I currently do not have my home phone service set-up, do I need this if I want to have a fax machine at home?

Question

I have DSL working for my internet connection. Is there a way to connect my fax machine to the DSL or cable jack?

Answer 1

First, you must have a land phone line to have DSL. I suspect you have broadband service from your cable TV provider. This is not DSL but it is a broadband service.

For a FAX machine you must have an analog phone line (sometimes called a Plain Old Telephone System or POTS line).

You have an alternative however. You can subscribe to a fax service. There are many of these services provided by competitie phone companies and others. Many have local numbers unless you live in a very remote area. People send you a fax to your fax # and it is received by the fax service. They then send it to you as an e mail attachment. Many of these services also allow you to fax by a reverse of the process. Typical service fees are from $6 - 10 per month and some have a surcharge for heavy use. These are a lot less costly than a regular POTS line.

Run a search titled "internet fax service" and you will see a list of many providers. Check each out carefully before subscribing and how you can send faxes as these components are critical to success.

Answer 2

If you do not want to have a physical land line. But want more flexibilty with a home phone you should check out http://www.myhomephone.com.au as it combines the best of both worlds between and land line and a mobile.

You will be able to send faxes using it and you do not need any physical phone lines or connection fees. You can even send sms' using it!!!

http://www.myhomephone.com.au

Answer 3

standard fax machines work on POTS (plain old telephone) lines only. So the short answer is no. You might search for internet fax service. It would'nt use your fax machine, but would let you send and receive fax's with your pc.

Answer 4

not sure why you would not be able to add a second line with the same provider, but you would be able to get a whole other line from a different provider. you could get another line from at&t under a different billing name if that is what the problem is.. you could get service from a CLEC which is a reseller that resells at&t's service... or you can get a line from your cable provider.. or you could get a VoIP service...

Answer 5

No, you need an active Phone line.