voipo also provides a free second line, call hunting facility, and many more overwhelming features in its residential VoIP Phone package. Following is a brief description of the calling features provided with the Residential VoIP Service of VoIPo:
i. 7, 10, and 11 Digit Dialing: In this service feature, all the dialing methods are handled and fully functional whether phone number if of seven, ten or eleven digits. This feature is available with each and every account.
ii. Caller ID w/ Name: All subscription accounts of Residential Service of VoIPo include fully functional Caller ID with both name as well as number.
iii. Call Waiting: While the service is in use for a voice communication, and it senses another incoming call on the line, the user receives a subtly noticeable pulse as another party dials in. This also let the other dialing party to know with a message that the person called is busy on another call. The dialing party may chose to dial again after some time or stay hold waiting for the response of the called person. This can be understood with a simple example. Suppose a voice communication is going on between two persons ‘A’ and ‘B’ through Voipo Residential Service of ‘A’. During their call, another person ‘C’ calls on the number of ‘A’. In this case, ‘C’ will get a message stating that ‘A’ is busy with another call. ‘C’ can either disconnect the line to try calling after some time or it may chose to wait for response from ‘A’. On the other side, ‘A’ will receive a short but noticeable pulse tone in its line and will come to know that some other person is calling. ‘A’ can choose to switch between the calls of ‘B’ and ‘C’. Whenever receives a waiting call, it can switch between the two calls by simply hitting the flash button on the device. The switching of the call is allowed back and forth between callers.
iv. Call Waiting ID: Caller ID works for calls in wait too. Whenever another call is received while the line is already in use, the full Caller ID (including the name and the number of the calling party) is displayed in the caller ID panel.
v. Three Way Calling: this feature allows a three way conferencing facility. While the line is in use with another party, the person can simply press the flash button over on the phone device and dial out to another number as required. Once the call is connected, the person can press the flash button again and all the three parties will be joined on one line and can talk together to each other just like in a conference call.
vi. Call Forwarding: the subscriber can chose to forward all the incoming calls to an alternate number with a simple click of a button. The forwarding of calls is activated almost instantly to the alternative phone number as chosen. The great and extended feature added to this facility is that the subscriber can set some custom rules for call forwarding. This can allow the forwarding of the incoming calls to multiple phone numbers based on the custom predefined criteria as created. This is extended feature called Custom Inbound Call Routing. This facility can be very beneficial and comforting for a small office application or a small call center type of service.
vii. Call Blocking: the subscribers of Residential Service of Viopo are allowed to block calls based upon their own unique predefined criteria. The rules and criteria of call blocking can be met with a simple and easy to use web based vPanel account. vPanel is in fact a web based control panel attached with the account of the subscriber. The subscriber can add specific numbers to the block list, or create its own custom rules such as blocking entire area codes, or allowing only a ‘white list’ of contacts to be able to dial in. This provides a complete custom control over the incoming calls to the line.
viii. Do Not Disturb: DND or the Do Not Disturb service allows the subscriber to automatically forward all the incoming calls directly to voice mail box where the caller can leave a voice message for the subscriber. Alternatively, the caller may be given a busy tone whenever it calls. The subscriber can take the advantage of this service in case it is not in a state of not interested in taking a call.
ix. *67 Outbound Caller ID Blocking: This feature can be used for hiding the identity of the subscriber while making an outbound call. If the subscriber does not wish to disclose its information on a particular call it can simply dial “*67” before making the call and this will automatically block the outgoing Caller ID avoiding forwarding the callers information in the call.
x. *69 Call Return: This feature allows the subscriber to make an automatic call back to the last calling person. The subscriber can swiftly call back the last person who called its VOIPo number by dialing *69, so there is no need to remember the number always.
xi. Transfer In Your Current Number: There is no need to change the phone number too. Most of the times, it is possible to get the Voipo Residential service with retaining the old number of the subscriber, if any. The process for the number transfer is made quite easy and simple with porting process. The subscriber just need to fax or email in a one page authorization form to Voipo and the Voipo Team takes care of the rest formalities and do the needful for the transfer of the service in the current number of the subscriber. The subscriber can also check and trace the status of its transfer application processing online. It is also provided with a facility of calling in and speaking directly with a friendly VOIPo porting specialist who can help knowing all the status and formalities required in the process.
xii. Choose Your Own Area Code: With Voice Over IP technology in Residential Service of Voipo, a phone number is no longer bound to a geographical location or region. The subscriber can choose a number from over 7,000 locations and areas codes across the country.
xiii. Keep Your Number If You Move: Even if the subscriber is relocating or planning to relocate from its original location, it needs not to change it number. With VOIPo, as the phone numbers are location bound, so the subscriber can keep its number and continue the service with it regardless of the location.
xiv. Texas Based Technical Support Team: Based in the Lone Star State, the professional Sales and Support Specialists of Voipo team stay ready and waiting to assist its subscribers for different technical and non technical issues. The subscriber can contact a live American Representative toll free at 877-99-VOIPO, or via email at support@voipo.com.
