It might sound fancy and confusing but digital phone service isn't anymore complicated than your run-of-the-mill home phone. Well, okay, it's a little more complicated.

Digital phone, otherwise known as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is phone service that makes its way to you over the Internet or through any other IP-based network. Or in official government terms, it's technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line.

It's a pretty popular service these days, as well. According to the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, cable digital phone service is now available to over 97 million U.S. homes with more than 12 million homes are now subscribing.

If you are thinking about trying digital phone, now is probably a good time. But if you've got some doubts, read on for more information.

We've already covered that unlike landline phones, digital phone service comes to your home through an Internet connection. Conveniently, you can use the same connection you use for surfing the Web to make phone calls and not have to worry about disrupting either service.

If you are used to just plugging your phone into the wall to get service, digital phone might take some getting used to at first. While you can use the same type of phone you have now to use the service, it will require an adapter to take advantage of the digital service. If you plan on using the Internet connection for both Web and phone, you will need a router, which most digital phone providers happily provide with their service (usually for a small monthly fee).

Another big difference between conventional phone service and digital phone is that digital phone providers generally charge a flat-rate fee for service, instead of adding up the cost of long distance, caller ID, call waiting and other popular phone features. If you make a lot of long distance calls, investing in digital phone over standard landline service might be the right choice for you.

However, it is important to remember that digital phone service is more affected by things like power outages. Most providers have come up with ways to keep up service with power back up but if the power is out for the long haul, you won't be using your digital phone until it comes back up again.

Digital phone also handles 911 different than standard phone service. When you dial traditional phone service, the dispatcher automatically has access to the address to which that phone service is provided. When digital phone through cable providers was first introduced, this was an issue, as most emergency dispatchers did not have the technology to trace the call back to your home. Now most digital phone providers now use Enhanced 911, which automatically transmits your address and telephone number to emergency services operators. However, you should check with individual providers to see if they use Enhanced 911 before signing up for service.

As I mentioned above, one of the great features of digital phone service is its flat rate monthly fee. If you make a lot of long distance calls, the charges can add up on a landline phone bill. You are also more likely to find digital phone plans that are include a lot more features for one price. According to a NCTA survey, choosing digital phone could save you an average of $135 or more each year.

Most digital phone plans start around $35 a month, depending on the features. Arguably, the best way to get digital phone is to order a bundled service plan that includes cable, Internet and digital phone services. Not only will you save on the cost of your phone service, you will most likely save money every month over the cost of ordering all three services, which you probably need anyway, on separate bills.

Companies like Time Warner Cable, Cox Cable, and Charter Communications all offer bundled service plans that include digital phone service. Of course, you can't forget the most famous, the Comcast Triple Play Bundle. It's the bundle I currently have in my home and I have to say that I am pretty impressed. I got all three services for less than $110 a month (after taxes) and I haven't had any problems yet. I do know that only getting one bill every month is very convenient.

If you already have Internet service through your local cable provider, chances are you can get digital phone service in your home. However, it's best to do a little research to see what your options are before you sign up. Most companies require contracts that last at least a year, so you don't want to get stuck in a digital phone plan that's not the best deal for you.

You can check out a site like Connect My Phone that lets you put in your zip code to see the digital phone plans that are available in your area. You can browse by price, check out features and even order if you find the service you are looking for.

If you are interested in saving more money and having the convenience of one bill for phone, Internet and cable, you can check out a site like Bundle My Services that lets you see bundled digital phone plans that are offered in your area.

You can also check with your current provider to see if they are offering any specials. Many cable providers offer Internet-only deals or specials that are available only to new customers. Sometimes it is cheaper and easier to switch your phone provider than it is to order additional service from the current provider.