Trying to get a "cheap" home phone...

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SunnyD

SunnyD

Belgian Waffler
Jan 2, 2001
32,674
146
106
www.neftastic.com
First off - let me say that I had Vonage for a bit over 2 years and cancelled it a year ago because we were just going to run with cell phones. While that was a good idea at the time, cell phones are just too fucking expensive - rediculously so, even WITH corporate discounts. (Rant: I don't understand why people pay so much for them)

Anyway, with all the signs that Vonage is going to tank, I'd rather not go back to them. Their retention pitch was annoying as hell (they kept me on the phone for about 30 minutes trying to get me to stay), and their prices keep going up (read: hidden fees/taxes/etc).

My current options are:

Landline: While basic message rate service is available for $11.85, I know the taxes and fees are going to bump that to about $30. Might as well get VOIP and get free calling plans with it.

Time Warner Digital Voice: I can't stomach paying $40/mo for phone, but it may be the best option. Not sure what they use for 911-service though.

VOIP: Not sure what providers are out there. But I need something that has at least E911.

Skype: Was considering this, but no 911-service. Coupled with cell phones, might not be a bad idea, but I'm honestly thinking of ditching the cells just because of cost. I lived a good 25 years of my life without em. I find em annoying... and too expensive.

So what VOIP providers out there are good deals these days?
 
J

Jhill

Diamond Member
Oct 28, 2001
5,187
3
0
Do you have internet, cable tv?

My sister just got a decent deal from ATT that has satellite cable tv, 3mb dsl internet and a landline phone for about 100 month.

I didn't think it was a really bad deal.
 
KK

KK

Lifer
Jan 2, 2001
15,903
4
81
callvantage is 19.95/month if you have a cingular phone.
 
SunnyD

SunnyD

Belgian Waffler
Jan 2, 2001
32,674
146
106
www.neftastic.com
Magic Jack - E911 service??

I was looking at callvantage, but alas, I have Verizon wireless (and am looking into ditching cell all together once my contract is up).

I do have internet through TimeWarner. I will NOT be getting cable, and likely not dish either as we only ever normally watch network TV and maybe HGTV/SCIFI/Noggin. It's not worth it, plus Netflix + Network TV online (ABC/NBC/CBS/FOX) are a lot cheaper.
 
Queasy

Queasy

Moderator<br>Console Gaming
Aug 24, 2001
31,796
2
0
Have you tried T-Mobile with Hotspots@Home? You pay $10-$20 extra a month on your cell phone and you get free VOIP calls anytime you're around a WiFi hotspot (either the one in your home or one out in public).

I got this for my wife and it works great for us.
 
Kelemvor

Kelemvor

Lifer
May 23, 2002
16,928
8
81
I use ViaTalk. Pretty good most of the time but the have issues every so often. Under $20/mo since I switched when SR went under. Not sure on their current deals...
 
A

Al Neri

Diamond Member
Jan 12, 2002
5,680
1
81
I like ViaTALK - i paid 199 for 24 months... comes out to like 8 and change per month.
 
I

imported_Baloo

Golden Member
Feb 2, 2006
1,782
0
0
For about $29.00/Month, Vonage offers unlimited service. If they go down, so you lose service. You will know in advance if that is happening, so you will have time to research alternatives No big deal. That is very unlikely though, their subscriber base is huge, and there operating costs are low in comparision to other types of phone service. Those not so hidden fees are taxes. They suck, but are not vonage's fault. Vonage has a cheaper plan. For about $19.00/Month, you get 500 minutes per month, with no long distance charges within the U.S. or Canada, and low international rates. You do not have to commit to any length of service like you do for some of the others you're considering.
 
SunnyD

SunnyD

Belgian Waffler
Jan 2, 2001
32,674
146
106
www.neftastic.com
What I'm mostly looking for is a good price, 911 service, and preference is to NOT leave a PC on 24x7. I've pretty much ruled out landline or TWC Digital Voice at this point. The deal over at powerphone looks appealing... but I'll look into ViaTalk too.
 
AnyMal

AnyMal

Lifer
Nov 21, 2001
15,780
0
76
You don't NEED a phone service for 911, as long as there is a jack in your house you should be able to dial 911, just double check with your local phone company.
 
B

BigJ

Lifer
Nov 18, 2001
21,330
1
81
As long as the cell phones work, you'll be able to call 911 from them even if you don't have an account with the provider.
 
SunnyD

SunnyD

Belgian Waffler
Jan 2, 2001
32,674
146
106
www.neftastic.com
Originally posted by: AnyMal
You don't NEED a phone service for 911, as long as there is a jack in your house you should be able to dial 911, just double check with your local phone company.
Click to expand...

In Verizon-land, no dialtone=no 911. Trust me, I've tried.
 
M

mingsty

Member
Sep 19, 2003
119
0
0
Has anyone tried magic jack? I've found another forum where some people said they've tried it but they were all new posters that said it worked well. If someone on here has used it I'd trust that a lot more. Does anyone get PC Magazine? http://www.magicjack.com/1/index.asp

They list it as an editors choice from Jan 17th? I'd be interested to see if that's true.
 
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