December 2, 2008

This month we are going to discuss whether you should switch to using the broadband Internet telephone service.  As far as I'm concerned, it isn't for me, but I will relay some of the comments I've had from customers who have switched to the service.

There are several things to keep in mind if you are considering dropping your local phone service for Internet phone service.  Remember when we had the power outage from the earthquake?  The power for your telephone line in your home is provided by the phone company.  So, if the power to your house goes off, the phone companies emergency power system may still be providing power to your telephone.  That's why it pays to have one of the older, regular style phones.  If your house power goes off, your cordless phones, or any phone which has a power supply which plugs into the wall, won't work without power.  The regular telephones will continue to function, since they use the power supplied by the telephone line.

Another consideration is whether or not you have a Fax machine, or you use the modem in your computer to send out or receive Faxes.  Unless you pay extra for the service, the Internet phone services don't provide for using a Fax machine.  They have an additional charge for this service.  There are Internet based Fax services, but again, there is a charge for these services.

The greatest concern for deciding whether or not to switch your phone service is the quality of the service.  Most of my customers who have Internet service are not overly impressed with the quality of the service.  Lots of complaints about static, erratic sound quality, etc.

I am also concerned about the ability to keep my existing telephone number.  Most of the services, such as Vonage, don't have the capability to transfer your present number to their service.

Another issue with some providers is bandwidth capability.  This will affect whether or not you can have extension phones on your phone line.

All in all, if you are seriously considering switching, talk to friends, neighbors, whoever, and see what their opinions are and how happy they are with the service, then weigh the options, then make your decision.

If you have any questions or comments, click