BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!

Subject: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 05:06 PM

#1--months ago we began looking into switching servers from a local dial-up service to ATT&T.

#2 finally got the software from them and connection lines etc.

#3--Chris made time off from work to drive here and do all the tech things that I can't. BUT then he got the flu and is home now with a high fever. This is why I'm still on line and haven't disappeared.

#4-- Got a call from AT&T today. They want me to mail back the software they sent and informed me I can't use their company to get the faster line!

#5--Why? Because we live in a building where we must buzz-in visitors to enter the building. Folks,we waited twelve years longer than the rest of the USA for AT&T to extend this service to our area so we could download a short You Tube segment in less than two hours--all while not being able to get phone calls because I was on-line!!

To say that I am frustrated is certainly a truism. This was what I can afford given our finances now.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 05:11 PM

Want me to talk about them dirt-sucking, scum-eating, money-grubbing tailwaggers for you? Want me to hope that when they get home their mother runs out from under the porch and bites their tail?

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Bert
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 05:18 PM

I haven't used them since they did a bait and switch on me over a phone service.

They called me and offered a service and when I got the bill they charged me for the free minutes that they had offered.

If it's any consolation to you, I didn't ppay the bill.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: GUEST,heric
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 05:34 PM

Whatever they did to me years ago was so horrific that it's been blocked from my conscious memory but I'll use an alpenhorn before I ever give them a dime again. Take pleasure in knowing they got a downgrade and a stock hit today.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 05:51 PM

Art, do you have cable TV? Can you get broadband through them?

(File an ADA complaint against AT&T. That should get you some action!)

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 05:56 PM

Now, I'll try to be even more helpful. Art, go to this website (assuming you're in the 815 area code). There's a list of every single broadband provider for your area code, their locations and phone number. AT&T is listed, so tell 'em to...well, you know.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 07:07 PM

It has something to do with the fact that when people buzz up to our apartment to be let into this HUD building, they are using the phone line to talk to us and then we press a number on the phone to open the door.

We have no cable for TV. We prefer to only use NETFLIX for DVDs and for the few TV programs and documentaries. All that we care to view is available from NETFLIX for MUCH less money -- and without the 95% of video that is rubbish.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 08:32 PM

I wonder if the ADA ACT would help you persuade them to find a way to hook you up, ART? Just a thought...

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 08:34 PM

ADA.gov

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 08:52 PM

Guest,
Thanks for that; I appreciate it.

A. T.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 09:05 PM

you're welcome, dear...how's the granddaughter and the BW?
harpgirl

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: frogprince
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 09:43 PM

After I got sick enough of dial-up, I checked all my options and found that I could go with DSL or with much more expensive cable. So far as I could determine, only AT&T offers DSL here. So I phoned to price service. The rep asked for my basic name, address, whatever. I again asked for a price. The rep (with marked Indian accent) told me he couldn't give me a price until after I signed up. I then got called back twice, by different personnel who noted that we had obviously lost the connection. (Want to guess what happened to the connection?). After a couple months more of living with dialup, my brother-in-law woke me up to the option of signing up for DSL on line. I cringed at giving AT&T my business, but I really needed a usable connection for substantial graphics files.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 10:08 PM

Art, I have the distinct impression that someone at AT&T is either flat-out incompetent or lying to you. The fact that your door buzzer is connected to your phone line should have no more impact on a DSL connection than using the phone would while you're online.

Want me to contact some folks and see about getting AT&T all pissed off at you? If so, PM me.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: artbrooks
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 10:23 PM

Go here and see if Earthlink is available to you. I've had them for years, and their service is, if not wonderful, at least pretty good.

The Other Art

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 10:50 PM

I wonder if the problem may be this? DSL superimposes a data stream on top of your voice line. If you are in an apartment building that has a phone provider other than AT&T and each tennant must subscribe to that service because they provide the building wiring and the door control system that may the root of the problem. If AT&T do not own or control the system they may not be able to access the line to send the DSL to you.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 12:12 AM

ABBY, It's so damn good to hear from you!! I missed you around here. We'll remedy that!

