What are the advantages of getting phone service through my cable TV provider?

Question

Last month's phone bill doubled and I noticed a charge for long distance service. I know I didn't make ANY calls last month, so I called the phone company and was shocked to learn that they now charge for long distance whether you use it or not. Now this was a big promotion from the phone company last year that if you stayed with them, there would be no service charges for long distance (of course if calls were made, you have to pay for them). Now I'm being charged for something I don't use - I'm not a big phone user and haven't even made a call in like 10 weeks. My cable TV/Internet service is now offering a package deal where they provide TV, Internet and phoce service in a "bundle." This month's phone bill was about $31 and if I went with the cable service, my bill would increase by $39.95, but they claim to have unlimited calling. I wanted to know the advantages and disadvantages of either staying with my current phone company or switching to cable phone service. Thanks!

Answer 1

you can only get the cable company phone service if you have there internet service also.. which is not a bad thing, because cable internet is the fastest (except for FiOS)

your landline phone will have taxes and fees...
cable company phone service, the price you see it the price you pay.. unlimited US and CAN...

actually most cable providers offer "triple play" packages for $29.99 a month for each service, phone, internet and tv...

the benefit to using cable company VoIP over say vonage, or any other VoIP provider is that the voice packets are given priority over there network..

you wont notice a difference in quality, unless the outside phone lines in your area suck.. which they do in most places.. then you will actually see an improvement, as many outside problems caused by weather, will no longer exist with your new phone service..

EDIT: 911 is REQUIRED by all VoIP companies now.. it is not like when VoIP just came out.. and yes.. you will need a UPS power supply if you wish to maintain service durring a power outage, but this is not a major problem for most people as they can rely on there cell phones as a back up...

yes the "double play" or "triple play" pricing is promotional... they do not hide this in small print, they tell you this is the price for a year, and you must maintain all services to keep the promotional rate...

Answer 2

Well to solve the first issue, if you don't need long distance on your phone, have them remove it. problem solved ;) If you do need it in case of emergencies, ask what their lowest costing long distance plan. As for what nyjack is saying read the FINE print before doing a triple play. They sound like a great promotion, until you read the fine print, like if you decided to cancel anyone of of the 3 services they will charge you full price for everything. Also if there is a power outage you have nothing as you have to have power to run your PC which your telephone goes through. There 911 system is not very good either you have to set it up through their system all your info, and again if you get a power outage...POOF it's all gone and 911 would have no way of know where or who you are. Those are some of things that are in the fine print :) Bottom line always read the fine print before buying anything to help you make the best decision for yourself :)

Answer 3

To tell you the honest truth it is better to get your phone service through your internet provider. Even though it will cost more but you will get better service. When you get phone service your calls will go over your cable line (Voice over internet cable lines) I had Cablevision Optimum Service and I had no problems. I now have Fios because I wanted faster internet service. Dont ever get Vonage or other (VOIP) Services, it maybe cheaper but you will get more hassles.