A new VoIP startup called “ooma” has been launched after receiving $27 million in funding. Ooma will allow users to make and receive phone calls through their normal telephones at a very low price. The company will compete directly with current web based telephone providers like Vonage or Ebay (Skype), and with traditional phone and cable companies such as Verizon, Comcast or AT&T.

Ooma, which is based on P2P technology, promises free unlimited service for life within the United States. Consumers will only need to buy the hardware (starting at $399) and have broadband Internet connection. That is a pretty good deal for a one time fee, mostly considering most VoIP services provide equipment for free but charge around $25 for monthly service fees.

The stylish Ooma box has answering machine capabilities and integrates a built in speaker. However, Ooma will not make profit on hardware sales only; the company plans to add additional for-pay features (such as customized ringtones) over time.

Moreover, Ooma counts with a remarkable management team, including technology notable such as TiVo co-founder Mike Ransay, former executives from Apple and Yahoo, and famous actor Ashton Kutcher (co-creator of MTV’s Punk’d reality show) as a Creative Director. Ooma’s CEO, Andrew Frame, became the youngest person ever to receive Cisco’s CCIE certification while working as a full-time employee.

The product will go on sale in September.