Sorry, Mum can't come to the phone. She's googling VoIP services.

What is a "VoIP" service? A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service allows you to make and receive telephone calls using a broadband (fast) Internet connection instead of your regular telephone line. To do this, you need a either a special VoIP handset or an adapter for your regular phone. And just like a traditional phone service, you have to pay a VoIP-service provider for the calls you make.

Why would I want one? Simple: cheaper calls. On a basic monthly plan at Telstra, local calls cost 30 cents each. The further away from home you call, the higher the fee. VoIP calls typically cost around 10 cents, untimed, anywhere in Australia. Mobile and international calls are cheaper too.

What are the drawbacks? You will probably still have the pay the rental on your regular telephone line - because without it you won't have your broadband. Also, you can't use a VoIP service in a power outage, and with some Internet-telephony services you can't contact 000.

A VoIP handset, like this one from NetComm, looks similar to a traditional telephone.

Where do I get one? There are now more than a dozen VoIP providers in Australia. Many of these are Internet Service Providers (ISPs) who have added telephone services to their catalogue of products. As a starting point, try Skype, Freshtel, MyNetFone, Engin, iiNet and GoTalk.
 
How much does it cost? There are many different plans available. As with traditional phone plans, you pay a monthly fee to access a provider's VoIP service. These fees range from zero dollars up to as high as $50 per month. Calls and inclusions also vary from provider to provider, but the average is around ten cents per call within Australia and 29 cents per call to mobiles.

Where can I find out more? An in-depth, easy-to-understand VoIP guide for consumers can be found at  www.voipchoice.com.au.

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