xv. Portable VoIP Device: with each subscription, Voipo provides the subscriber with a VOIP device, free of charge. This is in fact a Plug n Play device quite easy to use. The subscriber can plug this device in at home, or take it with them on the road. The choice is stays with the user for its convenience and freedom of usage.
xvi. Soft phone Access: VOIPo allows all users the option of utilizing software based phones. Although the users are free to use their regular home phone as a VoIP phone with the sport of Internet, yet they can chose to use a software phone with more features as available.
xvii. E911 Service: All accounts come with online 911 service enabled. With this facility, the subscriber can quickly update the address a 911 operator would receive within the simplicity of its vPanel account.
xviii. 711 Service: 711 service is the Telecommunications Relay Service of Voipo which is considered as a deaf and blind relay, hereby provides complete security whiling relaying the service.
xix. 411 Directory Assistance: 411 “Information” is the Directory Assistance service of Voipo. This facility is available to all users of Voipo services.
xx. Custom Caller ID: with its Custom Caller ID Feature, the Voipo service allows the dynamic list of vPanel contacts to override the default network Caller ID with the description of choice of the subscriber. This is particularly useful for receiving calls from a cell phone or other source that does not send a traditional Caller ID details.
xxi. Contacts List: With this feature in the Residential Service from Voipo, the subscriber can add and manage an unlimited amount of contact names from within vPanel, a simple and easy to use web based control panel application. Additionally, the subscriber can create customized contact groups like family, work, and friend (or any others as required). The Contacts System of Voipo Application is fully integrated with other vPanel features including ‘Customer Caller ID’ and ‘Call Routing’.
xxii. Online Call Logs: Details of each and every call made from an account on the VOIPo network is instantly logged and displayed online for the convenience and security of the subscriber. The subscriber can monitor and maintain its usage of the service in a better manner this way.
xxiii. Unlimited Speed Dial: the subscriber of Voipo Services can create as many speed dial codes as it can remember and want to use. With a few clicks, the subscriber can seamlessly and easily add or modify speed dial functionality for specific numbers and contacts.
xxiv. Advanced Voice mail: Voice mail is the feature in Voipo service for the modern, technology equipped world. With Voipo’s Advanced Voice mail feature, in addition to the ability to check the messages over the phone the subscriber can also chose to get the notifications be delivered directly to its email (message included). Not only this, if the subscriber needs more accessibility the Voipo thought to provide that too, and incorporated short and sweet US SMS (text) based notifications as well.
xxv. View Voice mail Online: The subscribers have the luxury to jump on the web and listen to their new and saved voice mail messages instantly. This feature is enabled with the complete simplicity of their vPanel account.
xxvi. Voice mails E-Mailed: The subscriber of residential service of Voipo can simply specify an email address, and Voipo will automatically send a notification when someone has left a voice mail for the subscriber. The subscriber can also chose the settings to end the voice mail message to the e-mail inbox as an attachment in a .wav file format. This way the subscriber has very less chances to miss a voice mail message.
xxvii. Voice mail SMS Notifications: Voipo has come up with SMS (text) notifications as an additional method for voice mail alerts. The subscriber can chose to receive a short, concise ‘text’ message with just the essentials including Caller ID, Number, Date and Time, and the message length. The textual notification is short enough to fit into a single ‘text’ with all major US carriers.
xxviii. Distinctive Ring tones: This is a great service with lot of fun with which the subscriber can get to know who is calling on the phone without even seeing or checking the phone. The subscriber can assign different ring tones to the known incoming calling users and immediately identify them when the ring tone rings.
xxix. Virtual Numbers: Virtual numbers can be added through your vPanel account. These numbers are unique, different phone numbers that ring through to the same line as the primary VOIPo number of the subscriber. Virtual numbers can be used only for incoming calls for multiple purposes.
xxx. Virtual Number Voice mail Boxes: Virtual Number Voice mail Boxes enable unique voice mail mailboxes at the disposal for each individual Virtual Number assigned to the account of the subscriber.
xxxi. Network Fail over Forwarding: This is a backup service for the cases of Power Break up or ISP service outage. With Fail over Forwarding, the subscriber can simply specify an alternative contact number and the Voipo system will automatically forward calls there when the subscriber is not connected to the Voipo network for any reasons.
xxxii. Custom Inbound Call Routing: This service is used for routing the incoming calls with the custom rule sets by the service subscriber and some predefined criteria.
xxxiii. Custom Outbound Call Routing: This service is used for routing the outgoing calls with the custom rule sets by the service subscriber and some predefined criteria.
xxxiv. Inbound SIP Address: If the subscriber needs an inbound SIP address Voipo provides the service. All the Voipo service accounts have one Inbound SIP Address associated in them by default.
xxxv. Outbound SIP Address Routing: this is the serviced by which the outgoing calls are routed via SIP address with ease.
xxxvi. Simultaneous Ring: The subscribers of the Voipo Services can add an additional phone number (of their cell phone, work phone, alternate home phone etc), and have it ring simultaneously with their VOIPo line.
xxxvii. Control Features by SMS: Voipo works with the dedication to serve the best to its subscriber with the strategy of “You asked, and we delivered”. Voipo offers its subscribers the facility to send simple and secure ‘text’ messages to its team from their cell phones to automatically configure their VOIPo account on the fly without bothering where they are and what they are doing.
