Skype as a Landline

[HuskyCaucasian]

My wife and I just dumped our traditional landline in favor of Skype. We NEVER use the laneline and most of our personal calls go to our cells. So, we decided to go with Skpye as an answering machine and will be buying a Skype enabled phone sometime this summer so we can use it as a true landline.

 

Anyone else tried this? or currently doing this?

 

I think it's a nice alternative to overpriced landline services.

[lostfan]

I use Vonage.

[shipps]

I use

[BigSqwert]

I don't understand why anyone would need a land line anymore.

[HuskyCaucasian]

I don't understand why anyone would need a land line anymore.

I use it as a contact number for bills and such. I dont want them selling off my cell number.

[BigSqwert]

I use it as a contact number for bills and such. I dont want them selling off my cell number.

I haven't had a land line in 11 years and have had no problems with telemarketers.

[BobDylan]

My wife and I just dumped our traditional landline in favor of Skype. We NEVER use the laneline and most of our personal calls go to our cells. So, we decided to go with Skpye as an answering machine and will be buying a Skype enabled phone sometime this summer so we can use it as a true landline.

 

Anyone else tried this? or currently doing this?

 

I think it's a nice alternative to overpriced landline services.

 

Skype is a nice alternative to ANY phone service. I'm aching to see the software work with the iPhone.

[CanOfCorn]

Landline user here. Have the cheapest version...$15/month with taxes and all that other stuff. Only really have for 911 and family. No long distance...in fact, nothing over 10 miles goes through. Really only have it because my wife wanted the security of 911 when my son was born.

[knightni]

I use Comcast for my phone service.

 

The only negative is a power outage, but then again, most phones need to be plugged in to work these days anyway.

[G&T]

Landline user here. Have the cheapest version...$15/month with taxes and all that other stuff. Only really have for 911 and family. No long distance...in fact, nothing over 10 miles goes through. Really only have it because my wife wanted the security of 911 when my son was born.

 

Don't cell phones have 911?

 

Stop. Threadjack. I have a 708 area code cell phone but live in New York. What happens if I call 911?

[HuskyCaucasian]

Don't cell phones have 911?

 

Stop. Threadjack. I have a 708 area code cell phone but live in New York. What happens if I call 911?

I think the E911 is location based. So, it figures out what cell tower your cell is communicating with and that is your location.

[rangercal]

I have used Vonage since before it was cool (like 2004)

[G&T]

I think the E911 is location based. So, it figures out what cell tower your cell is communicating with and that is your location.

 

Thank you.

[CanOfCorn]

Thank you.

 

But, it doesn't have the automatic location like a landline does. Not a huge deal, but with a landline, they know your address. With an E911, you have to tell them. Probably never use it, but my wife liked the security of it.

[NorthSideSox72]

Thank you.

Don't thank him too quick - its not that easy. For one thing, E911 on a landline provides dispatch with your exact location by address. You can dial 911 and not even have to say anything - they'll send help to your location.

 

With a cell phone, two issues. One, the 911 operator doesn't know specifically where you are. Two, you may not get the correct 911 - could go do the wrong municipality or agency, get shifted around, etc. - and you lose time. And if you can't give them a good location verbally, they may have very little to go on to send help.

 

I keep a land line for 2 reasons. One is 911. The other is that a cell phone is always less clear and harder to have a conversation on, than a land line. We don't use it much, but when at home or work, I'd rather be able to hear the person.

 

[Steve9347]

The wife and I each have our cell phones... that's enough. Until we have a kid, I don't see a need for a landline (if then).