This is a question many people ask when they are determining whether they want to use a VoIP phone service provider or not. And, it is a very logical question. Fortunately, most VoIP providers will let you call any phone number worldwide regardless of whether the phone number is international, local, mobile, or long distance. With the phone based VoIP services you should double check what phone numbers you are allowed to call before you sign up for a plan just to make sure. When it comes to the computer based VoIP services there are usually more restrictions and many times the company you use will restrict you to some degree. This usually allows you to call only other subscribers of that particular service. This is known as user-to-user service and if you are only calling one other person that has that service then you will have no problem with this restriction. But, if you need to call quite a few other people that do not have the computer based service then you may prefer the phone based VoIP service.

The biggest difference between the phone based and computer based VoIP services is who you are allowed to call. So, keep this in mind when choosing a VoIP provider. Also, the way you call people varies between the two services as well. With a phone based provider you will pick up your phone as you always have and simply dial whatever number you want to call. The service provider does all the work of connecting you to the Internet and transferring the call. But the way you actually call someone stays the same. However, if you are using a computer based VoIP service then you will make phone calls via a headset. You will use your keypad to dial and you will be able to call other computers for free in most cases. When you choose to call a home phone line or a cellular phone then you will be charged a fee. Quite a few of these programs allow you to buy credits and then as you make phone calls you use them up and are notified when you need to buy more credits.

These are the basic differences between what phone numbers you may call with the two different VoIP providers as opposed to a traditional phone company. The great thing is that you can call anyone you want to with VoIP broadband service you just need to ensure that you have the right service to do so. If you want to call other computers mostly then the computer based VoIP is probably the right choice for you. However, if you are interested in calling other homes and cell phones worldwide then a monthly plan with a phone based VoIP service is a better selection. Simply weigh your phone calling needs against the two types of VoIP service to make the decision that works for you.