So you're thinking of switching to VOIP? Congratulations!

With all the great features and service that VOIP has to offer, it's no wonder more and more people are making the switch and saving money with VOIP. But this begs the question: With so many VOIP companies out there, how do you know which one is the best?

Well of course the answer to that is going to be subject to debate. Everyone probably thinks THEIR company is the best so it really is a matter of opinion. But there are a few things you can look into as you're researching different companies to get a feel for which one might be best for you and your particular VOIP needs.

Contract Terms

First of all, is there a contract? Just like cell phone companies typically do, VOIP companies might also want to put you under contract for a period of time. So what's the period of time and what is the penalty for closing your account early if you decide to do so? You probably can't do much about this, but at least you can find out ahead of time what each company's policy is and use that info to help you choose your VOIP provider.

Installation and Setup Costs

Do they charge for installation and setup or is this something they let you do yourself. Similar to your broadband internet company, your VOIP provider might have a couple of installation options. One might be geared towards techies who know the ins and outs of computers and want to simply set up the equipment themselves while other plans might include professional installation and setup. You should also find out if you will need any additional equipment not already provided by your VOIP company.

Handling of Emergency Services Calls

You should also ask how your VOIP provider handles 911 emergency calls. Unfortunately, some VOIP services aren't tied in to the 911 system and this can quickly move them to the bottom of your list of potential companies to work with. Then again, on the opposite end of the spectrum, some VOIP carriers offer Enhanced 911 service, where 911 calls using your VOIP service automatically send your name, location and other info. These companies might quickly find themselves at the top of your list.

Many consumers are making the switch to VOIP technology as an alternative to traditional phone service. Though there are some limitations from some companies, such as the emergency calling problem mentioned above or uncompetitive pricing, it's relatively easy to find a VOIP company that will meet all of your needs. With prices anywhere from $9 to $35 per month for quality calls including most of the features that come as "extras" on a standard phone line, it's likely that more and more people will start using VOIP service in the coming years.

Isn't it time you considered making the switch?