This exciting Skype technology allows you to take your phone number with you anywhere you travel. When you pick up the phone with Skype and dial a phone number the phone adapter (black box) converts your voice into data and sends the data through the Internet in a similar manner to an email message. Some estimates have suggested that worldwide revenue of this new technology will hit the $96 billion mark by 2011. A virtual phone is a piece of software that sits on your computer that acts like a regular phone.

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Get more features than a regular phone line (some offer 15 or more)

With Skype you will be able to transfer you old telephone number to your new service provider. US subscribers to Internet-based telephone services grew 21% to 6.9 million in the second quarter of 2006. Virtual numbers are normally an additional cost but can start out at only $4.99 per month and they can only be used for incoming calls. Be aware that some services don't work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power. VOIP, pronounced voyp is an acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol.

No annual contracts or cancellation fees

Comcast, which launched its service more slowly than most of its cable rivals, posted a 73% jump in users. Most providers require you to have a custom telephone adapter that is pre-configured for their network so providing your own may not be an option. The people you call do not need to have a computer to communicate with you. You can dial overseas with Skype and the rates are very competitive.