Broadband/Internet Telephone Service
Posted By: Lillian on 2005-07-01
In Reply to:
Does anyone use a broadband/internet telephone service for transcription, such as Vonage, Covad, Lingo, SpeakEasy? I have a local long distance account and am looking into this type of service for a monthly flat fee for unlimited minute usage. Otherwise, the long distance fees would eat me alive. Any info on any company, good or bad, would help me tremendously in making my decision. I am researching several via the internet, but once again, any info would help.
Have a save and sane 4th of July!
Lillian
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My telephone service is VOIP, but it s through my cable service, along with my cable internet. .
We have had VOIP for about a year now and I love it. I really can't tell a difference in traditional service, except the price. One of the best calls of my life was to Bellsouth to cancel our service!
SuddenLink broadband service good ?
Would appreciate any input anyone can give me with this. Considering switching from phone line to cable broadband. Thanks.
Broadband/Internet Phone - sm
Hi - I've been using USA DATANET (it's available in my area) without any problems on a Lanier and DVI (Like C-Phone). Mine is $24.95/mo for unlimited long distance. I can turn my Internet modem off at night, and therefore, can't use the phone if that is off. Otherise, no problems. Hope this helps.
verizon has broadband internet card
for laptops.. it is about 15 dollars/wk but you can write it off.. i do lots of stuff in the car and verizon works everywhere..
No, you don't need their internet service, just
some internet service - cable type. I got all the equipment I needed from Vonage. Also their equipment is a Linksys - that's it. You just plug it into your cable modem, and my Vonage Linksys had ports allowing me to network all 6 of my computers at home. Prior to Vonage, I was only able to network 3 off of my cable modem. Its very, very easy to figure out. The only old down side used to be that you could not get all the usual features of 911 in an emergency. You would have to dial 911 and say your address. That has been rectified now in all areas, as far as I know. I also have a cell phone anyway, 24/7, so on the rare occasions that power has gone out, I use my cell phone if need be. I have never been so happy with a phone company - been with Vonage about a year now. I had tried them all, and been burned by all - Verizon, MCI, Sprint. I lasted with Verizon the longest, but again, I paid about $80 a month for their biggest plan - Freedom plan, with all unlimited LD, call waiting, voice mail - every bell and whistle one could get, and the bill always was $50 to $100 or more higher than promised. They would tack on all sorts of garbage every month. Finally got sick of them and switched to Vonage. It was scary at first, but so worth it. Again, when I work, they have a feature where you can set your phone to not even ring - just go to instant voice mail. You get an email that you have a new message, or your phone blinks and lets you know. You can go right in your email and look and see who the # is that called, so you know whether to listen to the message or leave for later. You also can access all your phone stuff thru Vonage.com. You can listen to your voice mail via your work headphones, or you can listen to the messages via your phone. Online, all your calls are saved permanently. I am just so pleased with them, though was very skeptical at first. They even have a new neat thing called a virtual phone or something, and its a screen you can bring up on your computer which is a big phone. You use your mouse to dial the numbers and just talk thru a computer microphone or headset. Its really cool. I don't need it, but it sounds like a fun toy!
Internet service
Was with Time Warner when brought out by ComCast. Internet service through cable fast but unreliable. Have been with AT%T for about a year now, a tad slower, but has NEVER gone down.
Internet service is not down.
They just switched to using a different cable for service and most service will be back up today. Since it happened at the end of their workday yesterday, it hasn't really affected too much.
Is anyone using the new internet phone service through
your local cable company or Vonage or something like that. How do you like it? Any troubles we should be aware of? Thanks for any info.
RE: Is anyone using the new internet phone service through
I have internet services and digital phone service through Time-Warner, and it is great!
Switching internet service
Cox just informed me that my monthly bill will be going up by $5 starting in October. Does anyone use NetZero or can anyone recommend a reliable internet service at a decent rate? My bill will go up to about $45/month. 
Reliable Internet Service
I also used Earthlink for a year with problems like yours, switched to Verizon DSL with worse problems, looked into Comcast, also in my area, which was highly recommended. I had to get rid of Verizon as I kept losing service, they actually blamed it on electrical appliances in my house (not true), so I switched to my town's local cable company, have no problems with that. I would try Comcast before Verizon DSL. It is really aggravating when you keep losing internet connections and after many calls they still cannot figure out why. Good luck.
Can you get Vonage w/out getting internet service? sm
If I can remember correctly, I was once told that you needed their internet service - which I do not need nor want - just want to get rid of my expensive land line.
Thanks! 
