Rogers VOIP

[Digiital]

There was a thread awhile back about Rogers VOIP. But I guess when there was that issue with the board it was deleted or not backed up, no worries I'll start a new one.

So I got the service installed about 2 weeks ago and I have to say, so far I'm really impressed. No issues what so ever and you can not tell it's VOIP at all, there isn't that 'digital' sound to the audio at all. All services have worked(then again I haven't played with all of them just yet).

I'll post a picture of the setup I have downstairs later tonight.

[Exmortis]

I signed up with Vonage this week and should be receiving the equipment before friday. I am looking forward to kiss Bell bye-bye.

Do you have a home alarm, Digital? I did some reading and will be doing some re-wiring to have mine working with VoIP. :)

[Digiital]

Nope, no Alarm.

Bell is hurting big time.

[Ken_ver_1_5]

the one thing I think about is how many times does bell go down
in a year. for me personally once in 10 years. now can you say
the same for your isp. I hope so its good to have an option for
safety.

[Exmortis]

now can you say the same for your isp.

Very rarely for the past year or two. But even if it does, Vonage has a feature to automatically forward all calls to an alternate number if it happens so my cell phone gets all calls. No biggie. I just cut my monthly phone bill by more than half! What I'm paying for Vonage is what Bell charges me just for their features. Heck, Bell is still charging a monthly fee for touchtone service...

[Marsher]

The Bell system works even if there is a power failure.... what about this system?

Where on Rogers website is the info on this... all I could find is a service called Home Phone... is that it?

[Exmortis]

The Bell system works even if there is a power failure.... what about this system?

Rogers (I got Rogers with them) has independant power on their lines and all my equipment is on a UPS. By the way, if loss of power was such a huge concern, you'd think cordless phone wouldn't sell this well.

[Digiital]

The Rogers VOIP box has a battery backup good for about 8 hrs.
The network that the VOIP is different from the internet one so it does have backup on top of backup.


the one thing I think about is how many times does bell go down
in a year. for me personally once in 10 years. now can you say
the same for your isp. I hope so its good to have an option for
safety.

[Digiital]

http://www.shoprogers.com/store/cable/rhp/default.asp


The Bell system works even if there is a power failure.... what about this system?

Where on Rogers website is the info on this... all I could find is a service called Home Phone... is that it?

[Lee Anne]

We just got Rogers Home Phone installed today, they gave us a GE phone to use for our apartment buzzer code also :) so new phone service and free phone, took about a half hour to install (maybe more, wasn't really paying attention). So far all the features work really well, no problems from what I can tell as far as line quality .. so far so good

[Berserko]

umm...Rogers doesn't do Voip. The Home Phone comes with a small terminal and the phone goes over the cable line, but it's not voip.

[Bogie]

Depends on what you are looking for in a VoIP phone service. The Rogers service is a replacement for Bell's service. If you have cable and just want to rid yourself of Bell, it is a fairly good deal. If you don't have cable, or are looking for a full VoIP service that is portable, and with all the bells (excuse the expression) and whistles, then Vonage is the best route.

As far as power goes, I simply have my default backup number as my cellphone - so if power goes then all calls go to it.

If you have DSL for Internet, then you still need your phone line. Vonage VoIP works on both phone lines and cable - any high speed connection. Rogers Home Phone only works on Rogers Cable and is not portable (but you can call anywhere and receive calls from anywhere, just like a regular phone).

Vonage basic plan includes all features and 500 minutes long distance - Rogers Home Phone does not.

Rogers charges for the extra features and long distance. Actually, the Rogers cable VoIP service is almost identical to the Sprint home phone service (regular line). Of course Rogers owns Sprint Canada.

I use Sprint for my one home office phone line. I cancelled the Sprint long distance package and use my Vonage line instead (one cost replaced the other). We are adding another Vonage line (transferring the regular home phone number), goes on the same VoIP adapter, and that only costs $14.95 and includes 500 mins long distance and all the features. That will save about $40 per month and add features.

The Vonage is excellent quality and has an online control panel for management. From what I have heard, the Rogers Home Phone quality is excellent also.

Technology marches forward, and we all benefit.

