[Ham-Computers] RE: skype

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

>>> Why would you need VoIP over DSL when you already have a normal
telephone line?  Makes me wonder how many people get sucked into paying
twice for a service they already have.

Probably for the "unlimited" long-distance services.  Plus you get all the
"extras" that the telcos usually charge extra for (CallerID, Call Waiting,
Call Forwarding, Voice Mail, etc).  All for a relatively low flat rate
(compared to telcos).

Yes, you still need a phone line for DSL, but a "measured rate" service is
only about $12/mo in my area (including all the fees/taxes/etc).

So, $25 for Vonage "premium", $12 for the phone line, $15 for DSL =
$52/month.

Let's see, cable service is about $40, add $20 for "broadband", $25 for
Vonage = $85/month.

Hmmmm, $52 vs $85...VoIP over DSL sounds like a better deal.  Plus you get
the added security that "911" calls work as expected (as long as you dial
from the "real" land-line phone).

Just my two cents...YMMV.  BTW, I don't use VoIP...don't make enough calls
to justify the cost.  I don't even have Long Distance service...never use it
and calling cards cost less.

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O