Straight Talk HOME Phone Service

[JB2K]

Just stumbled across it, right here...

The long and short of it is this is a new device being released on September 21, 2012 operating on "one of America's best networks" (it's presumed by the small map displayed and a quick zip code search, this particular device makes use of the Verizon Wireless network to carry calls).

Seems what this is, is a cellular-powered "hub" for the home (where you can attach all your usual home phones), only costing the user $99 for the device, and a monthly bill of $15 (unlimited domestic calling) or $30 (unlimited international calling to many countries). Unlike Vonage and Ooma, this device does not require the use of high-speed internet, or a router.

Thoughts?

 

[Nickimouse]

I saw this and am interested too because I pay $50 a month for local and long distance on my home phone through verizon. It says you can keep your phone number,which would be nice so I don't have to change it so many places.

I am strongly leaning towards giving it a try.

 

[Cierese]

If StraightTalk provided home internet service, I'd be all set

 

[usnuzuloose]

It sounds good, but I have a great price for the same amount for my home phone already with unlimited use of long distance. I pay 65 for my internet and home phone. But if you get it would love to hear how it is working out.

 

[DawnM]

I already have Ooma so I won't be switching.

BUT, I have had Straight Talk for 6 weeks for my cell phone service and so far I am very happy with it.

Now if I could just go on a rant about Sprint.....

 

[Muushka]

I already have Ooma so I won't be switching.

BUT, I have had Straight Talk for 6 weeks for my cell phone service and so far I am very happy with it.

Now if I could just go on a rant about Sprint.....

How are you liking Ooma? How do you think it would compare to S.T. new home service? Looks interesting.
Thanks OP, food for thought.

 

[DawnM]

I do like Ooma, BUT, I will give a little hint. Our Ooma hub died after 2 years. Ooma told me we were no longer under warranty and I would have to purchase a new one. I bought it from Costco, so I took it back and they exchanged it for me at no cost.

I wonder if Straight Talk will be more like Vonage????

Ooma does not have all services offered in their free service (free but does cost government taxes....for me that is $40 per year.) The one thing I wish I had is call forwarding. HOWEVER, now that I have ST for cell service and have unlimited calling, I find I give my cell number out all the time instead of my home phone number now.

Dawn

How are you liking Ooma? How do you think it would compare to S.T. new home service? Looks interesting.
Thanks OP, food for thought.

 

[Muushka]

Don't you love Costco!

Thank you Dawn, for all the info, it helps.

 

[JB2K]

I wonder if Straight Talk will be more like Vonage????

The short answer is "no", because Vonage is only powered by a home internet connection to make calls, whereas this new device from Straight Talk operates on Verizon Wireless' cellular network, which in many markets, offers the BEST coverage.

 

[gr8tdame]

I do like Ooma, BUT, I will give a little hint. Our Ooma hub died after 2 years. Ooma told me we were no longer under warranty and I would have to purchase a new one. I bought it from Costco, so I took it back and they exchanged it for me at no cost.



Dawn

I am surprised. Our Costco is terrible about returns. They were great in the beginning but if anything is over a year old they say forget it.
We just bought an OOMA from Costco and just hope it lasts.

 

[RandyCA]

I had Vonnage running off my Cox cable modem. The quality was always horrible so I ditched Vonnage and went back to ATT so I could 'hear a pin drop'. So, can I assume the Ooma call quality will be equally poor
using the same internet connection?

On the other hand, I get great reception from Verizon wireless here making Straight Talk a 'contender'.

Ooma costs $229 (including the wireless adapter) vs $99 hardware cost for ST. So figuring $15/month for ST and $4/mo for Ooma , ST starts costing more than Ooma.....cheaper but bad quality? You get what you pay for?
decisions decisions

 

[horseshowmom]

I like that it has GPS which enables emergency personnel to identfy your location and also has a battery backup in case of a power outage.