So many homes now use portable phones. If power goes down, then so does your phone service. Or their home phones are powered for all the features - again, power goes then so does your phone.

[Bogie]

umm...Rogers doesn't do Voip. The Home Phone comes with a small terminal and the phone goes over the cable line, but it's not voip. It uses VoIP technology - just not portable like other VoIP services.

[Lee Anne]

The tech guy here today said it was "VOIP but more dedicated"

[Berserko]

It's LIKE voip, but it's not. Yes, it's dedicated in that instead of travelling over the unsecured line, it passes through Rogers network, but that does not make it voip. Voip can break down with calls, but this is a digital phone and has a less chance of that happening.


The tech guy here today said it was "VOIP but more dedicated"I'm actually surprised by that quote. We were told in training to NEVER, EVER mention voip, as that is not what this is and not something Rogers wants to be associated with.

[Bogie]

For those who are "Rogers" bundle buyers, the new Home Phone service may be attractive. A few package offers and bundle discounts.

[Exmortis]

umm...Rogers doesn't do Voip. The Home Phone comes with a small terminal and the phone goes over the cable line, but it's not voip.

It is VoIP! It's based on the same ITU-T Specs H.323 protocol!

[Bogie]

Rogers VoIP news article on ITbusiness.ca (http://www.itbusiness.ca/index.asp?theaction=61&lid=1&sid=59420&adBanner=Networking)

[Bogie]

As far as Vonage and power failures go, if you have a UPS for your computer, add the Vonage adapter and use a regular phone wired to it. It would last quite a long time, if your computer is off, and most likely longer than most power failures. Or even use a smaller UPS dedicated to the VoIP phone line.

[Exmortis]

The tech guy here today said it was "VOIP but more dedicated"

And that'd be somewhat correct as Rogers' service does not require high-speed Internet like other VoIP offerings. It's really dedicated. No need for an Internet connection.

[Exmortis]

As far as Vonage and power failures go, if you have a UPS for your computer, add the Vonage adapter and use a regular phone wired to it.

Doesn't need to be near the computer. My phone adapter is wireless and located in the basement where my home alarm is. I plug into right into the phone grid (but I disconnected Bell outside the house first) and I got service on all the phones all over the house.

[Exmortis]

We were told in training to NEVER, EVER mention voip, as that is not what this is and not something Rogers wants to be associated with.

Of course... What'd you expect? Just read Ken_ver_1_5's and Masher's comments? It's the stigma of VoIP and Rogers' infrastructure is such that those problems don't exist, but still calling VoIP brings up those reflex stigmas. Not only that, but VoIP also implies that you need high-speed Internet in addition to the service which is not true with Rogers' Home Phone thingy. So now you understand why they want to seperate themselves from the VoIP term. It's all marketing, but I challenge you to dig deep into the technical aspect of it and see if it stray away from the H.323 protocol.

[Bogie]

In the thread that was lost, when the server crashed, I was challenging the validity of Rogers using the VoIP terminology for their "recent offering" Home Phone service. It may be in their future plans, but right now I see this as a "technology enhanced" phone service via cable instead of Bell lines - the first real challenge to Bell's customer base.

Rogers has the existing customer-base to exploit for this new Home Phone service. They have the "one-up" advantage over Vonage. Vonage faces the challenge of educating the potential customers as to how their system (VoIP) works - and most people are technically challenged and are confused about what it is all about. Rogers just has to say "use our cable instead of the Bell phone lines" - simple sell in comparison to competitors' VoIP.

[Roman]

Make sure you can call 911 with the service. I recall on Broadband Reports there was a thread a few months ago about Vonage customers, if I'm not mistaken, not having 911 service and they assumed they had it. I don't know if it's available now to all VoIP customers.

[Bogie]

Make sure you can call 911 with the service. I recall on Broadband Reports there was a thread a few months ago about Vonage customers, if I'm not mistaken, not having 911 service. I don't know if it's available now to all VoIP customers.
911 is available for all Vonage customers (http://www.vonage.ca/features.php?feature=911) - but, it does not work like the Bell service for 911. Think of it like cellphone 911 calls.

