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I first made the switch to Internet phone service a few years ago when the communications playing field was quite different. At the time there were only a few scattered companies here and there that offered the service. Those days are over. We are now faced with a multiplicity of Internet phone companies that are offering their wares to us talk hungry consumers. Should you switch? Well, that's up to you.

Like all fairly new technologies, Internet phone service has its pros and cons which need to be weighed carefully before you make the switch. One obvious upside to switching over is the money that you can save on your phone bill. The most popular internet phone services are offered to consumers at a fraction of the cost in comparison to traditional phone service.

For instance, Skype, one of the leading companies in Internet phone service, offers 100% free Skype to Skype calls with no cost for their software. Skype users can make unlimited free phone calls right from their computers. If you desire to place calls outside of the Skype network (calls to cell phones or land-lines) you can purchase the Skype Out Calling Plan for under $30 a year for unlimited service. Skype does require a broadband connection, but when you compare the overall expense to a popular competitor like Verizon which can cost from $600-$800 for unlimited local and long-distance calls per year, well, just do the math.

Also, with the increased competition of internet phone companies, we have witnessed a growing number of advanced Web features which many carriers now offer. For example; call forwarding to several numbers simultaneously, voice mails delivered to your e-mail, online address books with various functions such as call filtering and call blocking. And, with the availability of USB and wireless phones that are now offered by many companies, you now have the ability to be free from your computer while using the service. That's right, you're free to walk around the cabin. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

There is a downside to Internet phone service. There is no 911 service, it doesn't work during power outages and many people feel that it is not as reliable as land-lines. I personally have rarely experienced any problems, but I have had my share of frustrations mostly stemming from computer malfunctions.

I no longer have a landline and have not had one for quite some time. I've been very content with my phone service through Skype. The calls are clear, the phone calls go through easily and I love the other features that comes with the service (file sharing, chat, webcam capability, etc.).

In my opinion, Skype is at the head of its class, but by no means is it the only game in town. Other companies include GizmoProject, WebPhone, iCall, Jajah, PhoneGnome, Ooma, etc. All of these companies offer great features and are worth investigating.

Mark Allen Felton is a professional musician, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. He has won several awards and is the author of The Independent Gospel Artist Guidebook. He has traveled extensively throughout his career and is well versed in internet promotion which he uses quite extensively to promote his business. View his choice of software at http://www.markallenfelton.com/hotpicks