I'm considering replacing my expensive home phone line with a VOIP option, but want to make sure I'm prepared for what to expect. I have a high-speed internet connection, and a (nearly) always-on Windows Vista PC. My primary goals are:
- Reduced cost compared to $40+/month to the local phone co.
- Make outgoing and receive incoming calls
- Not be physically tethered to the PC (can answer the phone from a handset upstairs)
I know that I can get a Skype phone number and unlimited calls to the US for about $5 a month. Is this the best solution? What about Google Voice or MagicJack?
- Do I need to buy a special "VOIP" handset? Do these hook directly to the PC?
- Are there handsets that bypass the need for the PC entirely?
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Are there adapters that let me use my existing (analog) phones?
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What do I need to know about my VOIP phone in an emergency? (911 services, power outages)
[Edited question to make it a bit broader, and added a question about 911]
Best Answer
From personal experience, I prefer Google Voice. The service will allow you to port over your existing phone number to Google. The features it has are awesome: voicemail transcribing, massive contact support, SMS, and so many more I can't list. The awesome part is that you can make Google Voice ring multiple phones. It could ring a cell and a home line, or even add a work line (you can select time ranges to ring certain phones).
This setup will cost you nothing per month, and it can be connected to a normal home telephone:
The OBi110 connects to your Google Voice account over the internet. Then it talks to Google's servers and it will translate that into a normal telephone line. Setup is easy and the device is inexpensive. You only need an internet connection, Google Voice, and the OBi110. The OBi110 is also on sale at Amazon.com right now for $49.99.
Here's how to set-up the device once you have bought it.