Does anyone here use a VOIP system?

[mrsv98]

Comcast called me today (we already have them for regular phone, cable and broadbad) and announced that they are now offering a VOIP service utilizing their cable lines.

There are benefits, cheaper, one bill for everything and services like enhanced voicemail that lets me check voicemail on the internet.

However, we have a wireless network and I am worried that it will somehow interfere. Also, we have a monitored security system and I have concerns abot that.

So, any advice? Anyone use the system? Good? Bad? Thanks!

 

[Charade]

I have comcast for TV and internet but use Vonage for VOIP phone. It's cheaper ($24.95 for unlimited calls in North America and even some European countries). I also have wireless networking and cordless phones and have no problems at all. I've been using them for two years and have had nearly zero interruptions in service.

 

[jennyl772003]

I have Vonage also. We haven't had any problems with our wireless network or the speed of our internet service. We really love it. it is sooo much cheaper!

 

[ktulu]

I'd call and check with your security service about the monitoring, I would think it would be fine though.

 

[LoraJ]

I have comcast for TV and internet but use Vonage for VOIP phone. It's cheaper ($24.95 for unlimited calls in North America and even some European countries). I also have wireless networking and cordless phones and have no problems at all. I've been using them for two years and have had nearly zero interruptions in service.

I have the same setup w/comcast and Vonage and have had no problems. Vonage is much cheaper than what Comcast is offering.

 

[Charade]

. Also, we have a monitored security system and I have concerns abot that.

So, any advice? Anyone use the system? Good? Bad? Thanks!

I missed this part. If the system uses regular phone service to contact the "mothership" now, there shouldn't be a problem with a VOIP system. However, some services (like TIVO) may have problems with VOIP. Check with your service provider. Maybe they have internet monitoring.

 

[Quinn222]

Be extremely cautious with this. There have been real problems with 911 issues with this type of service (at least one child has died as a result.) You might want to do some research on this. Also, if your internet service goes out, so does your phone. Many broadband internet services are not fast enough to accomodate good VOIP service so you have to bump up your speed, often eliminating any savings you get in using VIOP.

In terms of a security system it depends on your provider but in every case I know of (and I work in this field) you are responsible for getting your alarm to work with the VOIP system. So you have to have some idea what you are doing.

VOIP is great but I would never ever have it as my only phone service.

 

[LoraJ]

I missed this part. If the system uses regular phone service to contact the "mothership" now, there shouldn't be a problem with a VOIP system. However, some services (like TIVO) may have problems with VOIP. Check with your service provider. Maybe they have internet monitoring.

If she has a wireless network, she can put the TiVo's on the network. I do this with mine and it works better than dial-up because it's constantly in contact with TiVO and you can program shows from work or wherever you are and the TiVo will have the info within 30 minutes.

 

[mrsv98]

If she has a wireless network, she can put the TiVo's on the network. I do this with mine and it works better than dial-up because it's constantly in contact with TiVO and you can program shows from work or wherever you are and the TiVo will have the info within 30 minutes.

I do have TIVO 2 and have it run thru my wireless network...love it!

Comcast's site FAQ says that it works with E911 and they have a battery backup that I could have installed to interact with my alarm system. This is my question tho, how would that help if the cable went out?

I want to look into it more. The one thing I like about it vs. Vonage, is that it uses Comcast's dedicated cables. They aren't relying on someone else to run the system.

Thanks for the info, I am still researching!