VOIP - the new Internet phone - stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. What this means, is you use your broadband internet connection to make phone calls. Sounds really good, especially since it has free long distance and its only $25 a month. But there are 2 major drawbacks.

911 Service doesn't work like a landline phone. In some areas, it doesn't work at all. There are severe risks to consumers thinking 911 can save them in an emergency, but the internet phone doesn't work that way. Be careful or review your plan to make sure you understand how the 911 service works. The FCC has been on these companies to straighten this out or inform consumers of the risks.

The 2nd problem seems minor compared to the above, but I don't like being tied to my PC when making a call, even if I'm wearing a headset. www.ipero.com makes a real cool $30 phone that plugs into my USB and works like a regular phone. Its lightweight has a mute and speed dial, and the sound is great. Its compact and I can take it on the road with me. Many VOIP phones only work with PC's, but this one works with a Mac, too.

There are still some concerns with VOIP technology, but once the companies get around them, the consumers will have a great product. Besides, at $25 a month, you can overlook a lot of issues.