I have a cell phone. I even use it at home. I could also use a Kaito emergency
radio that charges cell phones using solar or wind-up. I also have a land line
that doesn't go down when our power does. That's one of the major reasons I
wouldn't consider FIOS unless the telco forced it by disconnecting all POTS
service in our neighborhood.
FIOS service has a short-lived battery backup. If the telco also provided an
inexpensive solar charger for the backup batteries, like the PV trickle
chargers that I've seen at the VW dealers, then FIOS would be a more appealing
service--after they cut prices and speed up broadband.
The best solution though is first ordering a 2nd line, have that line
with as few amenities as you can stand or get away with like for example
no minutes of free calls, no long distance and the like. When Verizon
comes to change over to FIOS, it only changes over your first number
leaving you with a line still connected to copper and batteries. Still
I should remind you that whole exchanges failed in NYC during a blackout
despite not being fibered. If you can't get it under $15, ask about
what Verizon provides in your neck of the woods in terms of a lifesaver
line.
Everyone is assuming that phone companies will keep their battery 48
volt systems forever and also find some means of charging the batteries,
that's not necessarily a good bet presently.
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