Will VoIP work with my security system?
Posted by kent on August 11th, 2009
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: I have Cable TV, Cable Internet and Cable Phone service. All three with one cable company. I also have a Home Security System but with a different landline. The question is, if I switch from Cable Phone to a VoIP System, will VoIP effect my Home Security System ?
A: That's a great question. Given the popularity of both technologies, we imagine a lot of people are wondering how security systems will work with VoIP. For an answer, we went to the sources: the security companies and the VoIP providers. Fortunately, they all seem to agree. Unfortunately, it looks like you should have a landline:
Leading home security provider ADT recommends that VoIP users hold onto their regular landlines in order to ensure the best security. The concern is that VoIP will not function during a power outage, so even while the security system has a battery backup, your home networking probably does not. ADT suggests its customers call 1-800-ADT-ASAP before a switch to VoIP to find out if a VoIP provider meets their approval standards.
CPI Security also recommends that customers hold onto their landlines, not only because of power outages but also because of network outages.
Some home security systems may offer alternative means of communication. Reliance Protection/VOXCOM offers a wireless communications option, and others may too. Contact your home security company to see if they offer a similar cellular solution.
VoIP providers also suggest that you hold onto your landline. Vonage states in their FAQ that they don't recommend using their service with a home security system.
So, despite the cost-saving advantages of VoIP, it can present a problem for some technologies, and not just for security systems but also other devices like fax machines and some TIVOs. That's because electronic signals that are meant to go over a voice line are changed when they go over IP.
Even with a landline, VoIP can still save you a lot of money, depending on your phone usage (check out our reviews to see how much). With plans starting as low as $8.33 per month for unlimited calling in the US and Canada (on an annual contract), you'll save more than enough to justify that old analog phone line you need for your security system.
Is there hope? Between the increasing popularity of VoIP and the ubiquity of cel phones, this is likely to change in the future. A company called uControl is introducing a device which will replace your current security system's control panel and offer a cellular connection (along with broadband and an optional land line). But so far, these don't seem to be for sale to individuals. You may soon see it as an option offered by communications providers.
To learn more about VoIP, check out our VoIP reviews and comparisons.
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- 2008 VoIP trend alert – VoIP services let consumers keep traditional phone service too
Are there any set-up fees for VoIP.com?
Posted by Joe on April 6th, 2009
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: Are there any set up fees [for VoIP.com] your website says no start up fees but when you look futher it says total charge is about $36 dollars on the 19.99 plan it says free shipping free equipment free month so whats the $36 dollars for?
A: VoIP.com will waive any set-up fees if you sign up for the Home Unlimited annual plan which costs $199.00 per year. The Home Unlimited monthly plan does not include free set-up, but does include the first month free (a $19.95 value). So, if you were attempting to sign up for the monthly plan, you would have seen a set-up charge included in the upfront costs.
If you are looking for a monthly plan that has no upfront set-up fees, we would suggest Vonage's Unlimited plan. This plan has no set up fees, is just $9.95 per month for the first three months and then $24.99 per month thereafter.
You can learn more about Vonage, VoIP.com and other Internet phone service providers by visiting our VoIP reviews and comparison.
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What is a V-Portal adapter? Or is it simply the thing that makes the phone work?
Posted by Joe on April 6th, 2009
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: What is a V-Portal adapter? Or is it simply the thing that makes the phone work?
A: A V-Portal adapter is the device provided by Vonage which allows you to use any standard telephone to make calls through your high speed Internet connection. The V-Portal is easy to set-up, is totally portable and also enables lots of advanced features. Here is the description of the V-Portal adapter directly from Vonage's website:
The Vonage V-Portal can connect up to 2 Vonage lines through your pre-existing high-speed Cable or DSL Internet connection and includes a networking router. It's great for all your phone and routing needs. Just plug it into your existing broadband connection and use the two standard telephone jacks to connect your existing phones or fax machine. The Vonage V-Portal has a user friendly LCD display with caller ID and call timer, call logs (missed/received/dialed) with up to 50 entries each, language selection, and built-in upstream bandwidth tester. The Vonage V-Portal allows you to use your Internet connection for your computer and your phones at the same time and because it's Vonage, you get clear digital phone sound quality.
You can learn more about Vonage by visiting our VoIP service reviews and comparison.
- Reader Question: Does my computer need to be on for VoIP services to work?
- Vonage continues to innovate in 2008 with launch of MyVonage
- Reader Question: Is Vonage better than my cable company's phone service?
- Why haven't you reviewed Skype?
- New legislation gives all VoIP subscribers access to standard 911 services
Will Vonage go out when the power goes?
Posted by Caitlin on March 11th, 2009
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: Is Vonage a digital phone service that will go out when the power goes or is it a true land line?
A: Vonage is a digital phone service and is dependent on your broadband Internet connection. This does mean that in the event of a power outage, you will lose your broadband connection and therefore, your Vonage service as well. Some people do choose to maintain a landlane in addition to their VoIP service for this reason. However, many people with landlines rely on cordless phones, which are also dependent on electricity and will fail in a power outage. In either scenario, a cell phone is a good backup in the event of a power outage.
To learn more about Vonage and other VoIP services, see our reviews and comparison chart.
- What is a V-Portal adapter? Or is it simply the thing that makes the phone work?
- 2008 VoIP trend alert – VoIP services let consumers keep traditional phone service too
- How do I improve the quality of my VoIP service?
- Does Vonage offer cell service?