Question for those who use internet fax service (sm)
I am looking into this and didn't realize how many different companies are out there. Who do you use, and are you happy with the service? Thanks! LLHS
Internet service question
I am going to be moving to an area where high speed broadband and DSL are not available - and the company I work for, as well as most other companies that I have seen on the jobseekers forum require one of these types of internet service - does anyone have any idea of how I can either get around this or of any companies that do not require these - and perhaps can use satellite or some other type where a "receiver" is placed on your roof that picks up a radio transmission. That is the only type service available there. I have heard from one Transcriptionist that said AT&T could perhaps install a "pole" in my yard for around $400 in order to get their DSL and I am going to check on that - but otherwise - I need help with this - and my options are running out. I have been an MT for 15 years and worked at home for most of those years - I cannot imagine doing anything else - but this move is for my husband's business - so I'm stuck as far as where I can move. Any information would be appreciated - either emailed or on this board. thanks
kat
Searching for Internet satellite service
This company looks they offer good service in our area according to their add but I have never heard of them before. Any news would be appreciated.
Internet service without land-line phone
I recently looked into this subject myself. If you have Verizon available in your area, you can purchase a plan at about $55.00 per month with a two-year contract. You will receive a card that you can insert into your laptop, which will provide you with unlimited Internet access at the speed of DSL. As far as I know, there are no other cell service providers that have come up with this type of card yet, but I'm sure it's bound to happen in the future. Another option is to purchase a satellite telephone and phone cards as you go along, but the cards are really outrageous in price. One last thing that I would suggest is that you phone cell providers in your area to see if they have any technical gadgets you could attach to the cell phone for Internet access. Many of the satellite phone companies have separate packages you can buy, which can be attached to laptops or PDAs. I also have a TracPhone, so I know it does not come with hardware that will do the trick.
Good luck to you in setting everything up. With the way that technology is moving, I'm sure there must be a way to accomplish what you want.
Reliable Internet Service? Currently using Earthlink and very unhappy.
I've been using Earthlink as my ISP but this past year the service has gone downhill. I've been without service at least four times this year for anywhere between a few hours to a day. Plus all tech support is out of the country so you spend more time than necessary asking the tech to repeat the instructions. I'm looking at Verizon right now. Comcast is not recommended. Thanks
Does anyone know why some companies won't hire you if you have satellite internet service? TIA
x
As long as they have decent internet service there, you should be fine and if you use your laptop no
my laptop because it uses a 9-pin foot pedal and I havent been able to get an adapter that works. Obviously, most all laptops these days have the USB on them. What I have had to do is bubble wrap my computer (I have a small desktop and flat screen) put it in the suitcase and off I go. Also, doublecheck on your time change. I take mine to Hawaii and have to remember there is a 4-hour difference so you'd have to factor that in if someone needed you to do something a certain time. Just check on your internet service before you go etc.. I travel all over with my computer. I cant afford to miss work. Best of both worlds..vacation and work..Nothing is nicer than sitting out on the lanai in Hawaii with that gorgeous view i.e. sunset and working away. I mean I could be home staring at the four walls..boring...
Have had Hughes for 5 years (used to be Direcway) great internet service sm
but truly hate if I have any kind of problem and have to call in. Luckily that is rate to nonexistent.
Norton Internet Security 2009 and Service Pack 2 or 3??
I am having a heck of a time! I have Windows XP and just purchased Norton Internet Security 2009 for my antivirus, as my previous version is just about to expire. Upon installing it it says I have to install Service Pack 2 or higher for it to work. I never installed SP2 because I read that many, many had problems with it. Should I go ahead and download SP3? Is there anything I need to do before installing it? I'm thinking of taking the computer to a professional and having them download SP3 and install it for me because it makes me really nervous! Anyone have any experience with this? What should I do?
Thanks!
Thanks.. we love Vegas..get our rooms free and now you can pay like $10 for 24-hour internet service
Gotta love it.. Have fun on your trips too..
I was told I would dial directly into the system/Will I need to get dial up internet service?
Telephone Number ...sm
The number you gave below for Detective Joe Rodriquez is not working...sounds like a fax line...please advise? TIA
Telephone ringing
nm
I had a telephone conversation come through once -
It may have been a walkie - I am pretty sure I saw the guy drive down the street in front of me talking on something - it was very brief, I think probably when he was in very direct range. It was wierd!
Telephone solicitors from out of US?
This person who just called had an extremely thick accent and could not understand me, I had to repeat everything at least twice. This person gave the name of "John Green". I asked if they were calling from the United States and he said "yes". The phone number showed an area code in New York, does this assure he is calling from there or can they call from heaven-knows-where through another company's number?
