In this contemporary world, almost everyone is trying to save money on their monthly telephone bills. With the new internet telephony services, calling is made easier and cheaper as it is based on the packet switching technique, wherein calls are routed through the internet. In the packet switching technique of broadband VoIP phone services, the conversation of users are routed over internet fiber optics rather than coaxial wires.

The new and advanced telephony services allow users to cut down on bills. To make a call using broadband VoIP service, users require equipment like specific hardware and software. The hardware includes ATA, and a normal phone. A high speed broadband internet connection is another pre-requisite. The VoIP software is usually available on the internet. Moreover, they are easily downloaded onto the phones as well. The ATA digitalises the analog signal before routing the same over the internet. As a matter of fact, users experience internet telephony just like a regular telephone service.

The broadband VoIP phone services enable the users to make the most of add-on benefits such as easy transfer of images, videos and texts on the same network. This allows businesses or providers to save incredible amounts on bandwidth usage. Thereby, the cost of calls through VoIP telephone services is significantly lower as they are not based on the call durations. In addition, broadband services are enriched with enhanced call productivity. There is a greater productivity and efficient utilisation of scare resources, as it allows users to carry multitudinous jobs like mailing, chatting or surfing the internet, simultaneously. Considering the benefits of business phone service, business houses - especially the ones holding a global presence - are making the most of the bundled services available.

The bundled services include 3-way calling, caller ID, call conferencing, call forwarding and many more. The best part is that, users of the internet broadband services can avail VoIP services from anywhere across the globe. Consequently, it can be said that users are free to access calls without getting restricted to their computer terminals. They can make a call as well as receive a call from anywhere and at anytime without incurring great expenses.

As a matter of fact, voice over IP market is flooded away with solution providers. Therefore, users must search and research the providers that offer numerous services. Users must select VoIP solution providers that deal with wholesale carrier services, reseller programs and business solutions to their clients. This will ensure the best services from the providers in comparison to other providers. While opting for VoIP phone service, user must opt for providers that support features such as:

1. Functionality: This feature enables the users to carry multifarious job like calling and checking the mails simultaneously.
2. Reliability and Security: This feature satisfies the users that there data is saved over the IP process.
3. Scalability: This feature ensures that users can carry their phones anywhere around the world.

The VoIP internet phone service is getting popular among the next generation users as it provides one stop solution for making longer distance as well as international calls at lower rates.

To know more about these broadband phone services, visit: VoIP Internet Phone Service provided by one of the leading VoIP Providers.

In the last part of this guide I told you how to determine the speed of your broadband connection using online broadband speed tests to see if you're getting your money's worth, I also covered how to decide what speed of broadband you realistically need without spending needless extra amounts on bandwidth you aren't going to use.

Well now we move on to the usage section of this guide, due to the vast nature of the Internet it can be used in millions of different ways from talking to a family member halfway round the world to looking up the recipe for that cheesecake you enjoyed as a kid. Depending on how you use the Internet can determine whether you can get cheaper broadband or not.

Are limits any good?

Internet Service Suppliers provide Broadband to millions of people in this country, and each one has thousands in any one town or city. Providing a service to these customers is exactly like providing running water, in order to ensure everyone gets their fair share then sometimes limits have to be put in place, with internet suppliers you may be able to get a cheaper deal by agreeing that you will only use a certain amount per month.

This is normally measured in Gigabytes and is recommended for people who don't use the Internet that much, people who have opted for this service have found that their service is much quicker than the same speed group for people who are on unlimited download services. Obviously if you go over your limit then it is charged in a similar way to a mobile phone contract.

Unlimited on the other hand allows you to download to your heart's content with no fear of extra charges for being an Internet-fiend for one month. Unlimited plans have come under scrutiny in recent years in that they are not necessarily "unlimited" per say, in order to maintain the same quality of service to all their customers in your area your broadband supplier may have a fair-use policy, as if you are downloading movies and large files all the time then it will have an effect on other people's service. In these cases repeated offenders are normally sent a letter saying that they should lower their usage as it isn't fair to others, if the behaviour continues then it has been known for suppliers to indiscriminately lower the user's speed but not reduce the cost.

So for cases where you know you are not going to be downloading large files (typically less than 5gb/month) then you may like to consider looking into applying limits on your connection, it could be the key you need to cheap broadband!

Packages: Sweetening the deal

The lines between the Internet and traditional media such as Television and Radio have been blurred quite a bit in the past few years, with sites like Youtube and the BBC's iPlayer these days many people are looking to the World Wide Web for their fix of entertainment.

The Cable and Satellite companies have recognized this fact and have rolled with the punches, most media companies now offer cheaper rates on bundled packages, normally consisting of Broadband, TV and landline phones, Virgin Media include packages that include mobile telephones too since they have their own mobile network.

Big savings can be made if you are willing to change all your needs to one supplier, typically if you get all three from the list above then you can pay as little as 30 per month for the lot, it may be worth mentioning that these deals tend to offer the typically average speeds and deals and so can be good for the majority of internet users but those who are desperate for lightening quick speeds can end up having to pay a premium on top of their bundle, that said apart from the savings it can also help with managing bills, or at least cut them down to one.

At this point you should have a good idea of what your usage needs are, whether you're a download-aholic or just a casual user and whether considering a supplier with download limits is a realistic option for you. As well as the speed you determined in the previous part of this guide you should also be aware of bundled packages where you can save money by consolidating your home services. The next part of this guide will cover how to go about ordering new broadband and if you already have broadband then I'll talk you though the task of saying goodbye to your old supplier and hello to your new one.

If you are looking for cheap broadband whether you have an existing provider or not then you can compare broadband deals online. Also if you are thinking about changing your supplier then check your connection using one of the various broadband speed test websites to see whether you are getting your money's worth.