Vonage

private joker · #1 01-18-2007, 09:49 PM

I was reading this thread where people talk about land lines and whatever, and there were a couple mentions of Vonage, but no real discussion about it.

Putting aside the already-hashed-out debate about land line vs. cell phone (I have a cell but I also use a land line, moving on, etc.), let's consider switching from my normal home land line service (which is AT&T/SBC) to Vonage.

What's the deal with them? I guess it's some sort of voice-ID thing and not as clear as regular calls? I think it's $25 a month for unlimited local & long distance, and my current bill is $39. Is it worth switching to save the extra $14 a month? Any opinions of Vonage one way or the other?

Elevens · #2 01-18-2007, 10:28 PM

You can keep AT&T and get their VOIP service.

AT&T Callvantage

I've had it for about 2 years, and love it. I got it over Vonage, because it was reviewed as an overall better value. My parents tried Vonage and hated it.

private joker · #3 01-18-2007, 10:49 PM

[ QUOTE ]
You can keep AT&T and get their VOIP service.

AT&T Callvantage

[/ QUOTE ]

This sounds pretty good. So if it runs over your high-speed internet, does that cause any problems when you're working online and taking phone calls at the same time?

Elevens · #4 01-18-2007, 11:22 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
You can keep AT&T and get their VOIP service.

AT&T Callvantage

[/ QUOTE ]

This sounds pretty good. So if it runs over your high-speed internet, does that cause any problems when you're working online and taking phone calls at the same time?

[/ QUOTE ]

No. I've never had a problem with it. However, if you have Tivo that connects via a phone line -- VOIP sucks. I suggest having your Tivo connect on your wireless (or wired network), and you won't have a problem.

KreellKeiser · #5 01-18-2007, 11:24 PM

Used Vonage as extra lines during a campaign last year. They were great when they worked, but we had real spotty internet so it became a problem at times. If you internet is solid, Vonage is fantastic. If not, then...

CrayZee · #6 01-19-2007, 01:38 AM

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They were great when they worked, but we had real spotty internet so it became a problem at times. If you internet is solid, Vonage is fantastic.

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I don't have a land line atm, but the quoted above was my experience. Vonage + Comcast cable internet not so good. DSL + Vonage is probably better since comcast cable internet is spotty. This was before Comcast had a VOIP offering.

If your power goes out, or just your internet, then no telephono.

There are certainly pros and cons of voice IP phone services, but it is pretty cool overall.

The Glidd · #7 01-18-2007, 10:34 PM

I had Vonage for a while. It was $15 a month (500min plan). When I recently moved, I switched to Comcast's bundle of cable/ internet/ phone since it ended being cheaper as a package. I wanted to stay with Vonage. The only thing I didn't like was the Hindu support. Call reception was no better or worse than Comcast.

I get telemarketers with Comcast now, but never with Vonage.

I'd recommend, but only because of price. $15 a month was nice.

Patrick del Poker Grande · #8 01-18-2007, 10:35 PM

I have VOIP through my cable company and my wife's uncle has Vonage. They both sound great. In fact, I think my digital voice through the cable company sounds better than the traditional phone line did. Their value really improves even more if you make a lot of long-distance calls, as they're included in the flat monthly rate.

The main problem with Vonage that I've heard is that their 911 system isn't full 911 in that the 911 operator can't see where you're calling from, so you'd have to tell them where you're calling from in case of an emergency. Comcast digital voice isn't limited this way. If you care to learn more, I think one of these two 911 technologies is called E911, but I don't remember which one.

Ra_ · #9 01-19-2007, 02:46 PM

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The main problem with Vonage that I've heard is that their 911 system isn't full 911 in that the 911 operator can't see where you're calling from, so you'd have to tell them where you're calling from in case of an emergency. Comcast digital voice isn't limited this way. If you care to learn more, I think one of these two 911 technologies is called E911, but I don't remember which one.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think they have fixed that, i use them and you have to register your address/zip code with their 911 system so it gets routed to the right place. I've never had to call it though.

I wonder if i would get in trouble if i called 911 as a test, or just said i accidentally the the emg. button on my phone.

Freakin · #10 01-19-2007, 02:49 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

The main problem with Vonage that I've heard is that their 911 system isn't full 911 in that the 911 operator can't see where you're calling from, so you'd have to tell them where you're calling from in case of an emergency. Comcast digital voice isn't limited this way. If you care to learn more, I think one of these two 911 technologies is called E911, but I don't remember which one.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think they have fixed that, i use them and you have to register your address/zip code with their 911 system so it gets routed to the right place. I've never had to call it though.

I wonder if i would get in trouble if i called 911 as a test, or just said i accidentally the the emg. button on my phone.

[/ QUOTE ]

if you are using vonage you can test with 933 instead of 911.

it can be a crime to call 911 without an emergency in some areas