Anyone out here with VOIP experience... I just signed up...

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

And am having a little buyer's remorse.

[lizziegrace]

1. I use Vonage

I love it. For the price, you can't beat the features. I bought a cordless phone with an extra handset because you can only connect to the router box. If my cable goes out, I have mine programmed to forward to my cell phone.

Be sure and take care of the 911 information. (VOIP doesn't allow your police and fire to recognize your number/address) I input my street information and supposedly a 911 operator can find me.

The quality is generally very good and the unlimited long distance was the selling point for me.

Good luck!

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

2. Thanks... I started to go with Vonage but they can't PORT my

local number so I went with Packet8 wich has the same features and a great 5.8 Mghz phone/router deal and E911 in my area.

I've started shopping for a UPS so I can keep this going.

On the cordless that comes with the system you can add up to 10 handsets, but I understand that if you physically disconnect from your land line, you create essentially a closed loop phone system in the house and can connect your VOIP straight to a jack and have true whole house phone.

God, I hope so.

$20.00 a month for unlimited local and LD seems to good to be true.

[lizziegrace]

3. Sounds like you got a terrific deal

I pay 25/month and am not versed enough in wiring and all to actually have this run through the existing phone wiring. Besides, I rent. A cordless with an additional handset is fine for me. I have a speakerphone running through the answering machine port on the cordless phone base.

I don't think you'll regret it. I do keep my cell phone on my nightstand in case there's an emergency and the VOIP isn't working.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

4. Thanks, Lizzie. I'm feeling better about it.

[lizziegrace]

5. Be prepared

your former phone company will stalk you. I get at least 3 mailings a week begging me to "COME BACK". Sorry, not going to happen!