Best alternative to standard copper pair phone line?
I have only one standard copper pair phone line. I very frequently use this line to play recordings of voice and music from my computer to the phone line using a Plantronics MX10 interface device. I also legally record some phone calls. These capabilities are ones that I MUST have. Lately I am having SUBSTANTIAL difficulty dealing with the "Phone Company" and employees that have little knowledge and even less desire to solve problems. I am sick of spending so much time trying to reach someone that can and will solve the problem. Yesterday I was on the phone for slightly over three hours! I got nowhere.
I know very little about voip or magic jacks and such. Is there another solution for me that will allow me to continue to leave my computer hooked up to a copper pair so that I can continue to use the phone system the way I utilize it presently? My isp suggested that I purchase a MagicJack PLUS but also was candid with me that he was not completely sure it would accomplish my goals.
(ASIDE) For those members that are perhaps wondering what is at the heart of this problem I will say that I treat people as I would like to be treated....honestly. I am being overcharged for normal phone service and refuse to be cheated every month for something I am not receiving. Getting rid of the entire companies service 100% would end my problems with Century _ink for good.
I know very little about voip or magic jacks and such. Is there another solution for me that will allow me to continue to leave my computer hooked up to a copper pair so that I can continue to use the phone system the way I utilize it presently? My isp suggested that I purchase a MagicJack PLUS but also was candid with me that he was not completely sure it would accomplish my goals.
(ASIDE) For those members that are perhaps wondering what is at the heart of this problem I will say that I treat people as I would like to be treated....honestly. I am being overcharged for normal phone service and refuse to be cheated every month for something I am not receiving. Getting rid of the entire companies service 100% would end my problems with Century _ink for good.
ASKER
Let me be more specific. The only phone line that I have at the moment is a standard POTS phone company copper pair analog phone line. No electronics except for the protector at the entrance of the building. Hooked up to the telephone that is at my computer is a Plantronics MX10 audio interface that goes between the handset and the phone. It allows me to utilize a Plantronics headset and has inputs and outputs for audio. I can easily play any audio from my computer over the phone line. I can also record anything from the phone line to my computer. I do not use DSL for my internet connection. I have a two way radio antenna on my roof that transmits and receives to my ISP'S access point wirelessly. We do not have cable where I live. I have no idea if the "Phone company" has DSL or not. The company is my only problem and I do not want to do anything further with them other than cancel and stop paying them for services not being received. What I need is some internet based phone system that APPEARS to my computer as a standard telephone line so that I can use a standard telephone with headset as I am using presently, but with the internet as the means to make calls rather than the Fone Kompany. I want to ditch the Fone Kompany due to their complete and total lack of interest in correcting my bill. I hope this explains more completely my situation.
You need to ask the ISP if their service can provide VOIP phone service.
My cable company provides a separate / different modem to run my land-line phone and the other (normal) ISP modem to run Internet. All from one cable.
So with that description, you need to ask if the ISP can do VOIP. Probably they can and then ditch the phone company.
My cable company provides a separate / different modem to run my land-line phone and the other (normal) ISP modem to run Internet. All from one cable.
So with that description, you need to ask if the ISP can do VOIP. Probably they can and then ditch the phone company.
ASKER
I asked them if they do VOIP and they said no. They are the ones that suggested that I purchase the MagicJack Plus item.
So either:
1. Keep both phone and ISP plans, OR,
2. Ask Century about good DSL and then remove the other ISP.
1. Keep both phone and ISP plans, OR,
2. Ask Century about good DSL and then remove the other ISP.
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ASKER
I am fairly sure I will have my accomplishment in the Guinness Book of Records in the near future! I was actually able to reach a human being at the big "Fone Kompany" that had the rare combination of brains, ability, courtesy and desire to assist me. He corrected the long term problem and actually refunded what I had overpaid. AMAZING! While in the process of the above being accomplished I bought a MagicJack GO product. What an amazing and inexpensive device it is. I love it. Setup was a breeze and in limited testing the audio quality and stability seemed just fine.
John, thanks so much for your Expert advice and I wish you and yours a HAPPY & PRODUCTIVE NEW YEAR!!!!!
John, thanks so much for your Expert advice and I wish you and yours a HAPPY & PRODUCTIVE NEW YEAR!!!!!
ASKER
John Hurst = God's gift to those who need a clue! Thanks so much for your assistance.
Thank you for your very kind and gracious comments and I was happy to help you. Happy New Year to you and yours as well.
If you have a copper pair running to your residence, you can install a DSL Modem that has Phone Line on one side and Ethernet / Wireless on the other.
In most areas, this should give you decent Internet service. You put a little filter on the line to your land-line phone and it will work as well.
Do you have this setup? and then what are the issues?
Do you have a Cable alternative you can switch to (that is what I have)?