Internet service without land-line phone
Posted By: Atelby on 2006-06-05
In Reply to: Does anyone use laptop & cell phone/Internet Card for work? - At Home MT
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.
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Is C-phone for land-line only?
Won't pretend I understand VOIP but I know its available with my broadband.
If you have a cell phone, why not use that for your LD calls and CX the LD on the land line?
.
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!
so, you have dial up for internet? plugged into your phone line.
and your foot pedal has a phone line plug too? Thats odd, cuz normally it would be a USB plug. but yes, you can by an outlet to install, i had to do the same thing a long time ago on a different computer. it was called something like an eathernet adapter....you should be able to take the foot pedal to radio shack adn they will give you exactly what you need.
If you are using a land line you don't really have
unlimited long distance, they cap it at 5000 minutes, which isn't enough if you work FT. You could get a prepaid card - I think at Sam's club they are about 3 cents minute. You can also use a company like (can't remember name, but has 10-10 in it) that is less than that. There may be other similar companies too.
If you use dial-up then yes you need a land line - sm
But you don't have to have long distance at all. I have 2 lines in our house, one is the main line with unlimited LD through Verizon, my other line (also Verizon) is just a connection at about $30 a month, no long distance on that line. I have AT&T as my internet provider, though may change my package now as I have one of those 875U aircards (also with AT&T, but could have used Sprint or Verizon if I wanted to) and not sure if when I connect with that it has any bearing on my unlimited package with my dial-up, so I might as well save some money and scale back on that charge. We have no package deals. I have a TracFone, my DH has a company cell phone that they pay for/handle. Your situation sounds a bit screwy; I'd investigate getting either a better deal or seperating everything and see if that works better.
I need a land line and I need it now-suggetions?
I moved and I can't get a land line for (perhaps) another week. I've already lost a week's income because of the promblem (THANK YOU, CHARTER!!). I need a quick fix. I am open to any and all suggestions to getting set up on Friday with a land line or VoIP, even if it is with Vonage for a week until I get my land line phone to work with my DAC phone. I just moved into this apartment on Monday, but I let Charter know on 1/4 that the previous tenant had turned in her keys, but until she pays the outstanding balance -- heck, she probably hasn't even gotten her final bill yet!!!), they put a "freeze" on phone service. I got that unfrozen yesterday by going into their main local office with my lease agreement, but I have already lost a weeks' pay because of this and I need a quick fix. They installed my ISP and TV today. I REALLY need to work this weekend.
I am probably in real jeopordy of losing my job.
On top of this, when my son and his roommate came over last weekend to help me pack, they told me they had both lost their jobs to a family of Indians who had come in and bought out their store's owner. By our State's examination, only one passed the English literacy exam so she is the only only who can answer the phone. Since the 4 Indian brothers need the managers' positions and they bought 4 stores, 4 managers (my son any his roommate and 2 others) are out of jobs and another 25 or so have left because of the new managers' incompetence.
Please offer help in getting a land line so I can work. I am feeling so overwhelmed and it is hard to think with this kind of pressure. I'm thinking of installing Vonage's VoIP for a week until Charter can get their act together and I get their service. It's hard to reach other services like ATT when I don't have a phone to contact them. Charter changed their protocol for getting land lines last week (just my luck) and did not tell my installer/sales rep of the changes. They are telling the independent distributers it is because of having to reset 911. I call that baloney.
Can I get a cell phone? How would that connection fit together? OMG, I am so in panic mode. Please kick around some ideas so I don't have to start job hunting after 1 week after moving. 
I am wondering if there is a way to use your C-phone with Vonage phone service?
??
If it weren't for needing a land line for DSL
My cell phone is my primary phone and I have more minutes and free long distance than I can use per month. I got basic phone services and locked it from any LD calls to save money and my land line still costs $30 a month. I feel I'm wasting that money but there isn't anything I can do. I won't drop my cell phone because I have my kids on as extra lines and they wouldn't have a phone otherwise.
No land line even? How far away from civilization will you be? Hospital?
s
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!
Anyone use/try C-phone with Medicom's phone service?
Wondering if it works?
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.
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
Company states cannot use Vonage. Any suggestions for land line unlimited long distance? nm
Broadband/Internet Telephone Service
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
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.
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..
Vonage phone service
I have been using Vonage for about 4 months now, and I really love it. My bill has never been over 23.00 and the only drawbacks I have seen is that sometimes my voice will have an echo-like quality that is a little distracting and the other is if my internet service is out for some reason, I don't have a phone, but it is very rare for that to ever happen. The low bill more than makes up for it. My phone company bill used to be at least 75.00, and I never could figure out what half of the charges stood for. Even the people who worked at the office couldn't explain it!
Has anybody tried Vonage for phone service?
Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks
OT: Amp'd Cell Phone Service
I am looking for a new cell phone service, preferably pay-as-you-go or something really cheap because I barely even use 100 minutes a month most months. Has anyone tried this new Amp'd broadband cell service? What'd ya think?
Thanks!
