11.11.04
Taking the VoIP plunge
I'm ready to make the move now. I got rid of my DSL for cable HSI (High Speed Internet) recently, so now I have a stable connection and basic dialtone service.
Now when I say basic, I mean BASIC. I can't even place LD phone calls. This service costs around $11. But, when you add in all the other taxes and fees, this nearly doubles to $21! I see no point in keeping this service when I can get a VoIP line for the same price with EVERYTHING and can make international calls for free. Oh, and SBC feeling the need to fire 10,000 to 20,000 hard working people wasn't a plus in my book either.
I'm well aware of the 911 limitations for VoIP, so that isn't an issue. I'm well aware of the back-up power requirements as well, so I'm good in that regard. Now I just need to settle on a provider.
Vonage is the obvious first choice. They have a great reputation, working 911 service and I can port my current number directly to them. On the down side, I'm looking to get a virtual number for Dayton, OH so my wife's sister can make toll free calls to us. Vonage charges $5 per number. In the end, my monthly total will be $30 for phone service.
My second choice is Broadvoice. They have a larger basic feature set than Vonage, the price is $5 cheaper, virtual numbers are $2, and they have a fine following as well. The down side, they do not have 911 working yet and I cannot get a direct port of my current number.
While the need of a number change isn't so bad, I really can't lose 911 access. Hopefully they will get it working soon. Until then, I'm going to have to go for Vonage and just bypass on the virtual number.
10:20 am in geekness | 1 person viewing0 ramblings so far