Hi, if you’re like me, you’re probably wondering why I have a landline when my whole family has cell phones. I thought to myself what the hell I’ll go ahead and hold the line. I downgraded my service to the bare minimum which was for local calls only. Although it was about $8 for the service after adding all taxes and fees, it ended up at about $15 for the minimum service.
So, I thought I’d look at VoIP providers and their services. The main thing I was looking for was the reliability of the service and its rate. You should also find features that you want to use.
Here are some interesting features to look for:
Free Second Line, Free International Minutes, Voicemail, Voicemail Viewer, Voicemail to Email, Web-Based Call Logs, Online Account Management, Remote Voicemail, Access, Do Not Disturb , Incoming Call Routing, Outgoing Caller ID Block, Anonymous Call Rejection, Block List, Incoming Caller ID with Name, Outgoing Caller ID with Name, Call Waiting, Caller ID, Simultaneous Ring, Call Forward , Call Waiting, Speed Dial, Contacts List, Call Hold, Directory Assistance Lock, Operator Lock, Softphone, 7, 10, 11 Digit Dialing, *69 Calling, 3-Way Return, Conference Call, Local and long distance dialing, Bring your own device, Enhanced 911, Free in-network calling, Refer a friend, 30-day satisfaction guarantee, Keep Your Number ro, 7 day customer support, Bandwidth Saver, 211 Community Service, 311 City Service, 711 TTY Text Phone Service, 811 Call Before You Dig Service, Click2Call, Remote Click2Call, International Call Block, Fax Catcher, Failsafe
As you can see, you will have a lot of work for you when looking for a service provider. Some service providers will allow you to do a month-to-month contract. If you decide you like their service, go ahead and get a contract for one or two years. The longer you sign up, the greater your savings.
I don’t use all of the features listed above, but it’s there if I ever need to. The feature I like is receiving email notifications and accessing my account. I can review and save or delete the messages right on my computer.
The other feature I like is the free second line (cloned). This feature allows you to receive or make calls while someone else is busy talking on the other line. How cool is that? It’s a really cool feature when you have a daughter on the phone for long periods of time.
The reliability of your service will vary. Variables like your ISP, the wiring in the house and in the house, the area you live in, etc. But, the VoIP service provider you choose and their equipment must be extremely reliable and trustworthy.
As you may already know, any modem power interruption, such as a power outage, will result in you being unable to make any calls, including 911.
But I just confirmed with AT&T that they don’t physically disconnect their line from the side of the house. They simply disconnect you from billing. Which means the lines are still “hot” and connected. This means that if you plug any phone into any previously working outlet, you will not get a dial tone, but you will be able to dial 911 and receive emergency service at your address. How cool is that?!
Now you can have your cake and eat it too.
Good luck with your search.