DracoFelis
Premium
join:2003-06-15
| reply to global_dev
Re: Verizon "Sensible" plan as non voip back-up
said by global_dev  :Monthly Fee: $1.00 Extend your local calling reach. With Sensible MinuteTM, you'll get the convenience of a simple flat rate of $.15 per minute for all your direct-dialed, regional toll calls and you can call whenever you like. Whatever works for you.
However, IMHO 15 cents a minute for USA LD is still way over priced (in this day and age) even for POTS telcos (especially since it says "regional toll calls", and therefore likely doesn't include much of the country)! I think my telco offers a 5 cent a minute plan (anywhere in the USA) for example (although I think that 5 cent plan does have a higher monthly fee).
And remember, if you have dial tone (for example, because you have a minimal POTS line hooked up), and can therefore dial "toll free" numbers, there is nothing preventing you from using a pre-paid phone card as your LD "backup" (which is an option that is almost as cheap as some VoIP options). In fact, I used pre-paid phone cards FROM HOME for YEARS before going to VoIP, as they were a cheaper option then the telco's LD phone plan. And if you have a phone with a "speed dial" (as most phones these days have), you don't even have to remember your phone card's 800 number or your PIN. Instead, just pre-program those numbers into your phone's speed dials, and just remember to press those speed dials before making your call normally. Easy, simple, and a surprisingly cheap LD (backup) option!
BTW: I still have some pre-paid phone accounts programmed into my phone's speed dials for those few occasions when I need a backup for my VoIP. And since the telco requires me to keep my POTS line (although I've had them "block" all "toll calls" on that POTS line) to qualify for DSL service from them, I still have "dial tone" to use the phone cards (from my POTS line) should that ever be needed. However, since I've also got multiple VoIP accounts (my primary ViaTalk line + a few other "pay as you go" accounts), I rarely find my VoIP to actually be out. But it's nice to know I have a "backup" should that ever be necessary (for example, if my internet was down, and I just "had to make a call".... |
