Does anyone use Vonage for phone service? What is your experience with it?Is it worth switching?

Answer 1

I've had it for 2 years now- the feature set is great, and call quality is actually quite good. You aren't bound to any specific area code, you can get a number in any area code they service. For an extra 5 bucks a month you can have "virtual" numbers in any area code you like- so if you've got lots of friends in Canada they can make a local call to talk to you, instead of paying long distance.

When your Internet connection is down, calls forward to any number you specify, like a cellphone. You can also check phone messages via e-mail.

As to whether it's worth the switch- that depends. The people who get the biggest savings are those who receive broadband service via cable, because if you switch your existing phone number over to Vonage, you've got NO fees to a phone company anymore.

People on DSL aren't quite so lucky, since the line carrying DSL service itself still has to exist at whatever minimum fee their local phone company charges.

For equipment, I recommend getting D-Link DTA adapter to plug into your existing network, instead of the Motorola DT2442 which would replace your router. You can take the adapter on the road, so if you visit friends across the country, just plug in your adapter to a free port on their home network and voila! Your Vonage phone works, right where you are.

The only warnings I'd give are these: If you do anything else with your Internet connection while on a call, your call quality will suffer. Web browsing is ok, but P2P apps like Limewire or Kazaa will make it unusable. Also, you have to sign up for 911 call handling by response centers when your service is turned on, since they don't know physically where you are- there's no fee it's just you don't have 911 service until you do this.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

I do not use it but have talked with people on the phone who do. Unlike using the cable (like phone services from comcast) it uses VIP/VOP so it will be choppy if you are sending data at the same time you are on the phone. If you are not, then it will work fine. Also tho is sez any type of broadband (Cable or DSL) DSL is not practical because you must have a phone line from your phone service for the DSL to run (so it is really cable only). In a nutshell, no it is not worth it. Use a phone service that sends it over the cable wire (like comcast) & not over the internet (or stick with the conventional line),

Answer 3

We've had great service from Vonage, with one exception - make sure they have your area code included in their service, and the area codes of anywhere you might be moving. We had great Vonage service in Maine, but moved to Michigan and were out of luck. It's hard to have to ask employers to call you long distance for a job interview!

Answer 4

yeah its been great. it reduces the bill for our phone. and yes it is worth switching when you're going to call numbers within north america.