There are at least five questions that you should ask of a broadband phone company. These are...

- How compatible is your phone with the internet phone service?

- What phone features are available or provided?

- Am I able to dial 9-1-1 on a broadband phone?

- Can I keep my current phone number or will I need a new one?

- What is the cost and what do the costs include?

Since the computer is the center of a family's home life, these questions should be answered prior to purchasing a broadband phone system. The home computer takes on a life of its own when used. It is available for home businesses, for school work, for keeping financial records as well as keeping track of important appointments. It also provides entertainment when games, music or videos are downloaded from acceptable internet sites.

The blending of phone service with internet capabilities is a very important feature as the phone service takes advantage of a broadband phone company's service. There are certain requirements though before this can be accomplished.

You will need to be connected to the internet with a broadband internet service since the connection speed will make possible a smooth internet phone experience. If a recognized broadband phone system is used, certain pieces of equipment will be required. These include an adapter which is connected to the internet modem allowing for the current phone to be matched with a traditional pushbutton phone. Software may be required to allow the VoIP voice over the internet protocol to be enhanced.

Because not all broadband phone companies are alike, you will have to do some research to pick one out that meets your particular needs. It takes time and if more than one company is available, than the better of the two should be explored.

In most cases, your current phone can be used by the broadband phone company and some of the features available are call forwarding, call waiting, three way calling, caller ID and so forth. You will need to ask if these features are available or are included. Since regular landlines are able to gain access to the 9-1-1- system, an internet phone service may not be able to. It would also be nice if you could retain your current phone number since most people are familiar with that. You will also want to know the long distance costs, monthly costs, feature costs and the actual minutes used when using the services of a broadband phone system.