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Community Newsletter: Q&A: The advantage and disadvantages of using VoIP
- 10/26/07 9:46 AM
VOIP
by kucker64 - 10/12/07 8:41 PM In reply to: The advantage and disadvantages of using VoIP by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
VOIP has improved greatly over the last few years. I have used it for the past 3 years and had absolutely no problems. As long as you have a reliable high speed internet connection, you should be fine. Some people say they notice a slight drop off in sound quality, but I personally do not. In addition, as you mentioned, the price difference is the biggest plus. Do not hesitate to go with VOIP. If the service with your internet provider doesn't work out, you still have the option to switch to another VOIP company like Vonage.
VOIP user for over 3yrs
by cmbasch - 10/22/07 5:26 PM In reply to: VOIP by kucker64I have a 10 room house and 2 phone jacks in every room, so I plug my phone line from the voice route into a phone jack and it feeds the entire house.
it is best if you install your phone router between the modem and wireless router !!!!! and be sure that the Modem,phone router and wireless routers are pluged into a wall plug, be sure that it is not controled by any switch.
I started with Vontage but there was a lot of echo's, after a year of this I went to comcast, but at any storm I was with out phone,even tho the had a back up batter, it always ran down !! then I went with SunRocket, & they went out of business & am now with Teleblend, all the same feathures; 911 calls work fine in my area !!
Your free from Ma Bells in house repair and the worry of overhead lines comming down. repairs are a phone call away and the price is right, I pay $15.95 untill Dec. then it will be 19.95... good deal in any language !! Chuck Basch, Mi
Comcast??
by deaths_little_helper - 10/12/07 8:58 PM In reply to: The advantage and disadvantages of using VoIP by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Speaking from the point of view of someone who's never had to deal with Comcast, but has heard of there legendary lack of customer service, I'd say talk to others who DO have it already (anyone who has Comcast anything, espically the VOIP service please sound off now). As for me, I've got a cell phone, and haven't found a reason to get a home phone.
Comcast internet phone service
by tinamartina22 - 10/12/07 9:02 PM In reply to: The advantage and disadvantages of using VoIP by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You have to read the really small print, I received an offer for $19.95 per month from Comcast, which is really a great rate for 3 months then goes to $39.95 which was $5.00 a month + tax more then our local phone company. I have been using a independant company for over a year at $24.95 a month and they even have a limited $14.95 a month available. We have had no problems, a nice clear service, they are not affiliated with Comcast. I received a different offer from Comcast every other week wanting me to sign up and I will not just because they keep raising the price.
VOIP or Not?
by tektoni - 10/12/07 9:04 PM In reply to: The advantage and disadvantages of using VoIP by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Absolutely go for voice over Internet protocol calling. As a VERY satisfied customer of Skype, I can't say enough good about it. I mean, what's not to like? When a call comes in and I'm doing something else on the computer a little pop up window rise from the bottom right corner with a message like, "Your Mom is calling you." Of course, that's if you've put her number in your contact list as "Your Mom," but, still...it's great. Then you stop whatever else you're doing, click the pop up and say, "Hi Mom," into your desktop mic, and she talks back to you out of your speakers..etc. That's without a headset or a Skype phone which you can also have. Skype otherwise works just like a normal landline, but with one big exception. It's free for all domestic calls or to Canada. I've never used the overseas ability, but i understand a lot of people do. At any one time, I've seen more than 9 million people online using Skype. If I had more time to extol their virtues, I would, but suffice it to say, you'll wonder why you ever had to pay for long distance. The sound quality is perfect; it wasn't in the beginning, but in the nearly a year I've had it, I've never had a dropped call,or had anyone complain, like "What phone are you on?" or anything like that. Why your friends and family don't have it yet is a question I ask myself about my family...we just must be early adopters... get it~!
