Test99
Premium
join:2003-04-24
San Jose, CA
 ·DSL EXTREME
 ·InPhonex
4 edits | reply to VoipHerb
Re: [General] VOIP newbie
There are some good VOIP providers listed here. (Due to a quirk in the rating system, CallWithUs is currently missing from the list.)
Since you don't expect to use a lot of minutes, a pay-as-you-go plan may be more affordable than an "unlimited" plan. For maximum flexibility, I think it's best to buy your own VOIP adapter or VOIP phone(s), rather than get a provider's adapter that may cost less up front but locks you in to their service.
Costs could start as low as $50 for startup and $10 per month, but may be more, depending on your needs. Look for adapters and phones at VOIPSupply. Voxilla also has a store, but it is inaccessible right now.
The alarm system is the hard part, because signaling over a VOIP connection is hit-or-miss. It may work for you or it may not. A better solution would be to use an alarm that communicates directly through your Internet connection. Some (but not all) alarm companies support this. You will need an uninterruptible power supply to keep your modem and router operating during power failures.
One other thing: if your Internet connection is through a Verizon line, your Internet provider may or may not support dry dsl (broadband without phone service). So you could be looking at a change of Internet provider and a transition period when both the phone and your Internet connection are down. |