Sandy,
It seems that the part of the phone line that would carry the computer connection is being utilized by the in-house communication system. When a code is punched in by someone downstairs, our phone rings TWICE in quick succession. Then we answer the phone and talk to the person wanting entry. After seeing whether it is friend or foe, we push a particular number-button on the phone to allow them entry.

When I am on-line, nobody can call up to us. And we can't receive a phone call either. Chris, our son, e-mails me to tell me to get the hell off the computer so he can call me.

It reminds me of when I was 12 years old and a friend and I had a wire from his apartment on the 14th floor to my place on the 2nd floor. We'd try to send Morse code messages to each other -- until we couldn't figure out what the hell we were trying to say. In that case we would send three short "bleeps!" That meant, "Please, call me on the damn phone!!!"

Soooo, how the hell far have we all come?? Not far, me thinks.

We are Neanderthals, but with Atom bombs... It makes me want to go finish the book I'm half way through.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 12:16 AM

Art, my Rog says even if what Sandy says is the case, they usually and could just bring in a separate line for the DSL. I think AT&T is feeding you a line, too, and you should get the ADA involved. If you want help, please let me know. I have some good experience at consumer advocacy, seriously. Anyway, Rog definitely says there is NO reason for them not to run in another line and that is normally what would be done. He can talk with them for you if you'd like, since he's got the professional background and knows what he and they are talking about when it gets technical.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 12:18 AM

I had Earthlink for years, and I would have stayed with them if I could have actually gotten the 1.5Meg/second delivery that standard DSL is supposed to deliver. I was at about 25% for a while, then up to 50% when I complained last year. They tweaked the line, but said AT&T wouldn't allow any more "DSL" in our backwater on the phone system. Now I've set up a cable connection (ONLY cable, no bundle) for the same price, 10Meg per second. Wow. Other than a catastrophic crash when I uninstalled a proxy server from work (you don't want to know. . . ) it has been great. I'll be rebuilding the computer this week, when the new hard drive arrives.

The Earthlink people were very gracious when I explained that the tech I spoke to last spring said I should ask for a refund. All I asked for, when I cancelled my account, was a year free ($50) of their enhanced web email (up to 5 web accounts), so I can move my accounts over to other providers on my schedule. I may continue to pay for their email, I don't know. They are great, but the phone company hub is too far away for their DSL to work as promised.

Art, there should, in this day and age, be an affordable high-speed option for you, even in Peru, IL.

Take care, and I hope Chris is well soon.

Maggie

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 12:30 AM

Art, you can get phone lines that let you know someone else is calling, and you can get an Internet program that lets you suspend Internet activity when the phone is in use.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Benjamin
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 12:57 AM

Stay away from AT&T wireless or you will really be upset! Actually I along with Rapaire do not understand how buzzing people into an apartment with a phone effects dsl service, which has nothing to do with a phone.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 11:02 AM

I subscribed to AT&T for a while. Boy, it was hard getting it set up. Turns out there was a filter on one of my phone lines, a filter that was probably older than the customer-service people I was dealing with. They had to send a white-bearded guy out to my house to find the problem and fix it.

I have an idea for you, Art. When I got disgusted with AT&T's ads on my e-mail, I looked for another ISP which could use the same lines. I found kcnet.com (816-221-4658). They provide much better service.

Why don't you call kcnet.com and ask if your area has a sister ISP near you so you can do the same?

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 12:17 PM

Art, I'd tell ATT to take a flying...leap...at a rolling doughnut. They're feeding you a line of crap. Get ADA involved.

In the meantime, how about the services of Catholicnet?

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 02:29 PM

I'm gonna show this thread to my son, and we'll see. Chris makes his living with this technology as do many of you. It's clear as mud to me, but thanks for all your ideas. A problem here, also, is the nature of the county Housing Authority--our landlord. They do not allow a resident to alter the status quo by running in a new line if it means all the others can't do it.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 02:35 PM

Maggie, Lisa Null and some others who are waiting for packages from me.

