The equipment you will need for broadband phone service is based on how big of an operation you are running. The good news is that most home and small business users of broadband phone don't need much equipment at all.

First you must have some type of high speed Internet connection such as DSL, Cable, T-1, etc. Broadband phone service does not work with a dial-up Internet connection.

You will also need a touchtone phone unless you want to use a special Internet phone.

Next you will need what is called an Analog Terminal Adaptor (ATA), or sometimes called a Digital Terminal Adaptor (DTA). The ATA transfers analog signals from your touchtone phone into digital packets that is sent over the Internet. Most broadband phone providers will include the ATA with your order, but some won't.

Many broadband phone users want to use the Internet at the same time they are on the phone. This is when it's possible you will need a router, although some ATA's do have a router built in. If you do need a router you can pick one up for $30.00 to $50.00, and many broadband phone providers will allow you to purchase the router during the signup process.

Remember that although you must have a high speed Internet connection to use broadband phone, you do not need a computer.

Note: The equipment listed here applies to the vast majority of home and home-based business users. If you have a large business it's possible more equipment would be needed.