I had to search "POTS" LOL! What I see is a current expense of ~ $72/month (phone + Cable TV). I am not in Optimum's territory, but I'm confident the pricing scheme is similar to TimeWarner. I would not likely let the Cell phone get involved.
>From my recent searching for the lets lower our cost I have found using a third party VIOP is the single best thing you can do. Excluding Magic Jack, I settled on Ooma. The initial outlay is more money, but it is not tied to a PC. I also purchased older hardware... The Ooma Hub not the Telo is supposed to be grandfathered for the ~ $12/year tax imposed. Otherwise it is free calling to all of the US. Faxing is usable but not as reliable as a land line. I have been told, but not confirmed, you can "beat up" the provider or at least get them to give you the really basic plan. This can save $15-20/month for a lower bandwidth or usage. Sorry, forget what the plan is called. Graduating to broadband can be a substantial monthly fee increase, but if you couple it with "free" VOIP, it lessens the burden. Folks who use long distance can really benefit. Details on Ooma, best deal on hardware is a refurb http://www.amazon.com/ooma-Hub-Device-Monthly-Service/dp/B0033AIW7M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1296701563&sr=8-1 For $40 you should be able to port the phone number. They do take their sweet old time in the porting, but I had success after 3-4 weeks (temp number given in the interim. Ooma also has an interesting premium package for an addded $10-12/month, which gives you a second line/number, blacklisting and more. For the second line you will want the Ooma Scout, which can be bundled in the purchase of equipment. Hope this helps Eric On Wed, 2011-02-02 at 21:31 -0500, Adam wrote: > Adam wrote: > > What do you use at home for 'net access (and other services), and > > would you recommend it? What have you heard about the various > > providers available locally? Basically, any ideas that would point me > > towards (or away from!) something suitable for my parents would be > > VERY gratefully appreciated! Once something's been decided on and > > implemented, I'll gladly share the experience with anybody > > interested. Again, many thanks in advance for any suggestions or > > advice (on- or off-list)! > > P.S. I just realized I wasn't very specific about the 'net service > requirement. Just web pages and email would be sufficient (even > third-party email would be okay), and not terribly many bytes per month > so a cap wouldn't be a problem. > > _______________________________________________ > Mid-Hudson Valley Linux Users Group http://mhvlug.org > http://mhvlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mhvlug > > Upcoming Meetings (6pm - 8pm) MHVLS Auditorium > Feb 2 - Zimbra > Mar 2 - MHVLUG 8th Anniversary - Show and Tell > Apr 6 - Introduction to IPv6 _______________________________________________ Mid-Hudson Valley Linux Users Group http://mhvlug.org http://mhvlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mhvlug Upcoming Meetings (6pm - 8pm) MHVLS Auditorium Feb 2 - Zimbra Mar 2 - MHVLUG 8th Anniversary - Show and Tell Apr 6 - Introduction to IPv6
