I am thinking of using Skype to replace my land phone in California vacation home...?

Question

I am looking for advise and or feedback from anyone who has pros, cons...and or advice. I have high speed dsl, (fios), and have realized that anytime someone stays in the property...they always use their own mobile phone, and I seem to be wasting $60/mo. on my land phone. What do you think? Is it as easy to use as they say? Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Having FIOS means that you will have your own direct line from your home to the CO (central office), and you will not be sharing your signal with anybody. If you have cable for your Internet and experience slowdowns at specific times, that is because you are sharing your signal with your neighbors, neighborhood, and local area. I also like that with FIOS if you ever loose power you will still have dial tone because of the bbu, that is if you have a non cordless phone.

The best thing about FIOS I have to say is that they use a proud union work force, not contractors that get paid by the job. You can be sure that your job will be done the the highest standards.

As far as the cost, it all depends on what services you get. Such as type of stb (set top box) standard, standard dvr, hd, hd dvr. As well as options such as movies packages, internet speed, and landline services.  You could also just not have a landline, it is not a requirement for FIOS.

Answer 2

SKYPE is absolutely wonderful!!! I love it!! It is very easy to use. The rates are much cheaper than an land line phone. Instead of being charged a flat rate of $60 on your land line, skype charges you for the minutes you use!

Answer 3

Skype is a great service.  I have used it for over two years now.  

Currently, for $3/month, Skype will give you Unlimited USA/Canada calling to land-phones and mobiles from your PC.  You just need a good headset with built-in microphone to use from your PC.

But, Skype isn't the only low-cost VoIP service that I use.

I also use others like Gizmo5, Efonica, PcCall, CallCentric, InPhonex, and MediaRingTalk.

And, if you want to try a VoIP service that just runs from your web browser (IE7), and is all calls Free to USA/Canada numbers, then you may also want to try out EarthCaller:

http://www.earthcaller.com

Answer 4

why don't you use the MagicJack! I take it on my vacations and also use it at home!

its like 40 dollars per year and 20 there after..and fios is perfect...and the best part is that you can use any old phone and plugit into the MJ

http://www.magicjack.com/1/index.asp

I also use skype and its super easy, but MJ is still cheaper!

Answer 5

Why don't you look into Globalinx VoIP?  It's only $24.95 a month with unlimited calls nationwide and to Canada.

http://www.5linx.net/wealth4good