[Exmortis]

In the thread that was lost, when the server crashed, I was challenging the validity of Rogers using the VoIP terminology for their "recent offering" Home Phone service.

You mean this thread (http://www.thecomputermechanics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=231&highlight=voip)? I gave very technical links at the bottom to the real VoIP specs and I challenge anyone who can tell me where Rogers' offering differs from those specs.

[Exmortis]

Make sure you can call 911 with the service.

Vonage offers 911, no problems. But because Vonage is portable, you have to make absolutely sure to tell the operator where you are IF you're not at your home (or where you registered your account).

[Roman]

911 is available for all Vonage customers (http://www.vonage.ca/features.php?feature=911) - but, it does not work like the Bell service for 911. Think of it like cellphone 911 calls.

Wow, that was a fast response. I say anytime someone has an emergency, call Bogie first. lol

[Exmortis]

I say anytime someone has an emergency, call Bogie first. lol

And if the beer runs out, blame Bogie! Had to say it 'cause I just found out I ran out... Time to go to the beer store. :D

[Bogie]

And if the beer runs out, blame Bogie! Had to say it 'cause I just found out I ran out... Time to go to the beer store. :D I'm in trouble then .... only have beer when our son or son-in-laws come over ... LOL

[Mviper]

I am switching to Rogers Home Phone Service - Installation date is Aug 12. The switching my Bell mobility cell phones to rogers as soon as the contracts are up. Then I will have no Bell in my condo at all. (goodbye forever)

[justabitcrazee]

I am switching to Rogers Home Phone Service - Installation date is Aug 12. The switching my Bell mobility cell phones to rogers as soon as the contracts are up. Then I will have no Bell in my condo at all. (goodbye forever)

Yay!
I already have all Rogers services, Including Rogers Long Distance. Gonna Call and get mine set up tomorrow.

Boo, Bell. :vil:

[Marsher]

Of course... What'd you expect? Just read Ken_ver_1_5's and Masher's comments? It's the stigma of VoIP and Rogers' infrastructure is such that those problems don't exist, but still calling VoIP brings up those reflex stigmas. Not only that, but VoIP also implies that you need high-speed Internet in addition to the service which is not true with Rogers' Home Phone thingy. So now you understand why they want to seperate themselves from the VoIP term. It's all marketing, but I challenge you to dig deep into the technical aspect of it and see if it stray away from the H.323 protocol.

Since Masher has not posted in this thread I guess you are refering to my post.....don't know what you are trying to say I said but I only asked a simple question about whether it works in a power failure.... very important as many found out during the power failure a few years ago

[Lee Anne]

There is a battery inside the telephone modem which is suppose to give you 6 hours of telephone use in case of a power outage

[Exmortis]

Since Masher has not posted in this thread I guess you are refering to my post.....

Ya, sorry... I quickly glanced over the posts and your name is so similar to Masher's. ;)


don't know what you are trying to say I said but I only asked a simple question about whether it works in a power failure.... very important as many found out during the power failure a few years ago

Indeed, it is a very important question and a concern that has always been there about VoIP. It is a stigma now and it goes to the point I was making. Rogers wants to stay away from that. I did not imply you were asking a ridiculous question. Far from that.

[Digiital]

Ok here are those pictures I promised.

[Ottawaman]

they gave us a GE phone to use for our apartment buzzer code also :)

How does this work?

[Lee Anne]

It's just a phone to plug into the exsisting phone jack so we can still use the buzzer, our main phone is plugged into the telephone modem (same one as above) .. this is good for us because if we were on the phone and someone buzzed our apartment our call would get cut off, now they're on two different lines so it's better.

[Ottawaman]

so the building supplies the "signal" to the phone, even though you don't have regular phone(bell)service.
We also have our phone set up to open the lobby door, so I was concerned about this problem.

[Exmortis]

I played with Vonage a bit and I absolutely love it!! They offer so many great features! Like automatic emailing of voicemails. I receive an email to the address of my choice everytime someone leaves a voicemail and I can have it as an MP3 attachment if I want. I can also easily access my voicemail box from the web. I can have simultaneous ringing on other phones like my cell phone at the same time (my cell can be part of the house's phone system this way). Lots of blocking options for incoming/outgoing calls (long distance area, 1-900 numbers, etc). Virtual phone numbers. Really neat stuff...

