I'm in a situation now where I can't setup regular phone line so I have to use my existing internet to somehow get phone service. What are the best quality but decent priced alternatives out in the market?

These are what I've heard of from my friends:
- Magic Jack
- Google Voice using OBi110 Voice Service Bridge and VoIP Telephone Adapter
- Straight Talk Wireless (but I think it depends on wireless connection quality)

anything else? I'm not tech savvy at all so anything helps. Thanks!

6/13/2013 1:27:12 PM

cheap? Magic Jack

quality? Vonage

No matter what VoIP option you go with, it will only be as good as your internet connection.

[Edited on June 13, 2013 at 1:41 PM. Reason : a]

6/13/2013 1:41:04 PM

can I just buy Magic Jack from a local store, test it out with my internet connection and if not satisfied, return it? Is there a monthly fee for Magic Jack besides the initial hardware?

6/13/2013 1:42:34 PM

You can get it at WalMart, if that's what you are asking. I assume it would fall under their normal return policy, plus I'm sure Magic Jack does some sort of trial period.

6/13/2013 1:47:54 PM

if you have a smartphone and a wireless router, you can use something like GrooveIP or Talkatone

6/13/2013 2:17:52 PM

Do you happen to have DSL?

It may have changed since I last toyed with it, but you can usually find the number on your monthly statement, it just has outbound calling blocked (with the exception of 911). So you usually have dialtone (which you can try 311 to get the number) just no outbound. Setup Google Voice to ring your DSL # and the only downside is you have to initiate outbound calls from a smartphone or from voice.google.com which will then ring your landline and place the call.

I've also had great call quality with a 3.5mm cell phone headset plugged in to my MBP and made a few calls with a USB headset.

[Edited on June 13, 2013 at 9:38 PM. Reason : ]

6/13/2013 9:33:32 PM

I have Vonage and it treats me well.

6/13/2013 10:34:54 PM

They Obihai OBi100 is actually on sale now on amazon for $30. Here's the tread on slickdeals http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/96934/amazon-obihai-obi100-voip-telephone-adapter-voice-service-bridge

6/13/2013 10:55:37 PM

thanks i'm going to give this obihai route a try. figure for $40 it's worth trying it out.

6/14/2013 12:55:09 AM

I have a cisco pap2, google voice, and a free DID from callcentric and have pretty damn good call quality. I pay ~$1/month for 911

[Edited on June 14, 2013 at 4:24 AM. Reason : 1 annoyance - you can only initiate outgoing calls from a browser]

6/14/2013 3:58:52 AM