Telephone Solicitors from below
Found a way to stop Dell from calling us hourly for awhile anyway.
We have it set up to be able to view our account online with Dell.
I hate Dell. They have the worst customer service. They start calling 3-4 days BEFORE the payment is due and continue to call us every hour on the hour wanting us to pay check by phone. NOT on your LIFE!
Last night, we went online and changed our telephone information on our account. Instead of our phone number, they now have THEIR phone number. Let them call themselves. Wonder how long it will take them to figure that one out.
Telephone dictation for your clients
Anyone interested in offering toll free dial in dictation to their clients? I found a small company that is offering this service for $45/mo. It seems very reliable and they deliver my dictation files via FTP as a .wav file.
If interested reply back and I'll send you their contact info.
Non-compliance of telephone lines
Has anyone had any difficulty with the new SBC/AT&T? I have been told I do not have many options other than a per minute plan. I have seen a program called CallVantage. Does anyone have any information on this plan?
I live in SC and have Verizon for telephone
and internet. We could get Time Warner Cable also but chose Verizon instead. We have a home phone which is Verizon also. We do not have a long distance carrier such as AT&T since we use cell phones for long distance.
Telephone Record Adaptor
You might want to look into getting a telephone record adaptor that plugs into your laptop sound card. Also would require audio capture software but then the files would be recorded onto your computer and from there you could transcribe them.
It looks similar to a telephone. You use it to dial
directly into the hospital system (usually, can also dial into MTSO system). You have a foot pedal that controls the dictation. You complete a report, sign it off and then get another one. Unless you have an 800 # to dial into, you will need unlimited long distance and most companies that say they offer ULD have a 5000 minute limit, which may not cover you.
You can Google C-phone and find a picture and get more info.
We have decided to add this to our current service not have a new service. It will be easier to sm
keep track of and will just be a different department.
It looks like we will work out details over the next 6 months, talking with community college program directors as well as a few of the distance-learning course leaders to work on the recruiting end.
We will train current staff to mentor if they would like to do so and want to work in the office.
We are still working on production requirements, goals to set, pay, benefits and other fine details but we have 6 months to get it all in place with three months to pull it together after that with a tentative start date of 09/01/06. We need to build the building as well, although that is already at the blueprint stage in a spot next to our current office.
We did not want to cause flames and bashing by listing the company name as there are always so many negative people on this site, but we are national with over 200 transcriptionists, located outside of Chicago (40 miles west) and have the best team of transcriptionists around!
We will have an "official" announcement after the first of the new year.
Thank you for all of your feedback and suggestions!
bellsouth - 2 telephone lines = $140/month
.
downloading dictation versus telephone
ive been transcribing 220-250 lines per hour using the following: I dial into the telephone system using a Dictaphone to access the dictations and use Persona Client and Telnet software. It is all just straight typing, the dictation is waiting for me as I don't have to download nething. I get paid by minutes dictated. For example, if I transcribe 1 hour of dictation it would equal 600 lines. 600 lines at 8 cpl = 48.00. I'm lookin elsewhere for employment, and I'm worried about the downloading of dictations (which seems most are doing now-a-days) slowing my daily production down. Does anyone seem to be more/less productive as far as using a telephone to access dictations as opposed to downloading. Also, is there a big difference between getting paid per 65 character line or by minutes dictated. TY
magicjack with Lanier or telephone line - sm
The magicjack did not work with my Lanier, and my friend has dial-up and it would not work for her WITHOUT transcribing equipment, just regular calls. I sent mine back the same day.
I use wireless because it's the only broadband I can get...sm
I have a router on my main computer, which also speeds up the connection. Downloads .wav files in a flash. The router also allows The Boy to play his Xbox live in the basement.
I also have wireless broadband s/m
I don't have it because of the price ($55 a month), but because I cannot get DSL or cable. I looked into satellite, but after explaining to them the work that I do, they said that I would easily exceed their limits in probably about three weeks, leaving me with week four totally down (they don't have an overage that you can buy). I actually spent the time tallying one weeks' worth of voice files to give them an average of what my week looks like.
The weather doesn't really affect my wireless, I have had my satellite go out during bad weather, but my wireless is still up and going.
I would be interested in the cards mentioned, but I live in an area where cell phone reception is hit or miss, so that won't work for me either.
I use two different FTPs and also a WebTop platform for my hospital account.
I also have wireless broadband s/m
I don't have it because of the price ($55 a month), but because I cannot get DSL or cable. I looked into satellite, but after explaining to them the work that I do, they said that I would easily exceed their limits in probably about three weeks, leaving me with week four totally down (they don't have an overage that you can buy). I actually spent the time tallying one weeks' worth of voice files to give them an average of what my week looks like.