[Lee Anne]

Rogers home phone (we found out the hard way) has more then one 911 .. if you dial (at least for us) 311 and 811 you also get 911, I don't know if there are other '11' numbers that connect you because we didn't want to try them all, we already know that 211, 411, 611 and 711 are NOT connected to 911

We are not sure 100% but we think the below features may come when you have 'call screen' on your line, if you don't have that feature you can still try these to see if they work

Features we have found:

"avoid a call" which is *64, if you add a phone number to that list you will only get phone calls from that number .. anyone else who calls is told you are not accepting calls. This is a great way to get rid of telemarketers but of course you have to make sure you have ALL phone numbers you want or need to hear from on that list

"selective call forwarding" *63, is another feature we found, You choose a phone number where specific calls will be forwarded to, only those numbers you add to the list will be forwarded to that number .. all others will be sent to your home phone number as normal

"distinctive ring" *61, if you add a phone to this list when that number calls the phone will ring in a different way, this will also work with call waiting, the beep will be different

Will add more as we find them :mbx:

[owg]

I currently have two Bell lines in my house. I am thinking of replacing one with Vonage, it looks like it is cheaper than Rogers Phone. The 500 free long distance minutes per month in Canada and US looks like it would also save me money. I was wondering if it is possible to get a deal on two phone lines from Rogers or Vonage. Seems like the cable could handle it. Also does Vonage have any retail outlets near Willowdale?
Thanks

[Exmortis]

I was wondering if it is possible to get a deal on two phone lines from Rogers or Vonage.

You can have as many lines as you want. You'll just need a phone adapter for each lines or you can have virtual phone numbers. Phone numbers of any area codes you want.


Also does Vonage have any retail outlets near Willowdale?
Thanks

I know Radio-Shack sells Vonage kits. Last time I checked, Future Shop was too. And someone told me that Staples was as well.

[Bogie]

Radio Shack (now "The Source") sells the Vonage kits. The Linksys PAP2 adapter, that comes in the kit, can handle two different phone lines. You can have multiple phones on each line, just like you can with Bell.

A second phone line, with Vonage (different real number, not virtual), costs $14.99 per month extra, over and above your 1st line. In my case I have a home office line and a home phone line - two accounts with Sprint (formerly with Bell). 1st line is $19.99 with Vonage and the 2nd is $14.99 .... both have all the features and 500 mins long distance (that is nearly 8 1/2hr per month on each line). If we go higher in long distance use, then that phone will go to the next plan level. On my first line (home office) I also have 3 virtual numbers at $7.99 per month.

So 2 lines, one adapter, total 17 hrs (1000 mins) long distance, all the features, and 3 virtual numbers extra on one line, costs me $58.95 per month.

Sprint was costing me $110.00 per month and the 800 service (which I dropped for the virtual numbers) was an additional $50 per month. Went from $160 per month to $59 per month - and more flexibility.

[Digiital]

the Rogers box will allow for 2 lines(separate wired lines). I guess if you want more then you'll need a second box.

[owg]

Thanks for those comprehensive answers. I guess I will make a trip to the Source this week end.

[owg]

Just picked up my Vonage package at Circuit City, formerly Radio Shack. $25 ($90 with $65 mail in coupon). They had a 2 month free coupon. The free period starts not more than 4 months from sign up! They contact Bell and Bell takes a minimum of 20 days to free up my phone number. I guess that dept. must be busy. Meanwhile I use a 905 number, would have preferred a 416 but it was not offered. Set up time was about 20 minutes but I am slow. It plugs into my router then via a little Linksys box to my handset. Hopefully after Bell disconnects, I can hook into the house phone wiring and get a handset upstairs. $19.99 per month with 500 LD minutes to Canada and US per month should save me about $20 per month.

[Bogie]

Meanwhile I use a 905 number, would have preferred a 416 but it was not offered.
416 is available. It is my main number (my choice), and I'm in Barrie. Also have virtual 519, 705, 613, and 403.

Vonage is great - enjoy!

[Exmortis]

Hopefully after Bell disconnects, I can hook into the house phone wiring and get a handset upstairs.