Carol was able to get to the p.o. and all went out yesterday, Monday. Sorry for the delay.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 09:27 PM

Art -- have you considered wireless? There might well be a microwave solution, or a satellite uplink, available to you that would require NO additional wiring in the apartment -- just an antenna pointing out the window or something, and it could sit on a tripod.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 10:25 PM

Thanks, Art. Tell Chris that I'm rebuilding my computer this week. Replacing the hard drive, putting in an external box for the existing one (to now use as backup--no room inside to put in slave position) and may be back online in a couple of days. I'll start this adventure tomorrow afternoon.

SRS

Subject: Equal Technology Access
From: GUEST,Son of Art
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 12:08 PM

OK!
Time to tilt at windmills.
Sorry folks. Fever is back and I can't chew anything tougher than Wonder bread right now. Dr.'s appointment in the morning. Bear with delays in updates.

THANK YOU FOR THE ADA.GOV LINK!!

Started there and through a series of calls and searches have a call in to an agency called "Great Lakes Accessible Information Technology Initiative". They said they would call me back. We'll see. I know the game.

Specifically, I am looking for an advocacy agency with focus on technology access to disabled persons. With Dad's permission (which I haven't got yet) I have composed a draft of a letter I will send to AT&T and the management folks at his building. I have a cost comparison breakdown table and details on the situation. The whole letter is summed up in this paragraph:

"My parents are reliant on the semi-assisted living facility that is provided. However, due to their disabilities and reliance on this facility, they are denied access to broadband Internet service which is available to their neighbors across the street on all sides of the building and throughout the local area. Furthermore, to receive service equal to that which is available to non-disabled neighbors, they would be required to spend up to 10 times the amount their neighbors pay. Neither AT&T nor HUD have offered an alternative solution. I am sure that an equitable solution can be determined and look forward to discussing the details of this solution with you."

We'll see what's next. Stay tuned. Should be interesting.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 12:48 PM

Iffen ya need help, I know an Associate Dean of Law in a school not too very far from you....

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Amos
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 01:16 PM

Way to go, Chris!! Keep the hammer down.



A

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 03:07 PM

Rapaire, Chris isn't here. He lives in Lake County--Illinois.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 03:09 PM

So? My friend is as close to him as to you.

ND Law degree, admitted to the US Supreme Court, Law Dean.... Lemme know.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 04:26 PM

Kid has a way with words, even under a fever! Good going, Chris and heal up!

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: DebC
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 04:48 PM

We're pulling for ya, Art. Way to go, Chris.

Deb Cowan

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 05:47 PM

Once again, Mudcat and the folk world proves the old adage! (I do wish I could think of what that might be ;-) Just know we appreciate your help in this.

Thank you.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 06:17 PM

Ummm...you can lead a folkie to a rap concert but ya can't make him listen?**bg** (Best I could do:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 07:58 PM

RE: "My parents are reliant on....."

great paragraph, Chris! That should get their attention.

We need to speed up old Art. After this you can trick out his wheelchair motor...

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 08:38 PM

Here is some blatant thread drift:

I just talked to Chris and Kat---and they had an amazing tale to tell me.

It seems they were on their way home from Libertyville, IL where they had just picked up a new heavy-duty powered wheel chair for me---something I've needed for the last 3 years!!! It was listed in a local ad paper for a fairly low price, so they called and wound up going over to see it.

Get this folks: The thing's list price is $9,850.00 -- right? You can often buy it new for half that amount if you know where to go for it.

Bottom line is they got it for one hundred dollars. The people just wanted to get it out of their apartment!!

I'm blown away. For 3 years I've procrastinated about jumping through the hoops to get something like one of these after my old electric scooter quit working. Folks, when the snow melts I'm gonna be a ramblin' fool -- all over town. Tell Jack Elliott to change his name because Ramblin' Art will be on the loose! It's called a Jazzy 1170XL if anyone wants to see it.

Chris and Kat are just the best! There is nothing more to tell ya.

As I said, sorry for the thread drift!!

