Vonage Broadband Phone Service Vs. Verizon's Freedom Essentials

Old School Vs Next Generation

Verizon is part of the old established generation of decades past. In fact, it can be said that Verizon, formerly known as Bell Atlantic, has been around almost as long as the telephone itself. Over the years, there have not been many real changes to the status quo. The closest thing to a challenger would be from the proliferation of cell phones that has spouted up in the last decade or so. However, even that has not really made a dent in Verizon’s home phone product. Thus far, Verizon’s response has been to structure home phone packages that feature free long distance while simultaneously offering their own cell phone service. Again, no real ripples in the status quo. Until recently, that is.

Vonage, a broadband Internet phone company, is threatening to change the landscape of home phone service for many people. Having used both, I must say that I am a fan of what Vonage offers. In my opinion, Vonage is a far superior option in a great many ways.

Let’s begin with price. Verizon’s current best offer for a package that features unlimited long distance is $39.95, a very competitive rate. Meanwhile, Vonage offers phone service including unlimited long distance for just $24.95, a savings of exactly $15. In addition, that savings gap is increased when you factor in the additional taxes and fees associated with phone service that every analog service has to charge. Vonage, since it is offered through the Internet, happens to circumvent most of those charges. Moreover, Verizon’s $39.95 offer comes with only a small handful of features, including caller ID, call waiting and voice mail. On the other hand, Vonage’s $24.95 comes with practically every feature you can think of. Truthfully, I do not even use them all, or even use them that often, but I enjoy having the option.