Comments on: Save Money on Your Landline Phone

By: Linda

Linda — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:32:03 +0000

I’m looking to switch to Vonage for my landline service, but my worry is that we’ll have to have our computer constantly on- is this a valid issue, or will the calls just go straight to voice mail when the computer is off?

By: Kirtes C

Kirtes C — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:43:26 +0000

Land lines are needed for our home security system to work. This feature helped us decide to keep our land line.

By: VC

VC — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:25:14 +0000

For a lot of people, wouldn’t it be cheaper to cut out the landline altogether? Most people I know primarily use their cell phones anyway. When someone does call my landline, I only answer when it’s someone whose number I know because we get so much telemarketing calls. It would be a lot cheaper just to give those few people my cell number.

By: 2Million

2Million — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:44:38 +0000

Lazy,
You missed the device we currently use – Ooma! Based on our experience over the past month I think it has a better value than the pay as you go services you have listed. One time ~$200 hardware purchase and no service fees.

By: kudilu

kudilu — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:19:34 +0000

I don’t know about Comcast, but Cox Cable does the same package deal in our area. For us at least, the phone works just fine when the power’s out. Dealt with it a few times.

By: Shey

Shey — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:47:07 +0000

I use a MagicJack with my laptop and it is kind of a pain. You don’t need to plug a phone into the USB device, though; you can use a headset plugged into your computer’s headphone and microphone jacks. If someone calls, the MJ will ring through your computer speakers and you can then quickly plug in the headset and talk.

By: Devo

Devo — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:23:54 +0000

I don’t use my home phone all that much and i’m thinking about trying a little VOIP company i found called http://www.VoiceStick.com has anyone heard of these guys? they have a Next to nothing plan that is $1 a month. any help would be great. Thanks!

By: Madison

Madison — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:49:01 +0000

This helps a lot! We have Vonage right now, but I’m always wondering if there’s a better deal out there. I think we’ll stay put for now based on your research. Thanks!

By: Lazy Man

Lazy Man — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 04:12:30 +0000

My Comcast modem does not come with a battery backup (that I’m aware of). If it does, or if you got had a battery backup generator, you could get around the problem. It’s just that in most cases, you’ll have no phone.

By: Jason H

Jason H — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 03:44:47 +0000

You listed loss of electricity = no phone as a con for Comcast, but that is not 100% true. I have the Comcast service and the modem comes with a battery backup that will last up to 4 hours under load (ie usage).

Now, the fact that all my phones are cordless kind of defeats that functionality, but I have lost power and observed the battery system engage. The modem kills the Internet and in my case my second line (actually due to my setup) as a power conservation measure to maximize uptime.

By: Casey

Casey — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:56:09 +0000

Another great way to save on phone bills (landline and cell) is by calling 1-800-FREE411 instead of 411. I saved $20 on my last cell phone bill just by making the switch and it is soooo easy! They have all business, government and residential listings- just like 411!

By: Devo

Devo — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:48:45 +0000

I have found a Very good site about MagicJack http://www.UninstallMagicJack.com

when i was thinking about getting MagicJack i reviewed this site and figured it wasn’t worth the risk.

it’s like one of those deals that is to good to be true.

Hope it helps!

By: P

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:53:25 +0000

I use cell phone(s) instead of landline. A primary, and a backup pre-paid. I originally setup vonage as a number to give to merchants, and others I don’t want calling my cell. It goes directly to VM and then sends me an email. The last time I talked on Vonage, it was a bit choppy to use for an important phone call. That was a couple of years ago. I also have Skype, along with a Polycom (USB) speakerphone. It’s ok for phone calls, but perhaps a headset would work better.

The last time I used land lines, they were around $25/mo. I was moving every couple of years, and got tired of paying their installation fee every time, along with having to leave work to meet the phone guy.

By: bigtimetopbanana

bigtimetopbanana — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:44:25 +0000

I’ve been using Vonage for a couple of years just for the international phone calls to my parents back in England.

We’ve decided to pack that in, and just have cellphones, with a calling card to phone England. I also purchased UK calling cards for my parents to make the call in the opposite direction.

The problem I have with Skype is that to call other Skype users, you have plan the calls in advance, so it doesn’t work in emergency situations. The idea of the “unlimited landline” calls is interesting. Has anyone price compared that versus calling cards?
Haven’t decided if

By: Miranda

Miranda — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:45:30 +0000

Great post! We just switched to phone service through our Internet provider. We are saving $30 a month. Our cell phone (pay as you go) serves as a back-up. For international calling, I love Skype.