• Alternatives to VoIP services may or may not use a traditional phone.telephone image by musk from Fotolia.com
  
  VoIP phone services allow users to make phone calls though a high speed Internet connection. Alternatives to VoIP technology have begun to become popular. Some VoIP alternatives do not require monthly service fees like VoIP services do. Some of these alternatives even allow people to place calls from anywhere a high speed Internet connection is available.
  
  

Magicjack

• Magicjack is a jack that plugs into the USB port of a computer. Any phone can then be plugged into the jack, allowing users to make unlimited phone calls for free to anywhere in the world. Software comes with the Magicjack and needs to be installed onto the computer for the jack to work. The only cost associated with Magicjack is the hardware/software package that can be purchased from numerous online retailers and big box stores.
  
  

Jajah

• Jajah is a service that makes long distance phone connections for users. A Jajah user goes to Jajah's website and enters her phone number as well as the number she wants to call. A Jajah worker calls the user and makes the connection to the other number. If you do not have an Internet connection, there is a Jajah Direct service that allows users to call a local number rather than going to the Jajah website to use the service.
  
  

Skype

• Skype allows users to call other Skype users anywhere in the world free of charge. If the cost of nothing to make calls is not enough, the Skype software is free as well. A user must have a broadband connection on his computer for Skype to operate properly.