Top Ten Reasons Not to Get VoIP

9. You have a burglar alarm in your home. Some alarm systems aren't compatible with VoIP. While you'll still hear the obnoxious sirens, the system won't be able to call the alarm company to request help. Confirm compatibility with your alarm company before switching.

8. You don't have a high-speed internet connection. If you still connect via a dial-up service, then VoIP won't work on your system.

7. You only call within your neighborhood. If you don't make long distance calls, then VoIP won't save you money over a basic traditional telephone plan without long distance service.

6. You fall down a lot and need to call 911. Although many regions are e911 compatible, it's not a perfect system. If you're elderly, get LifeAlert, not VoIP.

5. You prefer to send emails or handwrite letters. VoIP isn't compatible with either of those options, so it won't save you money.

4. You don't own a telephone. VoIP does require owning an actual phone in order to make calls. If you don't own a phone, either buy a corded phone for $10 to use with VoIP, or get Skype.

3. You prefer to communicate by smoke signal. VoIP is not smoke signal compatible, nor is any telephone equipment, so it won't do you any good.

2. You need a completely untraceable telephone option to conduct your illicit activities. Both traditional telephone systems and VoIP systems can be tapped by the feds. We hear pre-paid disposable cell phones are a better option.

1. You don't have any friends. If you don't call anyone and they don't call you, then you don't really need VoIP to save money on your phone bill. Frankly, you probably don't even need a phone.