Experiences with Alternate Local Phone Companies?

chasmosis asks: "In the last few months, I've moved about 25 minutes outside of St. Louis and discovered that the local baby bell charges exorbitant rates (at least in my view). I've explored alternate local carriers like Sprint and others who have had uncompetitive prices, poor customer service records, or were unclear on things like 'specifically what exchanges can I call that are still considered local calls'. Right now I'm on SBC's Metro plan where I can call to and from much of the St. Louis local area as a local call instead of a toll call. I'd dump my landline entirely and get another cell if I didn't need it for dial up internet, since I live in the sticks and there is no cable, no DSL, and the top speed for dialup is 28.8. What are other people using for alternatives to their local telephone provider? What are your experiences, good and bad?"

Comments

Investigate before you move

[YrWrstNtmr]

Too late for you, but checking into all aspects of a new area are part of my moving process.

Broadband important? Choose a neighborhood that is supported by broadband. Don't move to where there is none, and then bitch about it.

Local phone service not up to par? Well...that's another decision point in the move.

"I've moved....and discovered..." does not count.
If it is important to you, find thse things out before you move.

Re:If you really want to escape

[vtechpilot]

Sounds to me like you are comparing RESIDENTIAL cable to BUSINESS DSL. In which case your comparison holds true. Perhaps you should look into the costs of residential DSL before posting utter nonsense. Second If you belived the salesman that iDSL was infact DSL you are doubly confused. iDSL is really nothing more than rebranded ISDN. So comparing ISDN to cable as if it were DSL is also utter nonsense. I can only hope to prevent you from spreading this garbage to others. Oh and while I am on it. Cable isn't giving you a fixed IP for $42/month either. If I had mod points your comment would be moderated -1 Poster is Wrong.