VOIP: Is it or is it not for us.
by walfin - 10/12/07 9:14 PM In reply to: The advantage and disadvantages of using VoIP by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My wife had used VOIP for a few months and hated it. Sure it saved money. But it has a delay. The other people can hear it. It gets to be a problem. If you can live with this delay, than it might worth a try. Also, routers can be a problem. My VOIP was working, and than my router went out. Same day, I replaced router and the VOIP did not work. Since my wife hated it, I gave the system back. Currently she is using it again, and same problems. All my friends, who, have used VOIP have stopped. Regular phone lines are best. And you can find Long distance plans on land line phones tha are free LD or nearly free.
Phone service like Vonage
by richardgreenblat - 10/12/07 9:21 PM In reply to: The advantage and disadvantages of using VoIP by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
First if you get this type of service and the electricity goes out no service as the modem must be on to work. You can turn off the computer though. The sound quality may not be as good. Thats the cons. The pros are it is much cheaper nationwide long distance and most of the features are included like call waiting, call forwarding, messages if your not home, caller id and caller id when your on the phone. Assuming the phone you have has these features. They usually have a special 911 feature and some have free 411...That is most of the differences.....
The Pros and Cons of VoIP...
by John.Wilkinson - 10/12/07 9:27 PM
In reply to: The advantage and disadvantages of using VoIP by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Marcia,
VoIP is a wonderful option, but like any service has its tradeoffs. Starting with the benefits, one cannot ignore the lower cost. In the case of Comcast, they can offer extremely competitive pricing because, unlike phone companies, most of their infrastructure is already paid for by cable customers. Thus, the way they see it, offering phone service is mostly an additional profit, less some small overhead, not their sole source of revenue; Charging a lower cost is sufficient, especially since in draws in more customers. Note that this logic is why they usually require you to be an existing cable customer. (Similar situation for non-cable company VoIP providers, except that Comcast is the one paying most of the infrastructure costs.)
Then, as you said, it is terrific to have unlimited calling throughout the US and Canada, a rarity with basic home phone service. Call quality is usually equal to or even better than that of standard phone service while there is not the delay problem that existed when VoIP first launched. They are also introducing new innovative features, such as Time Warner Cable having caller ID optionally displayed on your TV so you do not have to get up to see who is calling and Vonage letting you make calls from any computer in the world through the use of a USB adapter. And that’s not to mention Vonage letting you choose multiple phone numbers (for an extra cost) from different areas across the country, should you want people living on the other coast to call you “locally.” Traditional phone companies simply cannot compete with this flexibility.
The downsides are numerous, however. To keep them organized I will number them, with no level of importance implied.
1.) Since the phone service runs through your cable modem, if you lose power you lose it as well, whereas non-cordless phones connected through a traditional phone line would still work. This can be averted by connecting the modem to a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) or a backup generator, however.
2.) Initial connection usually can take an extra week while the company acquires a phone number from the local phone company for your usage. A minor inconvenience.
3.) Traditional 911 service is not supported, instead using E911. While it is equivalent, there have been a few instances over the past several years where a VoIP provider’s system failed or the call was directed to the non-emergency line while the local 911 call center was still functioning. Thus, there is a very slight risk there. Also, emergency teams are dispatched to the address on file with the VoIP provider, regardless of if you’re using Vonage’s mobile VoIP option or have moved.
4.) The service is through your cable line, not your phone line, so to make the phone jacks throughout your house work you must plug a phone cable into the cable modem and into a phone jack…doesn’t matter which one. Just do not forget this step. 
5.) Fax service is still sketchy over VoIP, so it is best to use a traditional phone line for it.
6.) Not all VoIP connections are encrypted, meaning it is theoretically possible for someone to listen in or redirect your phone calls. Thankfully that’s not a problem with the major services, including Skype. In fact, one could argue those who employ encryption are actually more secure than traditional phone services. In short, no worries.
7.) Extreme network congestion can lead to dropped packets, resulting in lost parts of a conversation. This should not be a problem, though, unless the internet provider in your area is severely underequipped for the volume of users. Also, be sure to set up your router properly, if applicable, so that you do not run into interference.