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: kendall
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 09:57 PM

I don't know how it is there, Art, but if I had such a problem, I would get in touch with my Congressman. Of course, we are on a first name basis; that helps.

Remember, The smallest dog can piss on the biggest building. Sick 'em Rover!

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 10:13 PM

Okay folks, here's Art's dream machine in black onyx color. I think that with a couple of fox tails and some sayings painted on it (like "Hotcha!" and "Eat my dust!") he could terrorize the town.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: GUEST,hg or haggard or whatever!
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 10:29 PM

Don't forget the goggles and silk scarf! hehehehe
harpgirl

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 10:44 PM

Faaarrr Out!! Go Chris & Kat!!!! Go, go, Art!

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 10:44 PM

And the pilot's hat.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 11:47 PM

vroom vroom

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 09:19 AM

It also must have "Notary Sojac" on it. And maybe "Hubba-hubba" and "Oh you kid".

The wheel configuration looks like it could, with little work, be changed to treads for the winter or even during the summer as well. Just watch out, AT&T -- Art's coming in his Toe-Masher!

(Once in a while, Art, good things DO happen to good people. In this case, the Magic Fairy Department has taken notice of you.)

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 10:19 AM

A friend of mine inherited an electric scooter that was a real lifesaver. He was on a waiting list for a hip replacement, but being on the public hospital list meant the wait was very long.

The batteries were old and didn't hold much charge. They went down to the scooter shop that to inquire about getting a new set, were astounded at the replacement price, and left without because they couldn't afford them. After they left the shop, the clerk excused himself from his counter co-workers and walked out like he was going to take a break, but caught up with them in the parking lot and told them where to get the batteries for half that price. (There are stores that sell nothing but batteries, and they can sometimes offer a significant price break). My friend was very grateful that the salesman was able to set his commission aside when he recognized their need.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: olddude
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 03:00 PM

After working with computers since we knocked holes in the cards in 1973 I cannot think of any reason technically how a door buzzer would impact a DSL ... Wireless connection maybe some interference but that is blowing smoke at you Art.

That is like saying you can't start your car because there is a tree root growing under the driveway ...

I would get a cable modem, you don't need to buy the cable TV programming. I just ditched mine for a dish but I still use the internet service. In my area the DSL is the same price but the cable is far faster. I would just tell them you want the internet service and nothing else

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: olddude
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 03:11 PM

even the door buzzer messing up a wireless is a streach
I can't believe those people telling you that. What a scam

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 06:35 PM

I will check that out too.

Thanks Old Dude.
Art

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: GUEST,Uncle Fred
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 06:52 PM

Proud to hear about your electric chair,,,I mean scooter! I need to ask you about something important. In the phrase, 'a train of doozy layoffs, well know to us all, the 'bos accommodations called the Wabash Cannonball.' I naturally assumed that 'layoff' referred to a railcar on a sidetrack,(which could have been a luxurious private car or a boxcar) but I haven't been able to find an actual source that uses 'lay-off' that way. I need to know before it's too late. Incidentally, there is a wonderful website put up by a guy named J.Nixon that has many beautiful pictures of railroad cars. Just google railroad cars J. Nixon and you'll find it. Was Paul Durst any kin to the comedian Will Durst?

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 07:22 PM

Art I have a friend who has high speed internet through cable and does not use their TV programing. His rates are very reasonable. You might want to check with the cable co. and see if that is possible in your area. I had always assumed it was necessary to have a complete package with cable but apparently that is not always the case.

Cap't BoB

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Art Thieme
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 09:20 PM

Bob,
Not at all affordable here. But we'll figure a way.

Thanks for the ideas.

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 08:50 AM

1. Install a wireless card in your computer.

2. Use someone else's wireless connection for free.

3. If it needs the security broken, PM me for password cracking software.

Hey, this is getting into my old territory!

