Back to Geek Talk Last updated: 1/04/05

VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol

If you already have Broadband Internet service, you may want to drop your traditional phone service (most likely you get to keep your current number too) and sign up with a VoIP phone company and save at least $15.00/month.  The figure below is my setup at home, which shows the installation of the Digital Phone Adapter (VoIP) in between the Cable Modem and the Wi-Fi Router.

I subscribed to SunRocket.com VoIP services in 2005. Their complete installation kit includes the VoIP adapter and a set of Uniden 5.8 GHz wireless phones, so you don't have to buy them like I had to when I initially signed up with Vonage in 2004.  

Why did I switch?  The answer is, not only I was paying Vonage too much ($25.00/month for the unlimited package vs. SunRocket's $17.00/month which also includes 100 minutes of Int'l calls too!), I had also come across the rudest customer service person in my life- the main reason I dropped Vonage!  

Anyway, Looking at the installation setup above, you notice that your phone must be moved from say, your kitchen, to where the adapter is.  My solution was to buy a 5.8 GHz wireless phone such as this Uniden TRU 8885-2, which includes one base and one additional set for about $140.00 and covers a range of 300 ft.  The base is connected to the Digital Phone Adapter, and the extension set is connected to an AC outlet anywhere in the house.  When you receive a call, the base transmits the call to all others (as many as 10 wireless handsets for $60.00 each) installed in the house. You no longer have to pay hefty fees to your phone company for wireing and installing jacks in your house. What's even better is that if you move, you take your wireless phones with you.  Whether you use the VoIP or the traditional phone service this type of high powered, long-ranged wireless phone will serve you well.