As a current VoIP user, I can say that in my two years of service the above problems have never been a problem for me. The reduced cost and amazing service has been well worth it, and I do not see myself returning to traditional phone service. However, like with all services, there are tradeoffs and the quality varies from region to region so ask your neighbors why they do or do not go with Comcast’s option. It could be they know something about the service in your city you do not and can save you some headaches, but it is more likely that they’ll be thanking you for the heads-up on a great money-saving alternative. Just tell them to give you the difference. 
John
Advanced VOIP
by 3ggold - 12/20/07 11:37 PM In reply to: The Pros and Cons of VoIP... by John.Wilkinson
Take a look at our Linux based Dual SIP WiFi + quadband GSM Smartphone to ensure you have a voice call connection wherever you are. It's competitively priced, FCC approved and supports encrypted calls (WEP/WPA2).
In addition, it holds multiple profiles of WiFi Network Operators on-board, to make logging onto a WiFi network a simple two-button process.
Network selection for outbound calls is a single button process.
It does not support auto-switching between GSM and WiFi networks so all users can control their calling charges by allowing them to select of the most cost-effective network (especially useful when calling from/to overseas numbers). However if you are out of range of a WiFi network an incoming call to your WiFi number is switched to a GSM delivery network so you can view inbound caller-ID.
Review spec. at www.mazingo.tv
VOIP
by rogrogers - 10/12/07 9:28 PM In reply to: The advantage and disadvantages of using VoIP by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I used iConnect for my phone service when I was stationed in Iraq. After starting with their "PC to Phone" service (using a headset attached to my laptop) I eventually changed to the "broadband" service and connected a regular telephone to the adapter. I even got a local area code so my wife and family could call me "direct" (meaning no long distance charge). I absolutely loved it! I kept the "PC to Phone" account active for my son who was also stationed in Iraq so he could call his fiance and mother ... just to check-in every so often. I never had any difficulties, and the sound was like I was calling from across the street. Even though the ATT phone service at the base was only $0.25 per minute I saved a bunch of money using VOIP (service fee around $16/month). Obviously, the biggest drawback to using VOIP domestically is the lack of E9-1-1 service for emergencies; I understand VOIP carriers are trying to fix this issue, though.
VOIP Answers
by RaptorBait - 10/12/07 9:28 PM In reply to: The advantage and disadvantages of using VoIP by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Ultimately, the reason that Comcast is trying to push VOIP is a matter of maintenance. VOIP is more of a software issue than a hardware issue, and you can largely maintain, modify, and/or upgrade software for far less money than you can for hardware.
There are additional factors that also come into play with the switch to VOIP. Digital phone is effectively VOIP, but with a little bit of hardware kept on your end that the company has to maintain. Well, travel and man-hours cost money. But with what they advertise as VOIP, that travel and maintenance is largely on you for anything short of a problem with your DOCSIS modem and router.
The final part of the why VOIP is appealing rather than hardwired services is that the VOIP and internet backbones that support them are improving. With the average person having significantly better home hardware in the form of their laptops and home PCs, the software lag becomes almost unnoticeable. Also, the software is improving daily. Of course Skype and Vonage have pushed the issue to everyone and have forced improvements in all elements of the telecommunications industry. That has forced local telcos and cable services to either improve all their hardware right down to the user level, or accommodate on a large scale for the additional bandwidth. The easier solution is to accommodate for increased bandwidth than increased bandwidth and point to point hardware and services.
At the end of the day, VOIP is a good deal, but may not be perfect for everyone. If you live in a fairly metropolitan area and have a computer made within the past two years, you should be in good enough shape to handle any VOIP, but keep in mind that unlike your cellular phone, your 911 access could be spotty at best until further software improvements are made.
Electricity, EEEE-lec-tric-i-ty!
by weeblesue - 10/12/07 9:33 PM In reply to: The advantage and disadvantages of using VoIP by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
(That's Schoolhouse Rock, if you're wondering)
The big reason I won't use VOIP nor let any of my family use it is - you guessed it - electricity.