If you go out to the Bell gray box outside your house and disconnect the line there, then you can plug your Vonage box to any outlets in your house and get service on all your plugs.

But here's a huge warning. When you disconnect the line outside, put a sticker on the wire to warn Bell technicians to NOT reconnect it without talking to you first. This could damage your equipment.

[Bogie]

I prefer to disconnect the Bell line from inside the house at the inside terminal - which I have. Now, I know that many new homes don't have that inside terminal, and are hard wired into the home during construction (had that nightmare at our daughter's place trying to rewire her phone lines last year) - in that case the outside demarc is the only place it really can be done for disconnect.

For all those people contemplating the switch to VoIP (not Rogers home phone), this needs to be considered. I know that this sounds like a really silly, and obvious, thing to point out, but, if your Internet is on your telephone line (DSL), you cannot disconnect Bell unless you have multiple incoming lines (like I do). This can only be done if you are using cable for your Internet connection. Don't laugh, I've seen this happen too many times already.

[Exmortis]

Well, I didn't mention the inside terminal because that line can pack some voltage (mostly when the phone is about to ring) and if you don't know what you're doing... You may get shocked or cause damage. The plug in the outside box is just a normal RJ11 plug (unless your house is really old).

But you made a good point about having DSL. In that case, make sure Bell isn't charging you extra for having DSL without phone service.

[websurferdude]

Anyone else with Roger's Home Phone with a 416 number have the service go belly up this past long weekend ??

Mine was out most of the weekend - finally came up for good early Tuesday morning. Since then, so far so good (knock-on-wood !)


Ray :)

[Digiital]

Nope. Have a 905 and no issues for 3 weeks since I got it installed. Now my hispeed internet is another matter, up and down ever since I got RHP.

[Lee Anne]

We have Rogers home phone with 416 and no problems at all with it, been very happy :)

[Bogie]

But you made a good point about having DSL. In that case, make sure Bell isn't charging you extra for having DSL without phone service.Is a phone line available for DSL use, 3rd party other than Bell or Sprint, without phone service? I wasn't aware of that. Special charge?

[Exmortis]

Is a phone line available for DSL use, 3rd party other than Bell or Sprint, without phone service?

Yes, it's called naked DSL. Up 'till recently, Bell would charge you a big extra to have DSL, but no phone service with them. A few months ago, Bell quietly issued a press release saying that they'd drop that fee, but it was very quietly. Hardly anybody noticed. But if you go with Vonage VoIP, all you need is DSL...

I got my Vonage package yesterday and so far I'm really liking it. I love getting my voicemails sent to a special email address. :) Just a few more days, my number will be ported and I'll be giving Bell "da big boot"!!

[daplayer]

It's LIKE voip, but it's not. Yes, it's dedicated in that instead of travelling over the unsecured line, it passes through Rogers network, but that does not make it voip. Voip can break down with calls, but this is a digital phone and has a less chance of that happening.

I'm actually surprised by that quote. We were told in training to NEVER, EVER mention voip, as that is not what this is and not something Rogers wants to be associated with.


It is VOIP, to be specific, it's called Packet Cable. The calls are digitized and travel over a IP network, which is what VOIP is. This is another marketing ploy by Rogers to not associate their Phone service with traditional VOIP because of the publicized limitations. The quality of your calls can also be affected by heavy traffic on the Rogers network. There is no seperate network for the phone service, except for were the calls get routed to a PSTN switch if calling outside rogers network. The phone modem (it's actually a modified DOCSIS modem) uses the same cable lines and the same nodes.

Rogers has gone through great length to ensure their serivce is a full replacement for your Bell line. There is backup power on the network, the phone modem has backup battery, the calls don't travel through the public internet and you get enhance 911 (reason why the service is not portable).

PS. Here is an experiment Rogers users can try. Put your Rogers modem on a UPS and see what happens when the power goes out.

[Bogie]

... and you get enhance 911 (reason why the service is not portable). With Vonage VoIP you get 911 service directed to your account address area. For example, if I call 911, using my Vonage VoIP account, it will be routed to Barrie, where I live.

