This isn't actually VOIP, it's more of a plan that you can call international, I'm comparing it to VOIP because there are several companies working now also to do the same service. All you need is a cell phone, it doesn't matter which service you are using, it's just another $25 a month in addition to your regular bill. No contracts, just a one time $25 activation fee, there are no "minutes" to go over (unless you go over your own cell phone minutes, so you need to call when you have free nights & weekends if you are going to talk long), no hidden charges, - just the $25 . If you want the person that you are calling to (International) to be able to reach you too for cheap, it's $4 extra a month, and they get a local # they dial to reach you. Add another $5 and you can call international from your home phone too. You call, they enter your info, and in 1 day you are connected, you also receive a welcome packet in the mail 2 days later. Obviously there are home plans too, but that's cheaper for $19 a month.