The weather doesn't really affect my wireless, I have had my satellite go out during bad weather, but my wireless is still up and going.
I would be interested in the cards mentioned, but I live in an area where cell phone reception is hit or miss, so that won't work for me either.
I use two different FTPs and also a WebTop platform for my hospital account.
UPS or broadband air card maybe ?
Thanks to the posters below. After more investigation it sounds like I could get a fairly good UPS battery backup for the money a generator would cost. Of course it would not last as long time wise. I just wish I knew for sure that our cable high-speed internet would still work w/o power. The customer service guy put me on hold, then came back and said yes, but I am leery. I guess I could test that by buying a battery backup...charging..hooking it up and cutting the power via the main switch and see if the cable works but that would only test if MY house is without power not if the power were cut to the area. Been thinking about cutting the cable internet and going with an "air card" (broadband off cell towers?) Then, with a laptop, I could take my work with me too ?? I am Soooooo low tech it is agonizing !!!
Need Company that Turns Telephone Dictation into WAV/DSS Files
Hello,
Can anyone recommend a good company that will take my client's telephone dictation and convert them into WAV or DSS files that I can then access and transcribe?. A company that has good pricing and is reliable. I probably won't have a huge volume to start. Thank you.
Dave
i love my satellite/broadband!
I too do not have DSL/cable available in the boondocks where I live...but a small local broadband company started up a year and half ago at good rates and I jumped on board. I love it! I have never in 18 months or so had an outage other than when we had severe weather with power outages. I have a neighbor who had satellite with one of the big companies (Hughes, I think) and said the service was fine but too expensive. I have been using satellite for at least three different accounts with no problems...the only problem is when a company doesn't "allow" satellite.
Wireless Broadband/Sprint, etc.
Hi to everyone!
Is anyone out there using the wireless broadband, like Sprint or Verizon (not so unlimited)? I am currently using Verizon and have now found out the unlimited is not so. I have ordered Sprint and the USB modem will be here in a few days, but am now paranoid about 0ver-Use on that!
I just moved to a house in the country, with no DSL, no cable and am unsure about Wild Blue for satellite because of the start up cost and then not being satisfied.
Any country living transcriptionists out there with advice? I am in northern CA.
Thanks for any help!
I just got fixed wireless broadband
And I love it! No lag like satellites. I thought I'd never get broadband since I'm a mile from the nearest house but this is a very nice connection.
Sprint Mobile Broadband sm
I have been using this service for the last 3 months or so and would never go back to dial-up. However, be aware that there is a 5GB limit per month with any of the $60/month data plans offered by Sprint (starting next month), AT&T, and Verizon. I have been checking my usage, and even with downloading a ton of songs for my son's MP3 player, work, and occasional youtube type stuff, I am averaging about 3.5GB for the month. Also, check what service has the best coverage for your area. I went with Sprint because of the unlimited package they had at the time, but since that is going away, there is no difference to me in carriers except their coverage area. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me, and I can give you the website where I purchased my equipment. They have incredible customer service and even helped me get my modem switched out when it broke (my fault but I had the total protection plan on it, only $7 per month and well worth it).
Anybody use verizon mobile broadband?
Can you tell me anything about it? My dad is thinking about getting it and I wondered if I could use it at the campground they go to, but wasn't sure how it worked. Is there a limit to how much you can be online? Any info is greatly appreciated! TIA!
Satellite/WiFi/Broadband
I am going to return to working at home soon. My husband has retired and we are going to be spending a portion of our time in Scotland in a private residence with a wireless connection. In looking at the requirements of several of the company websites I have found, they apparently do not allow satellite or WiFi connections. Do any of you travel and use your laptop for work? If so, what sort of connection do you use? When I was working for Medquist I worked from Scotland with a wireless connection, password protected, in two separate private homes, no direct computer to modem connection, and had no problems with this at all. This was a couple years ago. I am currently employed at a local hospital, so I cannot ask my current employer about this. Many thanks to anyone who has an answer.
Hi, just lately I spoke with a couple of companies who said they re-imbursed for telephone charges..
or supplied "calling cards" for specific accounts -- myself, I am glad to be away from C-phones, I did not have a great fondness for them! Have a good one!
deduct telephone, electric and portion of house payments.
Hope this helps!
Have you looked into Verizon wireless broadband. sm
It might be available in your area.
Don't worry about the ESLs - just takes getting used to their voices, and practice makes perfect. I had a hard time at first, but over a few weeks, the clarity came as I got used to it. Ask your supervisor for samples, too. Samples really help - and they will help you master the voice, too.
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