VoIP phone service tempting for some Hyannis, Mass.-area residents.

Byline: Ethan Zindler

Sep. 14--The next big thing in home telecommunications might already be parked next to your personal computer. And unlike previous tech sensations that have raised consumers' telecom costs, this one could actually slash their monthly bills.

The high-speed cable or digital subscriber line (DSL) modem that thousands of Cape Codders use to access the Internet through Comcast, Adelphia, Verizon, Cape.com and others can also provide regular voice phone service via Voice Over Internet Protocol technology, or VOIP.

VOIP transmits phone conversations over the digital network that delivers Worldwide Web pages to computers. That infrastructure is far less expensive for phone service providers to operate than the circuit-switch network Ma Bell built.

So since the start of the year, big telecom players and start-ups alike have jumped in to offer VOIP deals that substantially under price traditional telephone packages.

In recent weeks, AT&T has aggressively marketed a monthly VOIP plan that includes unlimited local, regional and long distance calling anywhere in the United States or Canada for a flat $34.99 a month. Those who sign on by the end of this month pay $19.99 for the first six months of service. The package also includes conference calling and voice mail, both of…