How to avoid AT & T's penalities for switching from their land line to using VoIP while subscribing to DSl?

Question

Two months ago I renewed my DSL service with AT & T at a reduced rate. Recently, I've been considering switching to VoIP because of better service & features at a significantly reduced rate as compared to AT & T's current charges. However, after calling AT & T to disconnect my land line service I learned that my DSL charge would be $49.99 per month for 6 months then $54.99 thereafter. Currently, I'm paying $14.99 for DSl with AT & T. I'm stuck with this outrageous charge by AT & T if I decide to discontinue their land line phone and continue with DSL. The $54.99 charge after 6 months is forever. Apparently, AT & T must think most consumers are stupid to put up with this type almost monoplizing FREE-TRADE!!

Help with this problem?? Thanks.

Answer 1

what ever you decide, first do some research....then choose wisely!

http://www.voipreview.org/

I have VoIP for over a year now....but I want to be totally independent from the big boys telephony services....no contract, no activation fee, no nothing! if they don't perform good, there gone!!

that my service....

http://www.packet8.net/

you get 2 phones, and free softfone!

Answer 2

Scooter,

I FEEL YOUR PAIN!

I went through a very similar situation. My DSL contract was tied into my SBC (now AT&T) phone service. I was very dissatisfied with the phone service because, though I had a one rate, all-inclusive plan, my bill differed every other month. They refused to explain why, and if they offered a credit, it never showed up.

I tried my best to switch to MCI because SBC was so horrendous. By the time my DSL contract was over, I made the switch to MCI and got cable service. And I am still dealing with AT&T port problems (this is an internal problem with SBC not letting me go to MCI).

AT&T still has the monopoly mentality. My way of fixing it was to get rid of them altogether.

Very few DSL companies will give you service without having their service lines. In my research, I found that MCI (not available yet) and Earthlink (not available in my area) are good options.

You can also try cable, but it's more expensive.

Answer 3

Does ATT have a DSL-CallVantage package that makes dropping your landline more palatable?

Don't want to rain on your parade, but ATT is not the only broadband provider that figures the average consumer would rather bundle their services under a single banner than ala carte their service providers (phone, IP, TV). It's not only the trend, it's what survey after survey has borne out over the years since the Bell System breakup over 20 yrs ago.

Answer 4

Why don't you just go through your cable company and get broadband? They will hook you up and give you your cable modem and your all set.
Then you can get your VoIP and drop AT&T all together.