Can someone tell me how Vonage phone service works?

Question

Do I have to buy expensive equipment to get it? I looked at their website and it said something about a router, but it didn't say how much it costs. It also said something about installation fees and other fees. I also would like to know if I can use the phone and my computer at the same time if I have it installed.

Answer 1

vonage uses a system called voice over internet phone... you'll need a voip phone to use this system and an internet connection. the phone can be bought from vonage...i'm not exactly sure how much it cost...(currently using another service other than vonage... )

the speed and how clear the calls will be depends on the speed of your internet connection...if the server goes down by your internet provider, the phone network also goes down.

for calls to be free...you need to call someone who is also using a voip phone....if you call with your vonage phone a landline or another cellphone number outside of the vonage network...they charge per minute for those calls. so  very careful with that or else you might be surprise with your bill.

and people at different places have different call rates....

and there are lots of hidden fees... fees for getting the phone, fees for installing the phone to your computer (if you can't do it yourself)...fees for calls outside the vonage network... read the fine print.

Answer 2

This illustration should explain to you how Vonage works

http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/images/...

Answer 3

vongage is VOIP Ooice Over Inter Protical, it runs through your phone line and your computer

i has it for 6 months and it was thre worst, worst worst phone service in the world, i would rather talk on a tin can with a stingthen use any VOIP serfice, plus, since it runs on a moden, if your moden ever goes down, you loose your pohne service, and you have to sign a dsiaclimaer before install that if your moden goes down and you need to amke say a 911 call and your pohone does not work becausethe moden is down, Vongage is NOT liable, stay away from VOIP, the euipment is free, but not worth it trust me after 6 month i cancelled it nobosy could her me my phoneline kept break up, my service provider told me"Yeswe have a problem on the line, but we have no idea what the problem is or how ti fix it" so much for that type service

Answer 4

These pages outline the cost of Vonage Routers:

http://www.vonage.ca/products.php?lid=na...

https://www.vonage.com/static/proteus/de...

Routers/ATA's are required to access Vonage network services. (just like any other VoIP service does)

These pages reveal all the Vonage hidden or extra costs:

http://www.vonage.com/help.php?category=...

You do your own installation after you receive your Vonage equipment in the mail.  If you need assistance doing so, or if you don't understand how to install yourself, then you may need to hire a technician to do the installation for you..... in which case, you will have to pay that technician for his services...  Vonage does not pay for that.... it's a do-it-yourself installation... or pay someone else to help... same as all other VoIP services...

Yes, you can use the Vonage phone and computer at the same time... as long as you have DSL or Cable HighSpeed Internet connection.

Answer 5

All you really need is high-speed Internet...any kind....DLS....cable or wifi-max/fixed like clearwire.com (I use  that)

after you sign up....thy will send you a vonage modem and the cat5 cables...plug it in....go online to register and your done!

it becomes a little tricky if you have a home-network setup...then you have to mess with the router, but there is so much help our there.....just follow instructions and you will be fine....!

First do some research....like go to www.broadband.com... most Americans need everything spoon-feed, but is you like a challenge then go for it!!! just keep in mind the cancellation fees, and the giving away your good landline number!! I use VoIP for over 5 years now, and I have been very happy....I use a DECT.60 VoIP phone with build-in router and firewall....just plug-it in and make calls, nothing to set up!! you will find that ppl just love there service or hate it!!

and yes, you can use other SIP or VoiP ( only thru your USB port)  service with it...I do!!