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: GUEST,Son of Art
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 01:41 PM

Hey,
Just an update. I talked to a representative from the advocacy group. She gave me more folks to follow up with. I've figured out a stepped approach to this:
1) Bring the issue up at the next building meeting. (Won't actually get anything accomplished, but will address this formality. That's Dad's part).
2) Written request to address this issue to both AT&T customer service and the agency that manages Dad's building.
3) If resolution not arrived at, involve advocacy group and drop a couple letters to our congress people (whomever that may be at the time).

My hope is to become enough of a nusance that AT&T sends a tech out there with a clear message of "fix the damn thing."

Doing well. Up to eating mashed potatos. Had a great time getting Dad's new ATV in the car. Now trying to figure out how to get it out. The thing weighs a ton.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 02:55 PM

They make special frames to mount on vehicles to carry scooters and chairs on the back. Probably too much work for occasional use, but maybe an agency in town (senior center, rehab center, nursing home, etc.) has a vehicle like that and might make a run to transport the chair for a modest fee?

I just switched from Earthlink DSL to Charter. I don't care for Charter, their sales people are pushy and churlish, but they have the fastest connection available in my area (where we have old underground phone wiring and they're not likely to upgrade). Charter wants to push that bundle of theirs, regardless of what you tell them you want (so after my first call I eliminated the sales person and placed my order online for JUST Internet at the speed I wanted). I don't know what your Internet options are in Peru, IL, but there are web sites that let you compare prices, and if you look up your local cable company, they should have it broken down to individual services.

If you get a cable company to set up Internet you can eliminate the phone company if you switch to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone, and it is fairly inexpensive (a couple of dollars a month). I am considering not dropping my phone company completely, but stopping it down to the $5 a month plan that allows incoming calls (unlimited) and a modest number of outgoing calls. The rest of my calls are on my cell phone or I could set up VoIP. The lower cost phone can help with the cable cost, and your Internet service would be much faster and always on. (Be sure you have a good firewall, or better yet, have a firewall and a router between the computer and the modem).

It is a shell game, played by all of these providers. But there are more choices than there used to be so you can mix and match and hopefully at least come up with better service for the same price, if not better service for a lower price.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 04:10 PM

Chris,

The National Council on Independent Living may also be a big help. Tim Sheehan is your Illinois contact point:
National Council on Independent Living

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 04:41 PM

Best of luck with the new wheels!

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 06:15 PM

Change the wheels a bit, put on a track, put on a blade -- Art & The Mini-Dozer!

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 07:41 PM

Be careful of the over the internet phone options, though. I just went through a few months of really crappy sound and dialling quality with Vonage, then our broadband was down for three days, so no phone at all. When I called Vonage to disconnect, they said it would only be a $39.99 fee. I got the bill, today, which included a charge of $70 for their special box which the guy did not tell me about. Granted it was in the original agreement, but I specifically asked for ALL charges. They will not reduce the $113 bill and have already taken it out of my bank acct. I would NOT recommend them. (If I'd kept them for a year, I would not have had to pay the extra for the box, though.)

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 10:44 PM

VoIP might not work with 911 either.

Subject: RE: BS: Art is REALLY ticked off at AT&T !!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 11:45 PM

No, VoIP won't work for 911. VoIP is about $2.50 a month, probably less if you pre-pay a year. It has been a little while since I researched it.

At this point, I use my cell phone for most calls. I had to change my plan recently because I also pay for my daughter's phone while she's in college--she was getting a lot of text messages from friends, over the limit in our plan. But her phone is a real family life line, and is the only phone she has (she has roommates, they all use cellular phones, no house phone). For the two of us, with Sprint, 750 shared minutes, unlimited text, various other little things, it is $100 a month, minus a 15% discount I get through work. So each phone averages out to $43 or so a month. If I dropped the house phone, I'd save $21 a month.

The cell phone plan includes a set number of daytime weekday hours (if I go over, I pay a per-minute fee). I have free evenings and weekends. If I only use the house phone for unlimited incoming calls and a few outgoing, it is $5 a month, and for access to 911, it isn't a bad deal.

If you look at other plans, like T-Mobile, they have a home hot-spot plan that includes phones and Internet, I think. You'd have to see what your area has available.

SRS