Would like VOIP suggestions

[mom of 2 girls]

I'm doing research to find the company I'd like to go with for new telephone service. I know Vonage is out there but there are many other as well. Does anyone have this type of telephone service? What is your opinion or suggestions? What company do you use? Any good websites for researching several companies? Thanks!

[NorthernLanes]

I've heard mixed reviews about Vonage - some love it, some don't. We have Cox VOIP and I absolutely love it.

[itsamy9]

I have it. Once all the kinks have been worked out it works lovely...no static, no outtages. Kinks were very frustrating ranged from static on the line to having no dial tone but having web connection. It was kind of frustrating dealing with cause each dept doesnt communicate with the other dept. For example, when I called re; no dial tone it would get fixed and then I would have not internet connection. I have had it now for 4 months and have NO ISSUES. So if you are patient you will really like. In addition, I did have to get a special alarm panel installed to go with the VOIP so you might need to consider this extra cost if you have a home alarm.

[Admin Juleslian]

Skype is practically free--you get a year of service for about $37 if you buy Skype In. For the rest of the year all calls in the US and Canada are FREE, comes with free voicemail.

That said, sometimes there is an echo on the line and it bugs me. Most days it's perfect and because I'm rarely on the phone it was an easy choice for my line.

DH has his line set up via our broadband (Charter) it is part of a package but all long distance included and voicemail and other options it's about $30/mo. It's 100% reliable and sounds just like the normal phone always.

[Admin shilton]

I like my vonage and my brother had a different one (not sure what one) that cost him more and when I was happy with my vonage he switched and is happy. I guess that means I will stick with them due to the fact he has been doing the VOIP thing since it started he is a computer geek. There are downfalls though mainly if you electric or internet goes down you have no phone. This has happened to me a couple times but for short enough periods that I got by with my cell phone.

[Sharon]

I have Sunrocket and I am happy with it. You pay $199 for a year and local and long distance calls are free; international rates are really cheap too. Most of the time they do a promo where you get 2 free phones (base set with handset and another handset), so that's a bonus. If you refer someone, you can get yet another handset, worth about $50.

As with any VOIP, if your cable/internet goes out, you are without a phone, but most everyone has a cell phone. Also, check to make sure the VOIP service you go with is 911 compliant.

Once in a while, the line will be choppy, but it isn't often. Overall, I am really happy I got it.

[CrayonsAreCool]

I was talking to a guy that I used to work with and he is what being frugal is all about. He's also really really into the latest and greatest technology. He said that vonage is the way to go. He also said that you can bring your modem with you when you travel and circumvent the hotel internet charges that way. I'm not sure how it works, but that's what Steve said. He travels lots for work, so I have to take his word for it.

As far as VOIP, we got our phone, internet and cable from the cable company, and our alarm is run through a basic telephone service plan, which costs us $15 a month. To me, it's worth it to have it because I know that my alarm system isn't going to fail in a power failure, and we have access to emergency services even if the cable is down. We also have a corded phone plugged into the regular phone jack in the cellar, just in case. It is definately peace of mind for what it costs. Cellphones are great, but if there's a bad storm and a tower goes down or the lines are all jammed up, it's good to have a landline, just in case.

[Elizabeth]

I love love love vonage! I've had it about four months and have NO complaints. :)

[txcouponer]

I have Sunrocket. I picked it because it was $199 for a year, cheaper than Vonage, and it comes with two incoming phone lines. I have one local and one that is a different area code for my parents. Can't beat that! It has been great for me.