Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers

The companies listed below offer telephone service using customers' existing broadband connections instead of traditional poles and wires. They may only provide service in some parts of Ohio. While "VoIP" services offer additional choices, important consumer protection and public safety issues are unresolved. For example, depending on the provider, dialing 9-1-1 may not be available and power outages may cause customers to lose their telephone connection until their electricity is restored.

On the other hand, VoIP services may offer conveniences unavailable with traditional telephone services, including the ability to use VoIP while at locations away from home. Before signing up with a VoIP provider, consumers should read the OCC's "What you need to know about VoIP" fact sheet and ask the provider any differences they might encounter by using VoIP service in place of traditional home telephone service.