VoIP!! We got it!!

[saraphen]

Hubster did all the work!! Don't believe the hype, because it really is work. You don't realize how many things you have connected to your phone until you start ripping out infrastructure (haven't used that word since I retired!!). We have the basic answering machine, FAX, and then there is the security system that "phones home," and the DirectTV that calls in movie requests, and the phone tells 911 where you're located.

We already used the cable for our internet access, so they didn't even have to come to our house to make the switch....just send us a box, with really bad instructions on how to set it up. The phone number was supposed to be ported from Bellsouth to Earthlink before they sent the box...WRONG ANSWER. We got the box first, connected it up and voila...no dial tone. Sorry, you have to wait until tomorrow. So switch the phone back.. Next morning, no dial tone from Bellsouth...Hurray!! So we're in business. I called from my cell and it rings...connection is clear as a bell. So then I call from the IP phone, and get a busy signal. Hmmm...Help again. OK, we have to dial all 10 digits. You folks in the big city have been doing that for years, but here in Mayberry we've been holding off. OK, now it works.

So call somebody....answering machine...another answering machine....doesn't anybody stay home on a Saturday, just when I want them?

[soulbrotha]

Congratulations, we have had VOIP for about 10 months now. It is OK, but it is much cheaper than the conventional phone service. It acts up every once in a while, but for the price you can't beat it.

[saraphen]

The cable has been going out on the internet service every now and then, so I expect it to continue. Now we can stop using our cell phones for most of our long-distance, and we can cut that plan back, too.

[soulbrotha]

That was one of my concerns before I got the service. Depending on my internet connection for my phone service. Once someone hit a telephone poll that contained a cable router, just knocked it down. I was without cable and telephone for a while. It was football Sunday too, so I missed Desperate Housewives, Grays Anatomy and some football games. I had to charge up some minutes on my cell just to call the cable company. BUT the service is getting better. I don't have as many dead periods as I used to.

[saraphen]

We have been troubleshooting a problem with our service for over a month now. It's crystal clear on our end, but the people on the other end complain about an echo. My daughter says it sounds like she's talking to herself.

After 6 calls to support and trying various things, we're going to something else. I won't go back to Bellsouth because they gave us grief about cutting out one phone an leaving another.