Review by ryanmcv 
UPDATED: 1.2 years ago
member for 8.1 years, 500 visits, last login: 279 days ago
 Lemont,Cook,IL
 $25 per month
 about 5 days
 "Easy setup, Crystal-clear calls, HUGE savings, GREAT features, UNLIMITED!!!!"
 "Questionable 911 service"
 "An outstanding service -- an upgrade from your land line for less $$$!!!"
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(ratings match consensus)
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What can I say? This service is probably the best thing that's happened to me and my checkbook in the past 3 years. UNLIMITED local AND long distance calling for only $29.99 per month! Who could turn that down? Sure, you still have to pay the $45 per month for a broadband Internet connection, but it's better than paying almost $50 for local service from SBC alone. The features offered on the service and the website are truly outstanding. The service includes caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, voicemail (just like on a cellphone), and a number of other great features. From the www.callvantage.att.com website, you can access your call history of both incoming and outgoing calls, record an outgoing message for your voicemail, create an online phone book, set up call filtering, and SO much more. The features of the entire service are almost endless, and even though you may think you'll never need or use a particular feature, it's still nice to know it's there for the taking.
Installation was a breeze. I received the D-Link Telephone Adapter (TA) 2 days after I ordered the service, but had to wait an additional 3 days or so for my current telephone number to be transferred from SBC to AT&T CallVantage. As soon as the transfer took place, I hooked up the TA in front of my router, went outside and disconnected my SBC line, plugged my TA into a phone jack, went through an automatic setup/firmware update online, and before I knew it, every phone in my house was connected to the AT&T CallVantage Service. It doesn't get much easier than that. The documentation that is provided for the setup process is very easy to follow.
So far, I've had no problems with the service itself. However, there has been one instance where my cable service was down, therefore leaving me without phone service. Overall, the quality of calls is superb. Occasionally I do hear a slight echo when I talk, but it seems to go away within the first few seconds of the call. [UPDATE 1/1/07: I no longer hear echoes during my calls.] One thing I don't like is when I am on the phone, my web browsing literally comes to a halt -- I feel like I'm back on dial-up. It is bearable, but gets to be quite annoying. As soon as the call is over, things resume to normal. If you are always on the phone and surfing the web at the same time, you may not like the slow-down. [UPDATE 1/1/07: A few months after I initially posted this review, this issue seemed to fix itself. I can browse the web and be on the phone at the same time with absolutely no issues.]
I'm also somewhat concerned about 911 dialing. AT&T claims that 911 service is compatible with CallVantage, however, they say that there may be some problems tracking your address if you're unable to give it to the 911 operator. I also don't like the fact that I can no longer dial 411 for directory assistance. I'll have to start using my cell phone or use the good ol' phone book or AT&T's "AnyWho" online directory. [UPDATE 1/1/07: E-911 service was introduced to my area several months ago, and as long as I keep my TA at my home address, I should have no issues with 911 service.]
I haven't had to deal with the tech support yet (I've only had to call them to change my billing method which can also be done online). From what I've heard their customer service is fairly decent, but they have their downfalls.
[UPDATE 1/1/07] My neighbors recently switched from their land line to Vonage VoIP service, which is about $5/month cheaper than AT&T. However, they claim that the customer service is terrible and they have a constant echo during their phone calls. I don't think $5 more per month will kill me.
[UPDATE 8/14/08] Service has been going strong for a couple years now. I had to replace my old D-Link TA with a new, updated model a few months ago. Ever since, I have had very slight radio station noise in a few of my calls. Not sure what's causing it, but it only happens once in a while and it's hardly noticeable. Still very satisfied with service.
BOTTOM LINE: If you are looking to switch to VoIP, GET AT&T CALLVANTAGE!!!
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