An organization that provides telephone service over the Internet. There are numerous VoIP providers from independent organizations, such as Vonage and Packet8, to the cable companies such as Comcast and Time Warner. A VoIP provider charges for its services and allows customers to use regular telephones throughout the house or office, although Internet-only phones (IP phones) can also be used. In contrast, services such as Skype and Fring are free but use software along with the user's computer or smartphone to make calls. See
VoIP,
VoIP phone and
triple play.