It's a small world after all.  Gone are the days when you would be charged exorbitant fees, just for the "privilege" of speaking to a family member on the other side of the world.  Today, more and more consumers are using new VoIP service to become part of technological globalization.  What's more important, they're seeing the gaps quickly close between distant family members.

The popularity of the Internet has made the concept of globalization more real and achievable to consumers the world over.  We can freely and easily communicate with anyone, anywhere, through email, live chat and video conferencing.  Thanks to the Internet, borders have been overcome and distances reduced.  Families seem closer, and businesses are able to take advantage of a true global market. 

A big part of this new worldwide intimacy is VoIP telephone service.   This new kid on the technological block is a blessing to countless users who love to call friends, and need to make business contacts, all over the globe.  New VoIP technology allows us to make virtually unlimited calls for the least possible cost.

VoIP, (Voice over Internet Protocol), allows Internet users to make calls to anywhere in the world, using an ordinary telephone.  The difference is that instead of using a traditional landline service, VoIP service utilizes existing broadband Internet lines.  The service is so similar to traditional phone lines, the person at the other end of the line would have no idea that the call was being made through VoIP.

Over the course of the year, many people save hundreds or even thousands of dollars placing their phone calls through VoIP service.  The incredible ease and flexibility of this type of system will allow callers to hold telephone numbers in different countries.  For example, let's say that you live in Canada, but your company is based in Scotland.  Depending on your VoIP provider, you can hold a Scotland phone number.  That way, every call you make to your company will be considered a local call, and will not be subject to long distance or international service fees.

Most VoIP providers will give you an adapter that can be connected to your existing phone and router or broadband Internet modem.  The provider then bills you at a fixed monthly rate.  As a VoIP user, you can still use your old phone for both domestic and international calls.

You can choose from a number of VoIP service providers, each offering different plans.  Once you've chosen your provider, you can then choose the best package to meet your individual calling needs.  While the individual VoIP providers offer services at varying costs, in the end you'll pay a similar rate regardless of which provider you choose.  The main difference is in the packages offered.

Comparing VoIP service providers is important, and choosing the best one can be tricky.  No matter which VoIP service provider you choose, make sure to inquire about their area of coverage, and verify the countries where the free calls will apply.  Almost all VoIP providers offer common calling services such as voice mail, caller ID, call forwarding and call waiting.

Among the top VoIP providers are Vonage, Skype, Lingo, TelExtreme, Packet8, BroadVox Direct and VoIP Net.  The extensive list of servers also includes Verizon, Vonics and SunRocket.

* Skype:  A popular choice of students, Skype offers free calls between personal computers.  It is now becoming a byword among business users. 

*  Packet8:  With unlimited calling plans for Asia, Canada and Europe, Packet8 is highly recommended for businesses.

*  TelExtreme:  The extreme element of this service seems to be the price.  At $59 per month, it's more expensive than other VoIP providers.  Users are also required to buy the adapter at $199. 

*  Vonage:  This popular plan is a good choice for businesses, providing services to tens of thousands of customers.  Small business can opt for the easily affordable $49.99 plan, allowing unlimited calls to Canada and the United States.  

*  VoIP.Net:  $44.95 with unlimited calls within the United States and Canada

*  Lingo:  This VoIP service provider offers an unlimited plan for phone calls to Canada and United States, plus seventeen other countries in Europe.  Lingo is a great choice for businesses that regularly place international calls, as users can take 15 local numbers in different countries.
 
While VoIP service is relatively cheap as compared to traditional landline service, it does not mean that the quality of service is below par.  VoIP calls are far from inferior, and the reception is sometimes clearer than regular phone lines.  This exceptional quality, coupled with the big savings, is why so many people are switching to VoIP telephone service.

Browse online for more information on comparing VoIP service providers.  You'll find all the information you need to choose the best service for your individual calling needs.