| Competition is the real casualty In my market, Cox WAS offering VoIP at the same rate as Vonage, only you still payed for long distance. This was an "introductory" offer. The monthly increased notably on the second year. Now they include LD, but it is still an introductory offer. It's also based on a "bundle" that requires you to have cable/phone/inet.
I work from my home as an IT contractor and have 4Gb DSL with fixed IP. Along with my telco phone line, I also have a Vonage line.
We had an ice storm that last year left many in our area without electricity for many days (3-8 days). My POTS line continued to work while my COX-phone friends died after 4-8 hour battery depletion. I also have a big UPS, so I could fire up my DSL for short bursts to browse.
Batteries give you the rated time initially, but that drops off. You also must replace those batteries every few years. Who is doing that? Are the cable cos going to knock on your door and replace them every few years?
Vonage can be backed up with your own battery backup...IF you are the type who is able and willing. Most Vonage customers will be fine without service when the juice is out. Besides, many have nothing but cordless phones anyway.
Cable VoIP is actually good. I recommend it to my business customers for its low price, but competition is better. Vonage should live. I like having more than two options. |
