VoIP

[dc lady]

I am interested in switching from a traditional phone company to a VoIP. I don't know much about them. Is anyone out there currently using VoIP?

[CAG]

Hi dc lady. Welcome to the forum.

I was going to move my office phones over to Vonage but AT&T came along and, with the number of lines and type of usage I have, the AT&T land-line package was cheaper...shows what a little competition can do. I have a friend who did subscribe to Vonage and he tells me that he's had no problems. Here's a site that could be helpful http://www.voip-info.org/tiki-index.php

CAG

[firstadopter]

I recommend either using Vonage or your local cable company. Here are some links to Vonage Reviews:

http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review1036.html

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1401373,00.asp

I haven't tried any of these services, but I definitely will in the future.

[MailManX]

I recently switched to Cox "digital" telephone service in my home. I wonder if that's the same that as VoIP? The installer put an NIU (network interface unit) box on the outside of my house next to where the cable comes in. It splits a signal off the cable and runs a line over to my telephone junction box.

In using the Cox service, there's absolutely no difference in sound quality or service from when I was using the local SBC telephone company. My local and LD rates are cheaper and I even got to keep the same phone number.

Michael

[firstadopter]

Yes Cable Company phone service is almost all VOIP.

[dc lady]

Does your product come with all the extra features such as call forwarding and personal conferencing? Are these things really important?
Do you have a cell phone? I am primarily a cell phone user and I am not sure, other than cost, if VoIP is really worth my time.
I appreciate you responses.
thanks

[firstadopter]

VOIP offerings usually includes all the voicemail, caller ID, etc. features.

The benefits vs. cellphones is low cost, extra features. Cellphones give you cancer! lol

The cons is sometimes VOIP can get laggy and voice quality can at times of internet congestion, not be so great.

But it seems to be getting better as time goes by.

[MailManX]

I've had my Cox digital telephone (VoIP) for about (3) months, so I've had enough time with it to compare it to my previous non-VoIP service. Frankly, I can't tell the difference. It was a completely seamless transition. Every phone jack in my house is wired to it, all my regular phones still work, and the sound is exactly the same quality as before. I have voice mail, caller ID and all the other bells and whistles.

As I mentioned previously, I was also able to keep my previous phone number. All it took to set it up the service was a phone call to the cable company, then a couple days later an installer was at my house for about 20 minutes. He didn't even have to come inside. He just installed a small junction box outside and it was a done deal.

I do have cell phones which I use a lot, even from home since other family members in CA and NV are on the same service so I can call them for free.

The only downside I've heard about the cable VoIP is that the phones might not work if the power goes out. My power hasn't gone out since I've had it, so I can't say if that's true.

Michael