1. If the power goes out, you have no phone. Using a regular land line, even if the power goes out, you can still call the electric company! Every house should have at least one phone that does not require electricity - they sell such items for $5 to $10 at Walgreens or CVS.
2. You must always remain connected to the internet. This means your modem must always be on and connected. If you don't have broadband internet, or if your internet service is spotty or slow, your phone service will be too. There are some services that require your computer to be on and always connected as well. This is too big a security risk for anyone to do, even with firewalls and security programs.
3. As it says in the commercials, "911 service does not operate like normal 911 service." What this means is that (if you do have power, and you do have the modem on and connected to the internet) the 911 operators cannot locate where you are. You better be unemotional, clear-headed, and able to speak to the 911 operator in order to get an ambulance or police to your house. Otherwise, good luck.
Wikipedia has a great page on Voip, its benefits and drawbacks. The page www.voip.com even has neat graphics that clearly show what is required for voip service.
I've had too many things happen in the course of life to put the safety of my family at such risk. We also live in Houston Texas, somewhat prone to hurricanes and big storms where we lose power regularly, and there are some areas on the outskirts that still struggle along with dialup internet service.
But the 911 thing kills it for me, and I will ensure my family doesn't buy into it either. When you need help, the last thing you need to worry about is that people can't find you.
We've debated about getting rid of the house phone and relying wholly on cellphones too... but again the regular phone wins out. Cell phones die, and if you're without power you can't recharge it. Cell phones get lost, get wet, get stolen...and my $5 phone will still connect me with emergency services, my family, and the rest of the world. And if it breaks, it's all of $5 to replace it.
Try getting a new broadband modem for $5 at 11 pm on Sunday when you need to make a phone call. My local drugstore is open 24 hours. Is your cable provider?
Good luck. But don't do it.
WeebleSue
VOIP phone service
by dewill1 - 10/19/07 10:28 PM In reply to: Electricity, EEEE-lec-tric-i-ty! by weeblesueI have been a VOIP customer with AT&T since they started it in April 2004 and I love it. It is inexpensive and AT&T have features the other companies do not have for no additional charge. I love the service. The only drawback is the dependency on the broadband connection. However, if your cable doesn't go out, neither will your phone.
VOIP
by al99337 - 10/12/07 9:45 PM In reply to: The advantage and disadvantages of using VoIP by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have been using VOIP for about 3 years, and have been very happy with it. I started out with Vonage, but they didn't have local access (although they assured me that they would have it 'SOON'), so I switched to Lingo. It's nice to have unlimited long distance, caller id, free calls to Canada (my wife is a Canadian),voice mail, call waiting, etc. all for less than the basic rate my local phone company used to charge me. If you have kids away at school, it costs another five bucks to get another number that is local for them, without the hassle, deposits, etc, of dealing with the local phone company. If you have a business with a lot of customers in a city, you can get a local number for that city and your customers can reach you with a local call.
My phone instruments are unchanged - I disconnected the land line coming into my house and wired the VOIP telephone adapter into the house phone wiring.
There have been a few times that I was without phone service, but I suspect that they were related to a lack of good service by my cable company rather than the VOIP service. The cable company, of course, won't admit that as a possibility!
You'd be hard pressed to get me to return to the local land line.
VoiP..Without a doubt..get it!!!!!!!!
by futuresmkt - 10/12/07 10:07 PM In reply to: The advantage and disadvantages of using VoIP by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I've been a home VoiP user(Vonage) for 4+ years. At first I had intermittent outages (~1 every 2 months) for about 5-10 minutes. A minor inconvenience but worth it for the ~$30/month (now $25) for UNLIMITED tel service, both nationally and to Western Europe (Eng, Italy, France, Ireland, etc). My original bigggest concern was voice quality but it is equal to a landline and no one notices a difference. It is definitely the technological wave for telco service and I would recommend it to anyone.
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