Shelby
you can get a net service through cell phone. sm
i have altel and their plan in the south is $25/mo for unlimited use. it picks up anywhere you would get a cell signal. software was around $99 i think. it isn't as fast as DSL or cable, but would work if desperate. you plug your phone into your laptop via the software/cable and it uses your phone as the modem to dial in and connect. downfall is you can't receive phone calls while using it, calls go to voicemail. do you have to continually download voice files so that you couldn't download before you left? not sure a VPN connection would work with cell if you used that for national.
Phone Service help needed
Just got my new phone bill and freaked out. I'm supposed to be on a $39.95 monthly plan including unlimited long distance. My bill was $74!!!! The LD charges were $45!!! The phone company said I could get local LD and I could save a whopping $5 a month (how nice).
I'm looking for a new provider and used to go to a site where you could compare phone services but can't seem to find it now. Does anyone have that site?
I've thought about Vonage..does anyone have their service and how is it? Would it clash with my KVM switch and router?
Thanks for any help. As my name implies, in the past few years, technology has me going nuts lately and I seem to have "lost it."
I have digital phone service through my
cable internet provider. I no longer have a C-phone account, but used it for a few months without any problems. It is truly unlimited. I tried VoIP through my ISP provider and couldn't get it to work and support is in India and less than helpful. I have read where many people use Vonage and are happy with it.
I have not heard of Comcast phone service
It sounds like a good idea. If service goes down, it is never for long. And most people also have a cell phone for back up.
How much are we talking about? Hmmm?
Does anyone use Mediacom's digital phone service? sm
It is available to me but I do not want to switch until I know more about it. I know some of you use Comcast, so if any of you have any advice for me on the digital services, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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.
It's just a phone. Not internet anything. Real SM
easy once you learn how to use it. It doesn't have anything to do with the internet, you could type the work on a typewriter or write it -- it's just a way to hear the dictation.
Anyone using VoIP (internet phone) with a
DVI or C-phone to transcribe, and does it work well? If so, what company do you use? Are those companies cracking down on transcription like the regular LD carriers?
for the internet, I use my local phone co...sm
www.bellsouth.net is my local internet provider and they have been my local phone company for 30 years......was on dialup for 8 years but switched to DSL light a yr ago and had 2 outages in this year for only a short time. With cable companies (they are your TV provider too, right?) - when they go out, so does your internet unfortunately and is why I didn't choose my cable company...my TV goes out at least 50-75 times a year (live in lightning capital of the USA *lol*)
if you already have cable/internet, you should get a deal for having the phone also.
x
If you use LecStar as your home/business phone service read this....sm
They had a judge sign a Chapter 7 bankruptcy order on 10/2 and have begun cutting off phone service to residental and business customers. I found out about this when I attempted to make a long distance call today (I had the unlimited long distance home phone plan) and got notification that I had no long distance service available. Upon calling them the representative told me that they're working on cutting phone service to everyone and at any time I could lose service. I've called the "mega" phone service for my area, BellSouth, and signed up to switch hopefully before the line is disconnected by LecStar.
Interestingly I had signed up for their service through a cooperation they had with my power company. The power company just found out yesterday about the bankruptcy and services starting to be cut off and is in the process now of calling every power company customer who had phone service with LecStar and telling them what is happening so that hopefully no one else will be caught off guard with a disconnected phone service.
Our cable company doesn't offer phone service yet, and anyway,
I don't know if I'd want everything dependent on their service for all my needs. Even my internet is not as dependable as it should be, yet there is nothing wrong according to them. I already pay for internet and TV to the tune of $147 a month and they are raising it in Jan. again.
What is the longest you have gone without service? Do they return phone calls promptly?
TIA
I think they are actually dictating to a transcription service (Baker Sten-Stel) via C-phone
then they e-mail back to the doctor's office for me to type. So maybe it will go back to them for QA. Why I don't know. This work cameto me from a temp service and they obviously did not know much. I will find out Monday morning. Thanks for your input. I will more than likely be on this site screaming for help. The AOL question was just in case I can get them to use my home office next time, because I just switched to DSL through AOL and I was hoping that would would work with Express Scribe, my footpedal and their software.
No, they're talking about Internet phone calls, not FTP transfers.
The physicians aren't actually calling you over the Internet to dictate. You're downloading sound files and uploading documents.
Does anyone use laptop & cell phone/Internet Card for work?
I am not real computer literate but am wondering if I couldn't get unlimited Internet with a cell phone plan and use that for my on-line job/Internet connection exclusively. I have found plans for around $70/month.
If so, I was thinking too I could possibly give up my land line phone, Callwave, my dial-up ISP (as that is all we have available where live) and actually save a little money by doing so. I don't make/receive a lot of land line calls and I have a TracFone cell phone that I don't use much now. I get excellent reception with that where I live. We have a huge tower within walking distance of where I live but we live out in the "sticks". :D I know my connection would be dependent on the reception where I live and the cell phone service I would use. I am not sure which one truly has the best coverage and/or who may be using the tower by our home but TracFone apparently does. :)
TIA.
Dahhhh internet or Dahhhhh local phone book!
nm
All things being equal, do you prefer to work with a C-phone or use WAV files over the internet? sm
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each. I have only ever used a c-phone but think I may bet getting ready to use WAV files and foot pedal for an account and am a little anxious! TIA
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