Landline Alternatives
I really want to get rid of our landline altogether, but cell service in my house isn't always reliable. I need to have something in place for emergencies. However, I'm currently paying over $40 per month for my phone service with UVerse.
So I'm looking into alternatives such as Magic Jack, Vonage or Ooma. Anyone have any experience with any of these? I'd like to keep my existing number, so Magic Jack is likely out. I don't know a soul who has used any of these, so I'm really clueless and want to make sure I'm not dropping any coin on something I'll regret. Thanks in advance... EDIT: I see now that it is possible to move your existing number to Magic Jack. I'm most interested in this one now if that's the case. |
Depending on your cell provider you might look into a microcell/network extender to resolve your spotty cell phone reception in your house and ditch the landline.
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Ooma - end thread!
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OBI costs nothing except for equipment. I had Ooma for 3 years till the box died it was ok but you paid taxs. OBI is same you use your own phone equipment and internet connection. You cam port you number.
http://www.obihai.com/ http://www.amazon.com/OBi110-Service.../dp/B0045RMEPI |
I have NetTalk Duo and love it. I think they transfer numbers. However, make sure your upstream bandwidth is 1 Mbps or better otherwise the wife will go bat shit crazy.
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* Donger ditches QWEST DSL with 768 up to Comcast * HEY, IT'S SOOOO MUCH BETTER NOW! I GUESS THEY FIXED SOMETHING OR SOMETHING? |
I've run VoIP on a 768K connection but you have to know how to setup your router otherwise it's going to shit the bed.
For most people, it's infinitely easier to just say "get plenty of upstream bandwidth". |
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http://www.speedtest.net/result/3179718404.png |
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As for the original question, my parents have had Vonage for about 5 years. There's a very slight delay (which will be the case with most VOIP providers), but aside from that, it's been great. They even reversed it into their existing phone wiring, so all the phones in the house connect to it. Only caveat with any of these is that they won't work if the power's out. Not a huge deal, but be aware of it. |
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I will add most these VOIP dont have 911 unless you go thru a 3rd party at about 3 bucks a month. OBITalk does not but they link you to a few sites that provide the service. I use my OBITALK with google voice works great. I get about what u get bandwidth wise with Uverse. I have not had one issue my kids are on xbox or netflix wife on laptop im on tablet. Lots stuff craming up the internet yet haven't had the issues some are bringing up.
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If you have a connection like Dartgod's, those two should work fine together. However, if you add in something like torrent peering (which uses upstream and downstream bandwidth both) your phone is going to have issues. |
I've had MagicJack Plus for over a year and it's been great. I ported my old number. There's a $10/year fee for that.
My Internet speeds are 10 download/1.5 upload. |
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Ooma for me.
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ooma $4.35 a month
911 check number port check Cons: $150.00 for the base. |
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