VoIP cuts calling costs. Costs are low and sometimes zero for both local and long distance. These savings are possible because calls are not sent over discrete wires but are bundled together and travel across the internet. Indeed, VoIP stands for "Voice over Internet Protocol." Your location does need to have an internet connection through cable, fiber, DSL , or some other broadband channel.

PittGlobal recommends VoIP from JoiPhone. Their rate plans are listed to the left. Typical rates after running through your free minutes are covered below.

In additional to low cost calling, all JoiPhone rate plans offer the best features of modern phone systems. And most of these features have additional wrinkles not found in the usual home phone. For instance, voicemail messages can be forwarded to you via email.

• Redial
• Speed dial
• Call the last caller
• 3-way calling
• All calls to JoiPhones anywhere are free.
• All incoming calls are free.
• Free equipment.
• Voicemail - with many extras.
• Caller ID - with several ways to take advantage of the information.
• Call waiting- with blocking and unblocking features.
• Call Forwarding - You can give it a list of numbers to try when you don't answer. The list can differ depending on time-of-day. The calls can be serial or simultaneous.
• Keep your current number. Or see the next item.
  
• Area Code Selection - Your phone number can be in any area code; pick the one where most of your callers live so they can call you toll-free.
• Call History - A web-based application to review your calls.
• Music On-Hold - upload the music you want your callers to hear while on hold.
• 911 Emergency Service - Does NOT work like the usual community 911 service.
• 411 Directory Assistance - At the usual price.
• Free support by telephone.

• Multiple phone numbers - even in different area codes.
• PBX equivalent - for switching calls within a small buiness.
• Toll-free number - Give this number to callers you want to hear from. They pay nothing and you pay only 3.9¢/minute.