"Polly" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
news:dnbkl25m6j1ps0demnukul1cdk7ufde841@4ax.com[color=blue]
> On Tue, 14 Nov 2006 20:22:37 GMT, divoch postulated:
>[color=green]
> > I am considering either switching to BT to get the
> > benefits of a greater choice or possibly keeping NTL
> > broadband and using VOIP.[/color]
>
> One of the problems with VoIP is that if your broadband
> service is down, you have no phone.[/color]

How often does your broadband go down..? Mine (Orange, was Wanadoo and
before that Freeserve) is extremely reliable. In 5 years I can count on
the fingers of one hand the number of times I've lost service. The longest
period was just under 24 hours and was caused by a major BT outage that
affected fixed lines as well.
[color=blue]
> Secondly, if you have
> a power cut you have no phone either.[/color]

So get a UPS. Anyone with sense will have one anyway to keep their
computer and other equipment that may be required in the event of a mains
failure.

What..? You don't have a UPS..? Oh dear.
[color=blue]
> Finally, those concerned with security and privacy will
> need to be aware that interception of your VoIP calls is
> relatively easy.[/color]

So is interception of fixed lines, particularly BT ones on overhead
wires..!
[color=blue][color=green]
> > I do
> > not see it as a clear cut right now but what puts me of
> > VOIP is that, as far as I know, you still cannot call
> > emergency services and that some operators, namely NTL,
> > does not allow their customers to call VOIP specific
> > numbers.[/color]
>
> With Vonage you CAN call emergency services (provided
> your broadband is working and you have electricity power).
>
> I don't know what you mean by "NTL, does not allow their
> customers to call VOIP specific numbers."[/color]

Nor do I. How do they know..?

FWIW, I for one don't use VoIP purely as a money saving excercise. I make
relatively few calls to PSTN numbers, I mainly call other VoIP users which
are free calls anyway. I am interested in the technology; right now I am
working with a friend in North Wales trying to set up an extension off his
Asterisk box, it's not easy but we're getting there and when it's finished
I will be able to link into a network connecting telephone enthusiasts'
electromechanical exchanges worldwide, using old GPO rotary dial
telephones..!

Ivor