Will VoIP finally take off?

I just read about Packet8's new rate plans, and I have to admit, I'm in shock.

Basically, the premise of Voice over Internet Protocol (for those, like me, that are wondering) is that you plug an adapter into your cable/DSL router and then plug a regular phone into it. After that, you can make calls like normal - the only difference is that they're over the Internet, not over POTS.

Packet8 is offering (for $29.99 startup costs after coupon code) unlimited local AND long distance calling in the United States AND Canada for $19.99/mo. I've read reviews, and everyone glows about the service. The only downside that I can think of is that there's no 911 service, but you can always use a cell phone for that.

I'm seriously thinking of ordering Packet8's Freedom Unlimited plan. I don't currently have a land line where I live, only a cell phone. If my sister and I split the cost, it'd be only $10/month. And combine that with web-based administration, free voicemail (no more answering machines!), portability of the phone number (anywhere there's broadband, you can take your phone), and lack of bullsh!t of SBC, and it seems like a GREAT deal.

Thoughts? I see this as the infamous "Internet revolutionizing the way we live" idea actually coming true!

 

[T3C]

we use VoIP here at work

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: cybpnk
we use VoIP here at work

Same here. Works great and saves us a bundle.

 

[fonzinator]

Originally posted by: cybpnk
we use VoIP here at work

So do we and now our office fax machine can't send (but can receive)!? Annoying. Our Cisco 7960 phones are kick butt though.

 

[RossMAN]

Will DirecTV/ReplayTV work with VOIP phones?

 

[isekii]

replay works fine for me with Vonage

just make sure you use the 1-area code + number

This is considerably cheaper by 50% to be exact... maybe I should switch.

 

[FoBoT]

i am hoping vonage will soon offer service in KC

 

Vonage is now 100% more expensive than Packet8 - so if Packet8 is available in KC, I'd go for it. Vonage is more established and well-known, but people have nothing but good things to say about Packet8.

 

[RossMAN]

Wow two things really caught my eye about packet8:

$0.05 per minute to call Sydney (call quality is probably similiar to BigZoo.com)

Advanced calling features and benefits
High quality audio and video
Low bandwidth requirements
Remote access to personalized voicemail
Programmable Call forwarding with online access
Caller ID
Caller ID blocking
International calling lock out control
Receive your phone calls anywhere in the world
Message waiting indicator
Multi-NAT traversal
Plug and Play installation

How freakin' cool is that?

 

[isekii]

Originally posted by: jumpr
Vonage is now 100% more expensive than Packet8 - so if Packet8 is available in KC, I'd go for it. Vonage is more established and well-known, but people have nothing but good things to say about Packet8.

Hm.. i think it's time to switch again~ lol..

 

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Wow two things really caught my eye about packet8:

$0.05 per minute to call Sydney (call quality is probably similiar to BigZoo.com)

Advanced calling features and benefits
High quality audio and video
Low bandwidth requirements
Remote access to personalized voicemail
Programmable Call forwarding with online access
Caller ID
Caller ID blocking
International calling lock out control
Receive your phone calls anywhere in the world
Message waiting indicator
Multi-NAT traversal
Plug and Play installation

How freakin' cool is that?

It's sweet - just take the adapter wherever you go, plug it into an ethernet port, and plug a regular phone into the adapter. The phone at that location will ring when people dial your number!

I swear, this is the coolest thing I've seen in a while. I can't believe I didn't get interested in this earlier.

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: jumpr
Vonage is now 100% more expensive than Packet8 - so if Packet8 is available in KC, I'd go for it. Vonage is more established and well-known, but people have nothing but good things to say about Packet8.

hmm, interesting, maybe this is why SBC sent us the $53/month unlimited everything upgrade plan offer last month
from looking at the site, it looks like i would have to switch to a kansas city phone number

 

[RossMAN]

jumpr - I totally agree, this is freakin' awesome .. only 1 problem I really have no need for it since I have DSL not cable internet.

However, would this work:

Setup Packet8 account here in Portland, OR USA with a regular 503 phone number.

Move to Australia, take my packet8 phone adapter with me, all 503 dialed calls will be routed to Australia free of charge?

I can use a friend's U.S. based broadband connection if necessary.

Also there's a $20 off activation coupon go to FW Hot Deals forum, search for Packet8

 

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Also there's a $20 off activation coupon go to FW Hot Deals forum, search for Packet8

Ha, you're too slow - I've got you beat! From my original post:

Packet8 is offering (for $29.99 startup costs after coupon code) unlimited local AND long distance calling in the United States AND Canada for $19.99/mo.

 

[koulouty]

So I assume you'd have to pick a new number if you ditch local service?

 

Yea works great until your Internet service goes down. Then you're dead in the water.

 

[trmiv]

I'd be all over this if I didn't have to have at least local phone service to have DSL.

 

[StageLeft]

One client I was at used it for everything. I think it has great potential. Not having 911 is a hassel though. AFAIK local phone providers have to live up to certain standards and even if you can use a cellphone for 911 are cellphones not entirely 100%?

BTW thanks for link I'll check it. I saw an ad for vonage but their prices are pretty high and not that competitive with a real phone. We're switching to cable internet in a month if the move works out so I'd love to can bellsouth and get rid of our phone service.

 

Originally posted by: SammySon
Yea works great until your Internet service goes down. Then you're dead in the water.

Not if you have a cell phone.

 

[her209]

It only works well if you have a high bandwitdth line and don't mind the latency.

 

Originally posted by: her209
It only works well if you have a high bandwitdth line and don't mind the latency.

I've heard that there isn't much latency. Also, if you have broadband, it'll work - think of how cruddy phone calls sound. It's not high bandwidth, or else people wouldn't find it cost-effective.