Earthlink VoIP Service

Earthlink will soon start offering a new VoIP service bundled with it’s broadband internet subscription. The new VoIP service is reportedly priced to undercut other ISPs offering similar broadband packages. Earthlink are currently deploying a strategy that will see them move away from their reliance on dialup internet subscribers.

Their new VoIP service will not require users to install any new hardware because it uses a technology called “line-powered voice”. Earthlink have been running an initial test in a few cities (Dallas, Seattle) where they charge $70 per month for the bundled hi-speed internet connection and VoIP. However, we here that they will roll out a cheaper version priced at $50 per month with slower connections speeds with 500 minutes of free voice calls per month.

This is great news for the VoIP industry as a whole. More competition usually means lower prices and more accessibility. At the moment the main issue with VoIP is the limited mainstream understanding of a product that is only just emerging as a viable alternative to non-jargon speaking ‘average joes’. As we see more large corporations roll out their own VoIP services to muscle in on this market, we consumers will benefit greatly from more choice and lower prices.

Whether Earthlink will be able to pull off their transition from a company reliant on their existing (but dwindling) base of dialup subscribers to a modern company offering hi-speed connections, VoIP and media remains to be seen. The competition is already there.