Service Bundles

Voice and Data Service Bundle Thoughts

Putting together a communications service solution for your home based business can be time consuming, frustrating and

 confusing.  If you're not much of a "shopper", you believe "time is money" or you don't want to deal with more than one company for your communications needs, a number of service providers would love to sell you a "package" of services to meet all, or most, of your communications needs.

Pricing for these communications "packages" are routinely much less than purchasing them singly - or even attempting to get the "best" price from a variety of service providers.  We know.  Two years ago we swapped out our cable modem, digital cable TV service, local and long distance voice services for a digital satellite (TV) and SBC's package of local, long distance voice and DSL services.  The "swap out" has saved us an average of more than $125.00 per month.  More than worth the effort.  And now with the inclusion of TV services from the telcos and IP telephony from the cable companies (with wireless alliances on the horizon) your choices for a "slick" and money-saving communications package are getting better and richer.

Let's get to it.  Our review of Communications Packages follows.   (Note:  If you don't recall our rating system:  Rating Guide.)

Web Home Office Reports

Voice and Data Service Bundles Review

Voice and Data Service Bundles*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

allo.com

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

allo.com offers eight residential and business plans as well as "add-on" services that are designed for business customers.

Cost - $$$$

Pricing for allo.com services is detailed below.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

A good communications package can help you save time and stay in touch with your customers.  allo.com's packages are designed to help you do that.

Ease of Use - @@@@

allo.com's services can be managed via the web, and your analog phone works just like it always did - with the help of an ATA.

Works With - YYYYY

allo.com services work with both the traditional PSTN and IP networks - and can also work with any SIP-based phone, including newer cell phones with SIP clients.

Support - pppp+

The technical support area of the allo.com web site includes a FAQ, details on VoIP, installation support and information on number portability and more.  If you need help you can contact allo.com tech support via email, using their live chat capability on the web site or at their "800" number.

Features - iiii

allo.com services include the ability to use their services "on the road" (Mobile VoIP), voicemail, Caller ID with name, ID spoofing, a softphone client, E-911 dialing, 411 assistance, call conferencing, call forwarding, call waiting, international call block, in-networking calling, call history/search, change phone number, simultaneous ring, area code selection and the ability to use any SIP-based device on the all.com service network.

Overall Rating - %%%%+

Competitively priced VoIP services for both the very small home business (residential) and the more robust ones (business services).  A good support strategy is in place as well.  But, make sure your broadband service has enough bandwidth to ensure voice quality before you switch.

AT&T

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

AT&T offers eleven communications packages, each with a different combination of local and long distance voice, calling features, and International calling options.  On the whole, the packages are easy to understand and you'll have a pretty good idea of what your communications costs are going to be from month-to-month.  CallVantage is AT&T's Voice over IP-based service.

Cost - $$$$

The following pricing is based on Texas rates - your location may differ, however, the sample pricing will give you an idea of AT&T service and pricing packages.