So I’ve got Comcast - all three services, in fact. Currently I rent the modem, but found out I can get it on Amazon for about $130. I’m likely to stay with Comcast for my ISP for the foreseeable future, but I’m not 100% sure (more on this coming up). Would it be worth it, considering it’d take a year to show a profit?
Now, about that phone service. I don’t get a lot of calls, period, though the ones I do get are generally desired and important. I have a pay as you go dumb phone on which I generally spend $25 every three months for rollover minutes (about a quarter per). I’ve considered yanking the landline off and on, but my longstanding landline phone number is everywhere amongst people I want to contact me, especially, most importantly, on various job sites and my resume. Plus, I tend to let my cell phone run out of juice, and/or forget it at home at times when I go out. FaceTime works for some personal contacts, but I spend enough time on this iPad as it is, and it’s wifi only anyway. Any other factors I should consider here?
Another reason for the not quite 100% on the phone service is that lately, it’s developed a problem: going to voice mail after one ring, even though it’s set otherwise. This problem developed within the past month, but seems to be mentioned a lot in Google searches. Resetting the modem fixes it, but it reoccurred for the second time after just about three weeks, which is annoying, because like I said above, my few calls do tend to be desired and important. Anyone know anything about this?
Bump to note that looking more closely shows that the modem may not work in all Comcast areas, and that I could get the same brand/type that I’m renting right now for $73 used, which I’m a little leery about.
Opinions especially appreciated now that I know my rent is going up again.
Comcast phone services is simply commercial IP telephony - VOIP, running over their data connection. You can switch to any other internet telephone provider and get a lower-rate plan that will probably save money. I’ve had very good luck with Vonage, but there are lower-tier (cost) providers that have very inexpensive low-traffic plans.
By the time your bundled pricing runs out or gets jacked up, consider dumping everything but the best internet connection you can afford, then back it up with a secondary phone provider (as above) and go to a la carte streaming video for your “cable” service. Read any of the long “cutting the cable” threads here or elsewhere for the options.
I am also a fan of buying your own modem, especially if the plan or upgrades involve Comcast’s community-wifi models. You can get one that is better than most of their gear (but does NOT directly support their phone service - so look at that changeover) for about $60-70.
One year to show a profit is equal to an investment with a 100% rate of return. That sounds … profitable.
I use a MagicJack for VOIP landline. It’s really just for my fax machine. Costs $20/ year. Yes, I had to get a new phone#, but I could choose any area code I wanted. Its not that hard to change your number on a half-dozen job websites if that’s what you think is holding you back.
I use VoIP.ms (here’s their wiki for more info). A lot cheaper than Vonage and such if you don’t make many calls.
Yes, you can port your number.
I have mine connected via a crossover cable to my home phone wiring. So all the old phone outlets work as usual.
The problem with these sort of things: set up takes some know how. The website steps you thru it, but it’s not for everyone.
I assume the cable modem you are considering buying is so expensive because it includes VoIP. Look up the model number (or general product line) at candidate VoIP websites to see if there is a set up sheet for that device.
If you use a UPS, you can still use it during a power failure, assuming that the Internet cable connection is still working. (Alas, not that common for us. If the power is out, cable is out.) So having a charged phone as backup is a good idea. We just leave ours off. It’s only for emergencies, traveling, etc.
Thanks for the feedback so far! I hadn’t even considered VOIP; I heard my computer always had to be on for that. Is that outdated info?
Yeah, but again, that’s only assuming I kept the Comcast phone option. Otherwise, I’d save even more money by getting a non telephony modem.
I thought I remember ads for MagicJack that said you kept your own phone number?
And it’s not just “half dozen” for me; it’s more like a dozen (goddamn sites always require registration), not to mention companies that just have my resume, not to mention anyone I’d forget to tell. That’s why I’d prefer to keep my current number.
Certain devices require a computer, some don’t. The cheaper Magic Jack and such devices plug into a computer.
Comcast (usually) does plain old VoIP via a combo modem/router/WiFi/VoIP box. It’s cheaper to do that yourself in the long run. Especially after the “introductory rate” for VoIP phone runs out. ($30 a month for a phone? Egad, what a rip off.)
Either a cable modem has a VoIP port or you get a standalone device that plugs into your router. The only computer connection required is for configuration.
If you get your own device, make sure it is “unlocked” so it isn’t tied to a service. Beware of seemingly cheap ones. Those might be locked.
The magicjack device I have does NOT require plugging into a computer. It has an RJ-45 input that plugs into my router to take in the network signal and an RJ-11 output that plugs into a phone or house phone wiring to output the POTS dial tone.
Upstream of the router I have a Motorola SB6121 cable modem I bought myself. It is NOT a special VOIP modem.
And upstream of that I have plain old Comcast cable with TV & internet.
As to keeping one’s current phone number with magicjack, that may be possible for an extra fee. I didn’t need that, so I didn’t investigate further. Their website is pretty idiot-proof, so check it out.