Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoiP, is a promising technology providing calls at really low rates compared to the old POTS (plain old telephone service) rates. You have probably heard about Skype and the way it is providing connection via the Internet not only to people within your country, but worldwide (this is not to be confused with Skype Instant Messaging which is not VoiP -- Instant Messaging is something else).

VoiP does not require you to be fixed to a computer with headphones and microphone; in fact, VoiP at its best will give you a small device called an ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter) into which you can plug your old telephone and through your broadband service (via Cable, or ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)) you can make ordinary phone calls from your phone to any other phone in the world at rates way below anything you have seen before.

Choosing a VoiP Provider is not only a matter of quality of sound but also the actual service provided. Chances are that Skype will not be the right service for you. Skype is a worldwide system based in Europe and which provides services Internationally with rates in your local area that are sourced internationally. You are likely to find a local provider that can offer better rates and service than Skype. For example in USA Vonage, Packet 8, and Lingo are likely to be better for you than Skype.

The "How Lingo Works" page at Lingo is a good example of a VoiP service that offers great rates and a local Phone Adapter that makes calling from your own normal phone easy. If you don't live in the USA, Lingo maybe still a great choice. Lingo provides services in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, guatemala, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, UK and USA.

If you want more options from which to choose you could of course visit whichvoip.com if you live in the USA. You can also visit myvoipprovider.com if you are UK based, or if you live in Germany you will see a range of VoiP Providers at myVoiPProvider.com Germany, or if you live in Australia you can visit a similar site at OzInternetPhones.com.