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I currently have landline and 3mbps DSL internet through Centurylink. The service has been fine but I'm having a harder time negotiating getting a lower price on the service from them. My phone service is the most basic one they offer (local and long distance calling). Their best DSL prices ($19.99/mo) they are now bundling with a higher tiered phone package that I don't want and it would make my bill even higher now. I'm paying about $55/mo total for both but if I can't renegotiate it'll go to $65/mo. Looks like just DSL would be maybe $40/mo tops.
I'm thinking of dropping the landline service with CL and just doing the DSL, and trying a voip/majic jack type of internet home phone service. I do have a cell phone. It's just a prepaid tracfone and I try to use it sparingly. My bf also has a tracfone and he uses his less than I use mine. Home phone needs are for local calls and for occasional long distance calls. No faxing. I've had the same home phone number for 10 years but I'm not that attached to it if I have to lose it.
We use a Actiontec PK5000 modem/router hard wired to two desptop pc's and have a wifi laptop and wifi tablet.
I've just started to research my options but I'd like to hear what other frugal folks are using for this type of service.
We have VoiP with Google for five years now. The only thing we paid was the purchase of an OPI box (it was $99 then from Amazon, but it's only $49 now from every electronic or box store), and that was it. No fee or service charge of any kind whatsoever. We moved houses and states many times since, from two different addresses in SC to one in FL to another two in CA, and we didn't have to do a thing each time, just plugged the box back in.
We have VoiP with Google for five years now. The only thing we paid was the purchase of an OPI box (it was $99 then from Amazon, but it's only $49 now from every electronic or box store), and that was it. No fee or service charge of any kind whatsoever. We moved houses and states many times since, from two different addresses in SC to one in FL to another two in CA, and we didn't have to do a thing each time, just plugged the box back in.
Is this with Google Voice? I've been looking at getting a GV number.
Thanks! I'll check into this!
We have the same thing - Google Voice number with OBI 110 box, which cost us $50 from Amazon. We switched ours two or three years ago, and have brought a few family members with us. The free long distance is really helpful.
I've just done some quick research on Obi/GV and it looks like something I'm interested in. It looks easy and there is no cost beyond the $50 device. I like the no recurring cost or fees part.
One good suggestion I just read is to set up the GV with a new gmail account (not use the one I use for my usual gmail.)
One good suggestion I just read is to set up the GV with a new gmail account (not use the one I use for my usual gmail.)
I've several gmail accounts, but when the children set up Google Voice for me, they didn't pay attention and used my main account (which I only use for family and very close friends.) I didn't bother to change it after I realized that the only times Google sent me an email were when I missed a call to the VoIP line. They never sent advertisements, or promotional offers, or anything that I consider junk mail. They never sold my name and email to anyone either. Not once in the 5 years I've had this phone line, and not in the 9 years I've had my gmail accounts. So, get a new account if you wish, but it does not matter much if you don't.
BTW, my children also have had their own VoIP lines (even before I did), and they also used their main email accounts as well.
Last edited by Ol' Wanderer; 02-22-2013 at 04:03 PM..
I've fully moved over to my Google Voice service and cancelled my landline. I now only have DSL service that is $30/mo. It's all working out well. I like how I can customize my phone service in GV and see all the call history and transcribed voice mails.
Does anyone know if you can transfer your landline number to GV? We need to keep ours for biz reasons (hubby works from home)
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