[Exmortis]

and you get enhance 911 (reason why the service is not portable).

Enhanced 911 simply means that the operator gets your physical location displayed on his screen when he answers your call. Vonage offers that service despite being mobile so "enchanced 911" does not mean your service cannot be mobile.

[Exmortis]

The quality of your calls can also be affected by heavy traffic on the Rogers network.

Oh and this is not true. Their phone service runs on a seperate frequency than the Internet service. One does not affect the other.

[Digiital]

I have yet to hear that "digital" sound you would expect from voip. Line has been always up

[daplayer]

With Vonage VoIP you get 911 service directed to your account address area. For example, if I call 911, using my Vonage VoIP account, it will be routed to Barrie, where I live.

I didn't know Vonage offer this feature. My Rogers modem works at my friends house down the street. Don't know if it will works any further than that, haven't tried it. Which would mean the phone service is portable (somewhat) but Rogers isn't telling.

[daplayer]

Oh and this is not true. Their phone service runs on a seperate frequency than the Internet service. One does not affect the other.

Nope, no separate frequency used. Packet cable is based on the DOCSIS standard and thus uses the same DOCSIS frequency as the modems. Multimedia services from the phone MTA is give much higher priority than data service so interference from heavy internet users will be very minimal. As you know, even the best router, with the best QOS does choke sometimes, so it's not impossible to disrupt the phone service with excessive data traffic. I’m sure Rogers has many safe guards in place to prevent this.

Check the link below:
http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery;jsessionid=cos****aorq0?tname=packetcable&curtab=2222_1&hl=docsis&sbid=lc03b

[Dr.Dan]

Nope, sorry, but that's not what Rogers is using... and that's the advantage they have over all the other VoIP phone services... It doesn't plug into your cable modem, it uses it's own modem that uses different technology and different frequencies ;)

Rogers is the first in N/A to use this European system, and Cogeco is going to be changing their system over to it as well... because they're having nothing but problems using the Packet cable system.

I forget all the specs on it now, but I was told this a few months ago by a very reliable source.

[Mviper]

I am having Rogers Home Phone installed today (I hope). I will get back to this post when I have some results to pass along.

[daplayer]

Rogers is using Packet Cable. So it Videotron and Shaw. I didn't say the MTA plugs into your cable modem. It connects directly to the cable wire. Rogers actually runs a new line for the phone MTA as they do with the modem. This is why you don't need to internet to get Rogers phone. Packetcable is another feature ontop of the DOCSIS standard. Rogers VOIP service (and the other cable guys that use packetcable) has an advantage over regular VIOP service because the traffic is kept within the cable network where the operators have full control of packet priority.

Again, the frequency is the same. I wouldn't be surprise if Rogers used the same TFTP and DHCP servers for the modems and phone MTAs.

[Mviper]

Had Rogers Installed at home last nite. Being a 30 year old building of our 4 telephone jacks,only my living room is working along with my front door to our condo. He has to make another appointment to come back and get the other outlets working by runnning wires to the other outlets. I have been trying to convince my wife to let me purchase a new 5 phone wireless 5.8 Ghz phones from Costco then trying to run wires in the condo.

[Exmortis]

[QUOTE=daplayer]Nope, no separate frequency used. Packet cable is based on the DOCSIS standard and thus uses the same DOCSIS frequency as the modems.[quote]

For one thing, that is false logic. DOCSIS is very configurable to reside on multiple frequencies and you can have DOCSIS on more than one frequencies on the same cable. Do you really honnestly think that every single cable companies out there have the exact same channels mapping so they can all use a hard-coded DOCSIS frequency? Think about this one...

The link you gave doesn`t say anything to prove what you said. Do you not realise that there can be MULTIPLE IP networks on the same coax cable? That this is EXACTLY what Rogers did?

[xspider]

I was wondering if every one that has Vonage/voip with rogers or if you use some other voip server on rogers. Can you start posting your Down/upload usage for me. Just wondering how much MB or GB it would use. So this is a test with voip use it as normal as you can. Then post your usage. Then go crazy with it make a lot of call's, and then post your usage again. Plus what $$ rate are you paying for it, and what you get with it. I know I can read it off there site. But I like seeing it customers own words..