In late December, VOIPo also plans to open up a beta program for its highly anticipated VoIP reseller program. The program will allow individuals and businesses to re-brand VOIPo services and sell VoIP services under their own brand. Resellers will pay VOIPo $24.95 monthly for a reseller account and then will purchase the services they sell at wholesale pricing giving them significant profit margins.
VOIPo is offering a year of home phone service at an economical cost of 99 US Dollars only. This service comes with virtually unlimited calling to the US and Canada and 60 minutes of free international calling monthly. Not only this, but a 30 days money back guaranty is also provided for assuring the customer for its safe investment.
The unenlightening thing for the users or the people interested in this great service is its limitation that the service is currently available in the US only. The virtually unlimited number of free calls to US and Canada are capped with a limit of 3000 minutes per month after which the calls are charged for pulse of every minute. Another limitation is the dependency of the service on Internet Connection. One needs to switch on its Internet Connection 24 X 7. For the time, the Internet connection is not available; the VoIP phone will not work. During this time it cannot be used either for making or for receiving the call. Power Backup hereby becomes an important need for uninterrupted phone connection in the case of VoIP phone.
The quality of voice over a VoIP phone highly depends on two primary factors. One of these factors is the amount of bandwidth available that commands the speed of the Internet connection. Technical experts do not recommend VoIP through a dial up connection or any other Internet account that offers a “low” bandwidth. The low bandwidth and hereby the lower speed of data communication causes severe loss of quality depending upon the amount of congestion on the Internet. The bandwidth limitations may also cause to packet loss, latency, and jitters in communication. Another major factor in the quality of voice communication over Internet is the IP Endpoints connected, and whether there are additional components that are providing processing power to improve the connection. The data processing speed of the two connected end points also plays an important role in dominating the communication quality.
In bulleted points form, the residential service of Voipo can be summarized as follows:
This service is available for home or home office use
This service allows making and receiving calls to/from any phone in any global region
This service needs a regular phone backed with a high speed Internet
Service for entire year comes for 99 US Dollars only
This service allows Unlimited Calling to US and Canada
The service comes with 60 Minutes of Free International Calling Each Month, although some of the countries are currently not included in this freebie package
The service comes with more than thirty five (in fact thirty eight) calling features including voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, three point calling,
The service offers a FREE second phone line to the subscriber.
No additional charges for the Phone Adapter (Use Regular Phones)
There is No Additional Activation charges
The service comes with a free priority mail shipping to serve to the buyer at the earliest.
The service offers a facility of Number Transfer with no additional costs.
No Cancellation Fees, the subscriber can cancel the subscription to the service and discontinue its use any time when required.
No Contract, hereby no enforced long term binding with the service. The subscriber can discontinue the subscription anytime when interested.
The services come with thirty days money back guaranty. The subscriber can evaluate the service for its needs and continue if suits. Otherwise the subscriber can claim for the money back.
Service is available in USA only but this can be used for making and receiving calls to/from anywhere in the world from any VoIP or regular phone.
Quality depends of the bandwidth of Internet connection and computing capabilities of connected endpoints.
Facility offers parallel Internet Surfing to the users.
The service does not need any huge setup of infrastructure and can be used like any regular phone.
Voipo is currently offering the residential VOIP service at an economic cost as low as 7.50 USD per month in a subscription package for 24 months.
The International call charges for residential service of Voipo are tabularized below:
S. No. Country Code Rate Package Eligible
1. Australia 61 0.04 Yes
2. Austria 43 0.26 Yes
3. Belgium 32 0.04 Yes
4. Brazil 55 0.08 No
5. Chile 56 0.05 Yes
6. China 86 0.02 Yes
7. Colombia 57 0.10 No
8. Cuba 53 1.42 No
9. Denmark 45 0.03 Yes
10. Egypt 20 0.20 No
11. France 33 0.02 Yes
12. Germany 49 0.03 Yes
13. Greece 30 0.05 No
14. Hungary 36 0.05 No
15. India 91 0.09 No
16. Indonesia 62 0.11 No
17. Italy 39 0.02 Yes
18. Japan 81 0.03 Yes
19. Mexico 52 0.13 No
20. Netherlands 31 0.03 Yes
21. New Zealand 64 0.05 Yes
22. Norway 47 0.04 Yes
23. Philippines 63 0.22 No
24. Poland 48 0.02 No
25. Romania 40 0.13 No
26. Russia 7 0.20 No
27. South Africa 27 0.07 No
28. South Korea 82 0.05 Yes
29. Spain 34 0.03 Yes
30. Sweden 46 0.04 Yes
31. Switzerland 41 0.04 Yes
32. Thailand 66 0.07 No
33. UK 44 0.03 Yes
34. Venezuela 58 0.06 No
35. Vietnam 84 0.20 No
Table 1: International Call Rates for Residential VoIP Service from Voipo