Tips and information on dialup, dsl, cable, satellite, wireless internet access & VoIP services. Special offer from the <a href="http://www.isp-reviews.org/" target="_blank" >best ISP / VoIP providers</a>. http://www.isp-reviews.org/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Mon, 4 Aug 2008 12:24:33 +0800 Mon, 4 Aug 2008 11:35:45 +0800 FeedForAll v2.0 (2.0.2.9) http://www.feedforall.com
First of all, check for service availability.  Some ISP resellers have installed sophisticated technology which allows you to find available ISPs in your area and make side by side comparison simply by entering your phone number.

Consider your own need, what do you do most on the internet?  Do you use it for email and occasional browsing?  Do you play a lot of real-time online game or download large files frequently?  In the latter case, choose an ISP providing the highest connection speed at affordable price.

Do you have small children in the family?  If so, find one providing free parental control and the most comprehensive entertainment pack.

Read the terms and conditions of each plan carefully.   Many ISPs require you to sign up for one year contract and there is a penalty if termination is requested before the contract period ends.   If you have to sign up for 1 year contract, seek out those which give you 30 day money back guarantee.  Otherwise, go with the service providers that allow monthly subscription without commitment.

Which internet access do you prefer?  DSL or Cable internet?  Both DSL and Cable internet have their own advantages and disadvantages.  If you are not familiar with these two internet technologies, read the DSL vs Cable Internet comparison first.

Check the reputation of individual ISP.   Do they provide good technical support?  Can they provide stable internet access?  You can read some online reviews but the best way is to check with your neighbors.  

To sum up, price is not the only thing to consider when choosing an ISP, think of your own need, your family structure, ask around your neighbors and pick one with good reputation.   Using the online comparison tools can also help you save time in the process.]]> http://www.isp-reviews.org/isp-tips.htm 7F6E6969-2B97-48AE-9A4C-64CDC00BD721 Mon, 4 Aug 2008 11:35:45 +0800
Since the voice signal is transmitted over the internet and is considered as data service,  VoIP phone service is exempted from long distance fees paid by local phone companies. This means that VoIP service can offer a very attractive rate for long distance and international calls. VoIP broadband phone service often comes with additional service such as caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, conference call, etc. But unlike analog phone companies, broadband phone providers often offer these services for free.

Some VoIP broadband phone providers also allow you to choose a virtual phone number with country / area code different from where you live. If you select a virtual number for a region where most of your family, friends or customers reside, they will only be charged for local calls when they call your virtual number.

The main benefit of VoIP phone service is obviously the cost. A VoIP phone line is not only cheaper than an analog phone line, it gives you additional savings to make and receive long distance and international calls. The package of free features (call waiting, call forwarding, caller ID) is an additional bonus. If you use a virtual phone number, you can even help your family, friends and customers to save on long distance calls when they call you from other areas or countries.

Certain precautions should be taken when using broadband phone service:
1)  VoIP phone relies on broadband internet to transmit the digital signal. If your internet connection is of poor quality, it will also affect the quality of phone calls.
2)  VoIP phone service does not work when there is power outage or when your internet connection is down.
3)  The 9-1-1 service provided by VoIP service is also slightly different from traditional phone line because it is not associated with a fixed address. In case of emergency, the 9-1-1 service centre may not be able to determine your location based on your phone number. It is the user’s responsibility to update their current address with the VoIP phone provider to make sure that emergency help can be dispatched to your location promptly.
4)  There are many VoIP companies around, some are better than the others.  Read some VoIP comparisons and reviews before signing up for any service.

In summary, VoIP broadband phone provides great savings and many benefits over traditional phone lines when making long distance calls. However, if it is used as the primary phone, certain precautions should be taken. It is a good idea to install a backup power supply or get a cellular phone as a backup. VoIP phone also requires high quality broadband connection. Customers are advised to read more about how VoIP technology works, its benefits and limitations when they choose a VoIP phone provider.]]> C90D5F84-80C3-4B79-A785-89B3AAB243E5 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:46:34 +0800 Cable internet access from Comcast for only $19.99 per month + free cable modem + free wireless router + $100 cash back.

DSL high speed internet access from Verizon for $17.99/m + free wireless router + free entertainment pack + $75 cash back

Qwest DSL Deluxe is only $26.99/m.  It provides download speed up to 1.5Mbps.

AT&T high speed internet starts at $14.99/m with free modem and special cash back when you make the switch from cable internet.

Both Vonage and ATT provide 1 month free VoIP phone service when you sign up for their monthly plans.

For more information on ISP/VoIP deals, please visit our site (Best ISP/VoIP providers).]]> http://www.isp-reviews.org/ D4DA8087-384E-4022-A4D4-396784276DF0 Mon, 7 Apr 2008 16:31:29 +0800 VoIP service provider?

1) Monthly fee is not your first priority, quality service is. With keen competition in the market today, price difference among individual companies is very small.

2) Service - Look for quality and reliable service. The quality of VoIP service also depends on broadband connection speed. If you want to use some standalone VoIP providers, make sure you also have high quality broadband connection.

3) Customer support - The company should provide good customer support including 24 hours phone support 7 days a week.

4) Satisfaction guarantee - Most companies require you to sign a 1 year contract. Choose a company that provides satisfaction guarantee or free trial. If you don't like their service, you can terminate it within 30 days without paying a penalty fee.

5) Company size - Large companies are often better run and have more sophisticated equipments and facilities than small companies.

6) Service plans - Some plans provide unlimited local and long distance calls; some even provide unlimited global calls to international cities. Choose a plan that is most suitable for your need.

7) Local area codes - Find a VoIP provider which can offer a local area code. Otherwise, your friends living in your area will be charged for long distance calls when they call you using an analog phone.

8) Additional features - Call forwarding, call waiting, conference call, caller ID, call filtering are all very useful bonuses. Many VoIP companies provide these services for free.

9) E911 - Make sure the VoIP provider offers E911 service (enhanced 911), which allows your name and address to be given to local dispatch center automatically during an emergency.

10) User reviews - Read some online customer reviews as a reference. However, bear in mind that these reviews can be tainted and the quality of VoIP service is affected by many factors. If in doubt, call the companies to express your concern and ask for clarification.

For a listing of top VoIP Providers and VoIP comparisons, visit our site at http://www.isp-reviews.org/.]]> http://www.isp-reviews.org/voip_provider_tips.htm 034F7CD9-8402-4359-B94F-FA081E8153D1 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:43:06 +0800