Telephone Options for the Home (iPhone, universal, wireless, access)

[NYC2RDU]

I will be working from home with increasing frequency and I am concerned about having access to a reliable telephone service (lots of conference calls, and often where I'll be presenting to VIP's). I've used Vonage in the past but have concerns about call quality and I've used the VoIP option offered by my internet provider but don't love that option either.

Are there any other services available to be considered? I'm assuming Ooma is similar to Vonage and so reluctant to go that route.

[Mr5150]

A wireless plan with unlimited talk. Use a company that provides good call quality at your house along with a good quality phone. People can’t tell I’m not on a landline with my iPhone.

[Kalper]

Originally Posted by Mr5150

People can’t tell I’m not on a landline with my iPhone.

Did anyone ever say that iPhone did a good job on this ?

[markjames68]

A lot depends on location for VoIP. If you are in LA but connect through NY that will impact call quality.

Also, having enough bandwidth, low latency and jitter, and prioritizing internet traffic for voip will make a difference.

Ooma is worth a try in my opinion. I’ve also used Callcentric with great results combined with an IP desk phone.

[PacoMartin]

Originally Posted by NYC2RDU

I've used the VoIP option offered by my internet provider but don't love that option either.

My internet provider is no longer charging for telephone service except for the $13.76/month for the seven taxes and fees. The quality of the service is very high and it is more reliable than wireless for my location. I am curious why you don't love that option?

• Federal Subscriber Line Charge
• Federal Excise Tax
• Federal Universal Service Fund
• State Sales Tax
• State Gross Receipts Tax
• State Telecom Relay Surcharge
• City 911 Fee

[Pyewackette]

And you can't get a landline because ...

[PacoMartin]

Originally Posted by Pyewackette

And you can't get a landline because ...

Verizon Freedom Essentials lets you save by combining unlimited local and regional toll, nationwide long distance calling, and up to five of our most popular calling features.

Verizon Freedom Essentials is my definition of a traditional landline with unlimited long distance calling. A friend of mine retains her landline for the legacy phone, and Verizon charges over $95 with taxes and fees.

VoIP option offered by the internet provider is usually cheaper than Vonage.

[jiminnm]

We have a landline (Century Link) because cell service here is spotty at best. We pay $39/mo, which includes all in state calls. We have 3rd party long distance service that charges 3c/minute. We seldom exceed $10/mo for that.