- Can you use VoIP service with a wireless Internet connection?
Why haven't you reviewed Skype?
Posted by Joe on January 22nd, 2009
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: I'm considering VoIP again. Went round the block with SunRocket a couple of years ago and got BURNED! I appreciate your comparison and assume that you're intrests are purely altruistic. You don't have Skyyp listed. I've heard about them a few times but don't really know much about them. Why are they not in your list to compare?
A: We have not included Skype in our current VoIP comparison simply because it is a slightly different type of Internet telephone service than the others we have reviewed. There are essentially two types of VoIP services:
- Services like Vonage and PhonePower that allow you to make phone calls through your broadband Internet connection using a special router and standard telephone set.
- Services like Skype that allow you to make calls directly from your PC, usually with a headset with a microphone. We call these "PC Calling" services.
We have found that services like Skype are excellent for making calls where voice quality and reliability are not as important. However, PC calling services are not a viable landline alternative in our opinion.
Services such as Vonage and PhonePower, on the other hand, are very similar to traditional phone service in both call quality, user experience and reliability. These services also offer lots of benefits that landline telephones don't, such as web based voicemail.
So, if you are looking for a cheap and easy way to make quick calls from your PC, Skype is a great option. However, if you need landline quality reception and reliability, then we would recommend a service like Vonage.
You can learn more by visiting our comparison of VoIP Services at NextAdvisor.com
Are you able to provide a comparison of services with the Magic Jack?
Posted by Joe on January 20th, 2009
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: Are you able to provide a comparison of services with the Magic Jack?
A: We are currently working on a review of the Magic Jack service that compares Magic jack to other VoIP providers. however, it is worth pointing out that Magic Jack is different than many of the services we have reviewed in that it is not really meant to be a true land line telephone replacement. We posted some comments from one of our readers this summer that discussed a comparison of Vonage versus Magic Jack. I would encourage you to read not just the original post but also the follow on comments from a number of users that have had experience with Magic Jack.
We will update this post with a link to our Magic Jack review once it is complete. In the meantime, you can learn more about VoIP services by visiting our reviews and comparison on NextAdvisor.com.
Does Vonage offer cell service?
Posted by Joe on January 20th, 2009
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: Does Vonage offer cell service?
A: No. Vonage does not offer cellular phone service. Vonage is a provider of voice over IP services, also know as VoIP or Internet telephone service. VoIP services allow you to make calls through your broadband Internet connection rather than a traditional land line.
You can learn more about VoIP service providers by visiting our reviews and comparisons on NextAdvisor.com.
- Reader Question: Does my computer need to be on for VoIP services to work?
- 2008 VoIP trend alert – VoIP services let consumers keep traditional phone service too
- Court decision will keep Vonage subscriber fees low
- Why haven't you reviewed Skype?
- Reader Question: What kind of Internet connection do I need for VoIP?
How do I improve the quality of my VoIP service?
Posted by Joe on January 19th, 2009
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: I am on packet 8 phone service, and it is terrible static and noise, and echo. Do you need a phone for this type of service? Mine came with the service.
A: The biggest factor in the voice quality and reliability of your VoIP service is the quality and strength of your broadband Internet connection. I would suggest visiting TestYourVoIP.com and running a diagnostic of your Internet speed. If you find that your broadband connection is below the recommended levels, you may consider contacting your broadband provider and ask for suggestions on how to increase the strength of your connection. If you find that your Internet connection is not the issue, you may want to consider purchasing a higher quality hand set or switching VoIP providers. We found Vonage to have the best quality Internet phone service in our testing.
You can read our reviews and comparison of other VoIP services by visiting NextAdvisor.com.
- Can you use VoIP service with a wireless Internet connection?
- Reader Question: What kind of Internet connection do I need for VoIP?
- Reader Question: Does my computer need to be on for VoIP services to work?
- Does Vonage offer cell service?
- What is a V-Portal adapter? Or is it simply the thing that makes the phone work?
Why was ooma not reviewed?
Posted by Joe on January 10th, 2009
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: In reviewing the Voip services listed I see OOMA is not included. Can you tell my why?
A: We reviewed the ooma service back in late 2007. While we liked the ooma service at that time, we ultimately removed the review from our comparison. We believe that services like Vonage are a better option for consumers that are looking for a true land line replacement. However, ooma may be a good fit for consumers that are looking for an unconventional alternative to land line phone service.
You can read our current comparison and reviews of VoIP services to learn more.
Can you use VoIP service with a wireless Internet connection?
Posted by Joe on January 9th, 2009
The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.
Q: Can you use VoIP services if use wireless internet connection such as cricket for example?
A: The speed of your broadband Internet connection is the biggest factor in the voice quality of of the calls you make sing a VoIP service. In general, we would strongly suggest that VoIP subscribers use a standard wired broadband connection. But, if your wireless broadband connection is fast and reliable, then it may be sufficient.
The easiest way to check the strength and speed of your broadband Internet connection is to visit TestYourVoIP.com, which will test your Internet connection and let you know what kind of voice quality you could expect to various calling destinations around the world.
You can learn more by visiting our VoIP Service reviews and comparison.
- How do I improve the quality of my VoIP service?
- Reader Question: What kind of Internet connection do I need for VoIP?
- What is a V-Portal adapter? Or is it simply the thing that makes the phone work?
- Why haven't you reviewed Skype?
- Reader Question: Does my computer need to be on for VoIP services to work?
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