[Leaplist] what is your telephone/internet solution? BB/VOIP it all?

[Chris]

andrei raevsky wrote:

> Guys,
>
> I am totally confused, maybe is that I am getting old, maybe its that 
> I am from abroad, or maybe its just that I am stupid:
>
> shop a good broad band connection.. even if it is from a TV company 
> using cable.  Most likely you will have to dump the phone connection 
> to get better rates.. none will sell you dsl if you don't have a 
> copper pair coming in.
>
> How do I dump my phone connection and keep copper pair coming in (is 
> that what you call a phone landline, a copper pair?)
>
This is called "Naked DSL" or "Standalone DSL". Availability depends
on your market, but it's perfectly possible to have your copper pair
handling nothing but DSL.

> Several options that work very well over any broadband 
> connection..packet8 at 19.95 per month , which works out to about 22 
> bucks per month.  vontage which is 24.95 per month plus tax.. Skype 
> which is free from computer to computer or a service called skype out 
> for 29.95 per year unlimited long distance 24/7 US and Canaga.  20 
> dollar Headphones on your computer or a 150 dollar dedicated skype 
> phone. I have been using skype out for the last month and am 
> impressed.. I have their 29.95 per year service and it works great.. 
> Voice quality is better on any of these services than most copper pair 
> connections..   Skype IN is 38 dollars per year for inbound service 
> and a phone number in any city you want..
>
> Why is Skype not free 24/7 worldwide?! 

Because that's not their business model?

> Are there charges for long distance VIOP?  

Depends on the VOIP package.

> Is that not just using the Internet like I do with my diap-up and 
> Skype already but just faster?  


Skype is VOIP. But the results with any VOIP and dial-up are
likely to be disappointing. (This include satellite, since satellite
is typically inbound-only, with outbound over dialup). I've seen
it done, but you need a really good connection (i.e. decent modem
speed) and good software. There are reports that the Skype
compression works over dialup, if your connection is good enough
at both ends.

> Can I use Skype for local calls then and, if yes, at what rate?  

Skype used to be free to North American POTS numbers. As
far as I know, that is no longer the case. Skype has stated that
Skype to Skype will "always" be free, which is kind of a no-brainer,
because any of the VOIP solutions is pretty much free from computer
to computer, depending on bandwidth charges.

As far as I know, calling locally (assume Orlando) is no different
from calling California with Skype. If you want to go Skype to
POTS, you'll have to sign up for their "Skype-out" package.


> Do VOIP have more or less network failures than regular phone lines?
>
Interesting question. After (and during) three hurricanes, my
cable Internet connection was pretty ragged. But my BellSouth
copper never missed a beat. Not even a trace of static. However,
after a relatively minor rain a few months ago, I completely
lost my BellSouth connect for two days. I suppose it just depends
on which wire the squirrel chews through, or tree falls on.

> You don't have to get TV service if you sign up with a cable-internet 
> provider, e.g. Brighthouse, we've been cable TV free for six years but 
> have used their Roadrunner service during this time.  It's good stuff, 
> and a better deal than AT&T DSL.
>
> But won't I be paying more for a service (TV) I won't use?
>
Brighthouse offers data-only connections.

Some other things to consider:

What happens when you call 911? Not all VOIP systems interact
with emergency services in your area. Hopefully, you'll never
need to dial 911, but it might be nice to know that if your kid
calls 911 then passes out from smoke inhalation that there's a
good chance the 911 system has registered your address.

There has been some legislation on this issue - I don't know what
the current state of compliance is - or how well it works.

You might also consider the reliability of the infrastructure in
your area. In my area, the POTS lines have been stunningly
reliable - cable, not so much so. The reverse may be true in
your area.

Just some more factors to add to your headache. ;-)

Cheers,

Chris