(Not photo related, but can't find category for it)

I'm trying to reduce unnecessary bills and it is amazing figuring out some of the stuff that we pay for but don't even use. One thing that definately needs to go is our monthly payment for our phone landline - that we NEVER use for calls! The only reason we have it is to have our house alarm hooked up and internet access. I know there has to be another way. With all of you internet users, surely someone has a cheaper method than mine. What do you guys use? Any suggestions? Does Vonage cover this (including be a sufficient line for alarms?)

Always looking for ways to save a penny....

It can work, but if the power is out, will your phones still work? You can put a UPS on your router and everything, but the network company may not have as many safeguards in place. You also need to be aware that 911 calls work differently, so make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. These are just a few issues to think about.

Thanks Adam, I appreciate you taking the time.

So... if the alarm was not a factor in this question (and it may not be, since we may be moving to a house where we won't have it), but if I simply needing a way to get internet, then what companies do you guys recommend? Does Vonage work for that?

What about your cable company? I haven't had a landline in more than a decade.

-Bill

yep...we use cable too.

i third the cable. i switched to cable internet from dial up about a year and a half ago..... LIFE CHANGING! i have no clue about the alarm thing though.

cable! we've been throwing around the idea of the at&t promo on tv right now where you can get cell, landline, internet, and tv for $99...haven't checked into it yet though...if that's your cell provider, that might be an option too.

Tana, I currently pay $3.00 per month for unlimited US/Canada outgoing calls using Skype Pro. My phone number with them costs around $40/year as far as I remember, and incoming calls cost about $0.02 per minute. I have a cordless phone that connects to skype via my router - it's super reliable, cheap, and works great. Skype also forwards incoming calls to my cell if I don't pick them up in the studio.

If you have any questions, let me know... I'll be happy to give you more info!

Yep, I do the same thing and it works great.

I love my vonage. We just converted our landline we've had since 19uh.... 67... to Vonage because we don't have long distance and well, mom would occasionally forget to use the vonage line and end up with a $14 call for 3 minutes thanks to AT&T's ridiculous rates.


Other thoughts for money saving. Data plans for your cell phone... I RARELY used my data service from TMobile. But yet I've been paying $30 a month since 2006..... yeah, I'm stupid. So I canceled that and there is an extra $30+tax a month in savings.

Hi there,
We are considering this company,Protection One, for our alarm service. As I understand it, they offer alarm protection without using a land line - they have cell and voip plans.

I don't know their rates but it looks worth looking into. I believe you can check on your alarm status via the internet. If go out of town and forget to set it - you can login via their website and set the alarm. It's pretty cool.

I hope this helps =)