Despite the fact that voice over internet protocol is a modern way of calling, the phones are not as modern as the voice over internet protocol service. However, in the recent past, Wi-Fi VoIP providers such as Vonage as well as Skype have been able to provide Wi-Fi VoIP Phones that are modern, compact and wireless. These phones are also sometimes used as the usual landline phones, except they use VoIP.
Wi-Fi VoIP Phones use wireless internet connection and do not require a computer to function. The WI-FI VoIP Phones have been made to look sleek and introduced to the phone market with a hope of enticing buyers to opt for not only the sleek Wi-Fi VoIP Phones but use Wi-Fi VoIP services as well, that are far cheaper than the traditional phone services.
There are two main players in the Wi-Fi VoIP consumer services segment. Using a common version of technological standard called SIP is the Skype company. The only shortcoming is that Skype certified WI-FI VoIP phones are not compatible with the other WI-FI VoIP phone maker Vonage services. Likewise, Vonage WI-FI VoIP phones are not compatible with Skype Wi-Fi VoIP services.
The other Wi-Fi VoIP service providers are SunRocket, AT&T CallVantage and BroadVoice have services that resemble traditional phone services or plans. They do charge extra fees for calls made to certain foreign countries, while charging flat rates for local calls.
The other strong WI-FI VoIP phones service provider Skype, MSN, AOL as well as Yahoo are able to provide free calling to other members through their Wi-Fi VoIP services. Everyone using their services can call each other without paying; the only ones who pay are those calling different Wi-Fi VoIP service providers who are not members.
Just like the traditional phones, WI-FI VoIP phones through a broadband internet connection have to be connected to a service provider. New phones such as the UT Starcom F1000 series from the Vonage as well as the all-new Netgear SPH101 for Skype are all connected through WI-FI VoIP and incorporated with all the latest VoIP software. These phones are able to work anywhere as long as they are within the range of the WI-FI VoIP connection despite switching off the computer.
There are several differences between the traditional phones and the WI-FI VoIP phones. The sound quality of the two WI-FI VoIP phones from Skype and Vonage was found to be excellent compared to the traditional cell phone, though it all depends on the individual internet connection.
You might experience quality issues with the WI-FI VoIP phones from both providers, especially between six and seven at night when everyone is using the internet. Both Netgear as well as UT Starcom WI-FI VoIP phones are not able to work at Wi-Fi hot spots where you are required to sign-in from a Web browser.