Verizon VoiceWing provides several features, but costs more

In order to compete in the crowded VoIP market, Verizon has come up with a residential VoIP service called Verizon VoiceWing. The service offers numerous easy-to-manage calling features plus low long-distance rates to West Europe and Asian countries.

A buyer of Verizon VoiceWing service is provided an adapter as part of the kit. Besides this, he is required to obtain a router. The installation process is simple, and consists of the following steps:

Step 1: Plug the adapter into an Ethernet port on the router Step 2: Plug the phone into the adapter Step 3: Reset the modem and allow the adapter to configure on its own. Step 4: Turn on the phone to talk. Verizon VoiceWing provides an easy-to-use web interface. One can sign in to see list of recent incoming, outgoing, and missed calls as well as voicemail messages. My Account or My Phone button on the interface can be used to add or adjust features.

Verizon also has unique billing system for VoiceWing. The flat monthly rate is charged to the credit card but in addition, the service sets up an Extra Services Account on sign-up. This account handles international long-distance calls and directory assistance charges, which the flat-rate monthly fee does not. Instead whenever the credit in this account falls below $2.50 VoiceWing debits a fixed sum from the customer’s credit card.

VoiceWing offers only one residential, unlimited-minutes plan. It charges $34.95 a month, which is more than what its competitors charge for similar services. However, VoiceWing insists that it provides superior service as compared to most VoIP operators, and deserves to charge a higher rate.

This may be true but it is still difficult to justify the high cost they charge when an equally full-featured VoIP service is available for a lesser fee. Moreover, VoiceWing does not offer high voice-quality. There are complaints of a faint rustling sound that can be heard in the background during a call. The sound quality becomes worse when the customer tries to upload a file to the Web while carrying on the conversation. VoiceWing does not provide emergency 911 calling. Instead, it demands physical address upon registration. Hence, immediate service of the emergency personnel cannot be availed in case of emergency.

But all said and done VoiceWing has emerged as an important player in the market. Its market share will continue to increase thanks to the financial muscle of its parent company.