At 15 May 2008 03:25:23 +0000 Larry wrote:

> > I've resisted VoIP so far, since unlimited runs about
> > $20/month, and the $10 difference (Qwest charges $5/month more for
> > internet if you drop local phone service for DSL only, so my net
> > savings would be $10 rather than $15) doesn't justify losing landline
> > reliability.
>
> Wow...I'm only paying $US2.065/month for Skype Out Unlimited to any phone
> or sellphone in the USA/Canada/AK/HI/PR. It isn't really unlimited at
> 10,000 minutes per month, but if you overrun that you have serious
> personal issues Skype can't help you with.


Yep. I've eliminated Skype from contention as a landline replacement
(although I use it from time-to-time) for a number of reasons- lack of E911
compliance, needs a running PC or proprietary phone, and doesn't integrate
into existing RJ-11 home wiring (without the aforementioned "running PC.")

That also eliminates MagicJack (which I already own and subscribe to at
$20/year unlimited in/out, but it's RJ-11 interface hardware requires a
running PC as well.)


> The Skype phones have become kind of BIZARRE, lately. You have a
> sellphone, so if you're not a hobbleware Verizon slave, you can install
> Skype Mobile or PDA versions right on your sellphone and have an all-in-
> one VoIP device...right in your pocket, even on the road, saving big
> money compared to sellphone LD to Timbuctoo.

Yes. My WinMo phone has Skype, Fring and SIP clients installed, supporting
four of my VoIP accounts in addition to my T-Mo cellphone account.


> VoIP doesn't HAVE to cost $20+/month before you make the first call.
> Works great!

If I lived alone I'd be on the same page as you. In a family of five with
three kids ranging from four through ten, I want the phones to work like Ma
Bell intended- 911, no country codes for local calls, etc. T-Mobile will
give me that for $10/month (over and above my cellphone bill), through my
existing home wiring, with 911 capability, when Talk Forever launches
nationwide.