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VoIP Questioned
87C751 writes "C|Net is carrying a very FUDdy story on the downside of VoIP telephony. Alongside the reasonable point of 911 dialing being unavailable during service and power outages, the writeup mentions broadband over power lines as a possible solution to the power failure problem. (talk about your cognitive dissonance!) It also notes that VoIP customers may not be listed in the local phone book, causing problems with "major fast food companies" (do they mean pizza deliveries?), and that Tivo requires a POTS line for initial setup (which sounds like Tivo's problem, not VoIP's)."
Tivo may not work, but Dish Network's DVR does. I moved this weekend, and had Dish Network set up. I already had an internet connection, so when the dish installers asked for a phone line, I quickly unpacked my Vonage box, plugged it in and let it initialize, then plugged the DVR into it. It's working without any troubles now.
With that said, I love using Vonage, and hope I never have to deal with Verizon or SBC again.
The Tivo series 2 units *do not* require a phone line for initial setup. It said (or possibly still says this) on the Tivo web site but you can easily find information to set it up via broadband. I know it doesn't because I set mine up without a phone line as all I have is my cell phone.
It sets up fine if you use the special broadband code in the "dialing prefix" box -- something like ",#401" if I remember correctly, but initial Guided Setup "appears" to require a phone line for all but the most tech-savvy. After guided setup, it will allow you to use your network card as the preferred connection type.
The only issue I had with my VoIP (Vonage) service was yesterday with a disconnected call to my cable company about intermittent dropped cable modems connections.
I realized what happened and whipped out the cell phone.
As for the other points -
1. I'd rather not be listed.
2. I've had no problems with fast food delivery.
3. ReplayTV uses a broadband connection.
4. I have a UPS for the VoIP box, cable modem, router, cordless phone base-station. As long as the power outtage doesn't effect the cable company, I'm all set.
5. 911 - Between what Vonage DOES offer for 911 service, 2 cell phones (mine and my wife's), and close proximity to neighbors (townhouse)... I feel safe enough.
You plug a USB ethernet adapter into the USB port. There is no Step 2.
Bill Clinton: Pimp we can believe in. - The Shirt!!!
I haven't run Ethernet to the corner of the living room where my TiVo sits, but it updates just fine using my Vonage line as if it were POTS.
Only a couple years ago this was the policy because cell phones weren't very common, nobody (statistically speaking) had cut the cord and it was really about security- being able to put a phone number with a physical place.
This has changed over the last couple years as cell phones saturated the population. They are now too common to refuse the business.
As long as the store adheres to security policy, there really shouldn't be a problem. Just leave your phone on so they can make a security call-back before they leave with the delivery.
And make sure to keep it on you if it's on vibrate- one night I had to get a hold of this chick because she wouldn't answer the door and she never heard her phone 'cause it was set on vibe. A shame too, cause her order ended up getting there 40 min later than it had to (and, of course, I had to re-send the driver).
If you really get mad, call 1-800-DOMINOS (iirc) or go to www.dominos.com and fill out the email form.