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I'm keeping my POTS copper wire land line because it is needed for my monitored burglar/fire alarm, and also because unlike cell phones that usually fail with a major power outage (the cell phone itself will work without mains power, but the towers won't - most have backup for a few hours but after that no mas).
Most alarm systems will work with cellular. You may need an adapter.
Just because you have a landline, you are not necessary directly connected to the Central Office. Unless you are within ~18,000 feet, you will probable be served via a remote. While the main CO has extensive battery backup (and often a gen set), remotes, just like cellular sites, are typically only configured with 8-hour battery backup.
Thanks for the ideas!
I hadn't even thought of VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), mostly because that was considered cutting edge 20 years ago and I wasn't sure it still existed. Although that is obviously how internet providers offer telephone service. But how do I transition a phone number? Do the FCC Regs which mandate freedom to move numbers from one cell phone provider to another also permit land-line to VOIP phone number transfer?
I will research that, but moving phone service from AT&T to Comcast is akin chosing how you want to be executed; Axe or Guillotine? I didn't share that we will be making major changes to our CATV also. These changes may affect availability of VOIP.
Regardless, thanks for the ideas.
VOIP simply needs internet. Any provider, any speed. Whatever changes you make, you're going to continue having internet, right?
Thanks for the ideas!
I hadn't even thought of VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), mostly because that was considered cutting edge 20 years ago and I wasn't sure it still existed. Although that is obviously how internet providers offer telephone service. But how do I transition a phone number? Do the FCC Regs which mandate freedom to move numbers from one cell phone provider to another also permit land-line to VOIP phone number transfer?
I will research that, but moving phone service from AT&T to Comcast is akin chosing how you want to be executed; Axe or Guillotine? I didn't share that we will be making major changes to our CATV also. These changes may affect availability of VOIP.
Regardless, thanks for the ideas.
I ported my AT&T landline phone number over to Ooma. I don't remember exactly how, but I think I had to complete an online authorization form with Ooma, then they arranged for the switch.
You could port it over to google voice and then hook it up to an ooma unit. Free voip service.
It will be slightly convoluted but you can't port a landline to google voice. What you will need to do is port your landline to a mobile number and THEN port it to google voice. The port fee is 20 bucks.
What I would do is ask your cell provider for a third line without actually buying a phone. As soon as it was active I would port it over to Google voice and then cancel it. Obviously, you would want to make sure you don't have to have a contract for the new line.
I have been asked who is my cable provider. Spectrum is the answer.
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