VOIP Impressions?

[Dynedain]

You guys have me interested now..

Let me ask you some more questions... When I get my regular phone bill, there are all these extra taxes on there... so my 29.99 basic service ends up being more like 40. Same is true with my cell phone...

What is the actual cost after taxes on vonage's 24.99 plan? for CA residents

I'm not sure, but most of those "taxes" aren't actually taxes. They're random fees that the phone companies make up to cover their costs, so that they can still advertise having a low service cost.

I don't have VOIP service (the only phone I use is my cell) but maybee someone else can provide more info on that.

One thing to be wary of, is that several ISPs (mostly the big telecom companies) want the priveledge to restrict bandwidth on VOIP traffic.... in favor of their own VOIP services of course.

[Dynedain]

BTW... what does vontage charge for international? I call belgium and france a lot.

Vonage international rates

[CCS]

You guys have me intrigued again too...
I looked into this a while back, but 2 issues stopped me.

#1 - Can I keep my current telephone number and transfer it to Vonage or someone similar? (Like I can with my cell number)

#2 - Will the local phone book list you? I know when people started using cell phones as their primary business number, the phone book publishers revolted and would not print the numbers.

I'd consider using this for my business line if it fit the bill.

[cpnichols]

You guys have me intrigued again too...
I looked into this a while back, but 2 issues stopped me.

#1 - Can I keep my current telephone number and transfer it to Vonage or someone similar? (Like I can with my cell number)

#2 - Will the local phone book list you? I know when people started using cell phones as their primary business number, the phone book publishers revolted and would not print the numbers.

I'd consider using this for my business line if it fit the bill.

From what I can see.. yes on 1 and no idea on 2...

The other question I have is if I switch to DSL as broadband, I need a phone anyway so there is no real cost savings. It seems that VoIP only is an advantage with Cable.

[jujubee]

The other question I have is if I switch to DSL as broadband, I need a phone anyway so there is no real cost savings. It seems that VoIP only is an advantage with Cable.

I'm not sure with Vonage, but with Comcast I could cancel my cable modem and still use their VOIP as it's a dedicated line.

[Dynedain]

The other question I have is if I switch to DSL as broadband, I need a phone anyway so there is no real cost savings. It seems that VoIP only is an advantage with Cable.

I'm not sure with Vonage, but with Comcast I could cancel my cable modem and still use their VOIP as it's a dedicated line.

Actually, a few DSL companies such as http://www.speakeasy.net/refer/242390 can offer DSL without an active phone line. I have this service. The only telephone I have is my cell, and my internet connection is through Speakeasy's "OneLink" service. Though that may not be available in all areas. Speakeasy also offers VOIP services I believe.

[BlueShift]

Have you guys considered cable internet? All you need is cable TV connectivity. Its suppose to be more reliable and much more cost effective than regular DSL, I just boot my computer and its automatically logged in - where as DSL you still have to dial in, at least here you do.


/BlueShift

[mike.edel]

i guess most dsl users are using dedicated dsl routers - at least i do at home.

I use a zyxel prestige 324 with integrated 4-port 100mbit hub and emergency fallback to a dialup modem (in case the dsl line breaks you can at least check mail or complain at your provider's website

the router stays connected all the time (last time i checked, mine was running for more than 200 hours)