Talking on the phone today is a whole different animal from what it was several years ago. I remember about ten years ago when a cell phone was a luxury and almost 
everybody had a pager. Of course when somebody decided to beep you, if you were driving you would have to pull over and find a pay phone. In that time period, there was a pay phone at almost every corner so that was not a big issue. Then you had to make sure you carried some change around with you so you could make the call. They were to good old days.
Things today are a lot different. Phones have started to become so complex that it is a miracle you can still use these devices as phones. For most of us, having a cell phone and a landline is the common norm. In recent years, Voice Over IP phones have been taking the spotlight and for good reason. These devices can save you money and in some cases, lots of it. Simply put, they work with your current Internet system and network. You can usually get unlimited long distance at a very reasonable cost as compared to what you would pay for a copper phone line. I do recommend keeping at least the bare minimum service on a copper line for emergencies since many Voice over IP and cell phones cannot automatically tell a 911 operator where you are located.
The first option I am going to talk about is Magic Jack. This is probably the least expensive of all the options and promises you a nice solid connection. There are two versions of Magic Jack available. The first is the regular Magic Jack that requires a computer in order to work. The voice quality is good but if you are surfing at the same time you are talking, you will likely get some stutter in the voice. If you choose this option, try to have a separate computer for nothing but the Magic Jack. Setting the phone up is fairly easy and should only take you about 20 minutes or so.
The second option we are going to talk about is the Magic Jack plus. This is hands down the best way to go. The difference with the regular and the plus is that you do not need to use a computer. You will need the computer for the initial registration but that is it. Once the device is registered, you plug the phone into an available port on your router or switch and you are in business. At 29.99 a year, you cannot go wrong. I personally use the device for all my calls to Canada and the voice quality is almost always perfect. If you have a slower Internet you might get a stutter here and there but that is to be expected with any VOIP.
Both of the above products offer a full suite of options including voice mail, caller ID, call waiting and call forwarding. There are no extra costs to get these features. The only complaint is that Magic Jack does not have a number you can call if you have a problem. You have to use the online chat option.
Vonage is probably the next most popular of the VOIP options. Vonage does not have a small dongle that you can use on either the computer or the WiFi. Instead, it uses an adapter that plugs into your router or switch. It is more expensive then Magic Jack at around $26.00 a month versus $29.00 a year. Vonage also charges an extra $5.00 for an extension.
Another popular way to make phone calls is through Skype. If you and your calling buddies or family members have Skype also, you can literally make the calls for free. You will need a computer in order to use Skype but they also offer a variety of phones and adapters that you can plug into your router or switch. Calls to other Skype users is always free and for other types of calling you can get a multitude of plans from paying by the minute to an annual subscription. If you love a lot of different options, Skype is the one for you.
Wee there you have it, a list of ways to save a bundle on your phone bill. Did I mention that Magic Jack also has a handy app that allows you to make calls using your cell phone without using any of your cell phone minutes? This might not make a difference for some of you since many plans now have unlimited talk.
Article by, Ross Deprey
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