I need a new home phone service. I had comcast voip but lost the triple play when I got direct tv. How is vonage or magic jack ? How do they compare to comcast?
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vonage vs comcast vs magicjack
- Thread starter tim100
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I think MagicJack is Windows only, and requires an existing Internet connection.
I don't know about Comcast or Vonage, but for telephony over an existing Internet connection, I think they are interchangable, but maybe someone has more experience.
Personally, I like having my phone service going to a direct phone provider like AT&T so if power goes out and there is an emergency, I can still dial out.
I don't know about Comcast or Vonage, but for telephony over an existing Internet connection, I think they are interchangable, but maybe someone has more experience.
Personally, I like having my phone service going to a direct phone provider like AT&T so if power goes out and there is an emergency, I can still dial out.
jsw
Moderator emeritus
I've have Vonage for about 4 years now. I have, on a few occasions, needed to reboot their box. Other times, calls have had issues that were corrected by hanging up and re-calling.
However, 99% of the time, it's worked without issue, and the plethora of features is amazing for the price. Plus, you can bring your number with you anywhere with a broadband connection. For me? It's been a very good decision to switch to them, but YMMV. Obviously, it requires a broadband connection to work.
However, 99% of the time, it's worked without issue, and the plethora of features is amazing for the price. Plus, you can bring your number with you anywhere with a broadband connection. For me? It's been a very good decision to switch to them, but YMMV. Obviously, it requires a broadband connection to work.
If you have high speed internet access... get Skype... unlimited long distance using your computer for under $3.00
I use it even though I have comcast and my iPhone.
I use it even though I have comcast and my iPhone.
QuarterSwede
macrumors G4
Everyone says that but cell towers have emergency generators so it really doesn't matter. Of course, living in an area where they actually bury the power lines helps a lot.
are people still getting vonage now? it seems there sales are down due to lawsuits. comcast actually has passed them in voip.
Tastannin
macrumors 6502
Not true. MagicJack works just fine with Macs. My family uses MagicJack all the time. It'll even work on the road - we just select the MacBook's built in speaker and mic to the MagicJack. LOL.
i just bought Ooma for my house. pay 200 (on amazon) up front and 39.99 to port your number and no more phone bills. it works great but must have high speed internet at your house already. does NOT require a computer to run like magic jack does. check it out...
www.ooma.com
www.ooma.com
JNB
macrumors 604
Cell phones weren't the issue. The point was that among landlines, POTS does not require power in the home to operate, it provides its own voltage. VOIP is toast if you lose power, unless of course you have your own generator.
mgridgaway
macrumors 6502
That's the same reason our family has stuck with regular phone lines... but it probably has more to do with their complete lack of technical prowess... sigh.
VOIP has gotten to a point that both Vonage and Comcast do it very well. Just remember that if you do use it, make sure that your QoS makes it a priority. Our work kept getting dropped called for a while until our new tech guy realized our network hasn't prioritized for VOIP. I say just go with whatever is cheaper. See if Comcast will give you a good deal.
VOIP has gotten to a point that both Vonage and Comcast do it very well. Just remember that if you do use it, make sure that your QoS makes it a priority. Our work kept getting dropped called for a while until our new tech guy realized our network hasn't prioritized for VOIP. I say just go with whatever is cheaper. See if Comcast will give you a good deal.