Have you tried Vonage phone service? How did/do you like it?

I used it 5 years ago, to give my home-based business its own line. The sound and reliability were equal to a land line. I was on the phone long-distance several hours a day, so it was very cost effective, too.

I don’t have it but a friend does. I actually have a VOIP line for making free long distance calls, but it is not through Vonage. VOIP phone service is OK for backup, but not to replace a landline. If you lose your internet connection, you lose phone service. If you turn your computer off or your computer malfunctions, you lose phone service. If the power goes off, you lose phone service. Voice quality suffers via echos, stutters, silent pauses, and internet roar. It’s around $25/month. A true landline is about the same. There is no comparison in quality.

If you turn your computer off or your computer malfunctions, you lose phone service.

Not true with Vonage, it has a dedicated router which plugs into the DSL or cable modem (or your current router). Your friend’s PC-based VOIP would be comparable to Skype, not Vonage.

Thanks. So it’s just if you lose power or internet connection.

I had Vonage since early 2004. Love it. Since I am in the military, I get to move A LOT! It’s great to have the same phone number no matter where I am. Another great thing is that right now I am overseas and the family can call me without having to call an international number (crazy expensive), and I can call them. The sound quality isn’t bad, but it does depend on the quality of the internet connection. The Vonage also has some pretty awesome features. I don’t think you’ll regret it.

I do find it curious that you spent the money first, and are asking questions later :-)

Thanks for the input!

Since all my land-line phones are cordless, I already lose phone service when the power’s out. The only additional way to lose phone service via Vonage is if the cable goes out. We have cell phones, so that’s not an issue for us. I’m most concerned about sound quality and/or lag, and service issues.

@gtreyger Yeah, I can be a little ass-backwards sometimes. :P

Not a bad stock option either.

I sold out on all my telecommunications stock a few years ago but Vonage is a solid company with a good reputation and solid product.