Fisamo
Premium
join:2004-02-20
Apex, NC
 ·VOIPo
·AT&T CallVantage
1 edit | reply to BAF
Re: choice
To give a good answer to your question, it would be helpful to know what you want out of VOIP. What features are you looking for? Is it intended as a replacement for your PSTN (baby bell, Verizon in your area?) phone line? Do you want to port your number? I have personally used Vonage and ATT CallVantage, and I would recommend either (in terms of call quality), if they offer the features you want. I disconnected Vonage because I wanted to LNP my home number, and they couldn't do it. ATT is more expensive ($5/mo difference), but I can port my number, and I can turn call forwarding (specifically, the "Locate Me" feature) on and off via remote telephone call, which Vonage does not allow. [With Vonage, you can only set call forwarding over the web.]
You will likely find plenty of people who will recommend different services (Packet 8, Lingo, QuantumVoice, etc), as well--I won't recommend them only b/c I haven't used them. (Not to mention, there are probably people wondering why I'd recommend ATT or Vonage...  ) In any case, I would forward some advice given to me: If you're looking to port your landline phone number to any VOIP service, try the service first with a new phone number, and only port your line if you are satisfied. Most VOIP providers give you a 30 day money-back trial period, and you can port your number afterwards. (Porting your number back or stopping the porting process is not a fun exercise, according to previous posts.) Good luck, and don't feel bashful about trying multiple services--the 30 day trial is there for a reason.
Edit: A friend of mine (who referred me to Vonage) was in your situation. He subscribed after moving here to NC, and he's extremely satisfied with the service. Check out the features each has to offer, and decide from there. Honestly, I'd expect you to be happy with Vonage. FWIW, though, ATT offers outgoing CallerID name with your number, while with Vonage, your number shows up but your name comes up "unknown". Given your answers to USA2K's questions, you'll be happy with either service. |