Thanks.

[Bogie]

I was wondering if every that has Vonage/voip with rogers or if you use some other voip server on rogers. Can you start posting your Down/upload usage for me. Just wondering how much MB or GB it would use. So this is a test with voip use it as normal as you can. Then post your usage. Then go crazy with it make a lot of call's, and then post your usage again. Plus what $$ rate are you paying for it, and what you get with it. I know I can read it off there site. But I like seeing it customers own words..

Thanks.
VoIP usage is not based on bandwidth use, but rather like a telephone. In other words, calls made in and out - simple as that. A Vonage VoIP line takes up to about 60bps of your bandwidth available.

Number of calls does not affect anything. Only difference would be long distance charges based on your Vonage VoIP or Rogers Home Phone plans.

Right now I pay $19.99 a month for my Vonage VoIP and that includes 500 mins (about 8 1/2 hrs) of long distance, plus many features (call answer, etc.). I also have 3 extra virtual numbers in other area codes, at $7.99 per month each extra. The Unlimited long distance plan is $39.99 per month. I'm also adding a second phone line for only $14.99 per month (same features as the primary $19.99 plan).

[Exmortis]

Just wondering how much MB or GB it would use.

You can configure your service to use 30KB/s, 50KB/s or 90KB/s. The higher, the better quality. Do the math to see how long you'll need to talk to make 1 GB.

[owg]

I've been out of town for a couple of weeks so I haven't had much time on the Vonage yet. However it does have a disconcerting crackle as one speaker stops and the other starts. I have email Vonage about it. I hope this gets resolved otherwise it will have to go back and I will give Rogers phone a try. Thanks for the advice on disconnecting from Bell. I have an inside connection and I will be disconnecting the "Vonage" line since I plan to keep the other Bell line at least for a while. Vonage has a forum where these issues are discussed.

[Bogie]

I've been out of town for a couple of weeks so I haven't had much time on the Vonage yet. However it does have a disconcerting crackle as one speaker stops and the other starts. I have email Vonage about it. I hope this gets resolved otherwise it will have to go back and I will give Rogers phone a try. Thanks for the advice on disconnecting from Bell. I have an inside connection and I will be disconnecting the "Vonage" line since I plan to keep the other Bell line at least for a while. Vonage has a forum where these issues are discussed.
Interesting challenge you are having in regards to that "crackle". I have two (2) Vonage lines on one adapter, along with my DSL service, and regular phone service. All work great - the Vonage service is actually clearer than my regular Sprint line.

[owg]

The crackle was temporary and ceased after a few days. I am very pleased with the Vonage phone.

[KnightRider]

My brother just got a new place, was waiting for two days for bell to show up, and they never did. so he said screw bell, and went to Vonage. I looked up vonage, and from what he told me as well, and as many have said here already, it's pretty kick ass.

I have a few things bundles with rogers at the moment, and am in need of a home phone. (currently I use my cell). the rogers' version of voip (done through their Sprint products they just bought) doesn't bundle iwht rogers bundles yet. But their home phone service does.

Crappy thing for me is, I am in a basement apt, and i can't get a voip service because my internet comes in to the part of the basement that i don't rent, and i have wireless internet from there to the office accross the basement.

So, i am pretty much stuck with rogers home phone.

[xahax]

sprint offers home phone service thru existing phone lines, along woth voip phone services. If you choose the home phone, not viop, you can get tyhe bundle discount on it if you have other rogers bundlesd services

[xspider]

Just wondering how much bandwith those it take? Has your bandwith usage gone up from using Vonage. Also if you are using Vonage, and the net at the sametime does it seem slow. Thanks.

[Bogie]

Just wondering how much bandwith those it take? Has your bandwith usage gone up from using Vonage. Also if you are using Vonage, and the net at the sametime does it seem slow. Thanks.You shouldn't notice at all. VoIP phones takes anywhere from 30 to 90 k of bandwidth (with Vonage, for example, you can adjust the bandwidth being used - it does affect quality though)

[Exmortis]

Just wondering how much bandwith those it take?

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,10277184

[Exmortis]

And.... http://www.vonage-forum.com/voip-speed-test.html