Comments on: 6 Ways to Lower Your Phone Bill http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm Building Wealth through Saving and Investing Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:38:27 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Colourful Money http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-82911 Colourful Money Sun, 17 May 2009 08:30:51 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-82911 Just want to add another dimension to this, but to those that don't mind not speaking to each other and being OVERLY frugal, IM and emails may work. Especially so for the younger generation who have Blackberries with push email and are logged on to various IM programs where you can stay connected. Just want to add another dimension to this, but to those that don’t mind not speaking to each other and being OVERLY frugal, IM and emails may work. Especially so for the younger generation who have Blackberries with push email and are logged on to various IM programs where you can stay connected.

]]> By: melvin http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-76192 melvin Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:37:52 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-76192 I have been a vonage customer since the beginning. How can you beat it. I take my phone wherever I go when I travel and no long distance bills to pay when I get home. I use it with wireless voip even when im in florida for the winter I wouldnt go back to any of the second rate phone companies in canada ever again. I have been a vonage customer since the beginning.
How can you beat it.
I take my phone wherever I go when I travel and no long distance bills to pay when I get home.
I use it with wireless voip even when im in florida for the winter
I wouldnt go back to any of the second rate phone companies in canada ever again.

]]> By: Ms Save Money http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75943 Ms Save Money Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:33:44 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75943 I've totally eliminated the land line from my life since I was 18 years old. The only thing I need in my life is a cell phone, a lap top, and internet. I’ve totally eliminated the land line from my life since I was 18 years old. The only thing I need in my life is a cell phone, a lap top, and internet.

]]> By: Eric http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75822 Eric Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:00:22 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75822 Dude, Vonage is amazing. I've had it for 3 years now and I can't believe it hasn't become the standard. Dude,

Vonage is amazing. I’ve had it for 3 years now and I can’t believe it hasn’t become the standard.

]]> By: Stephen http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75812 Stephen Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:59:42 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75812 All you lucky bums in major cities ... you get all the cheap VoIP servies. Neway. @ previous posters who mentioned Skype and headsets. Skype can work like other VoIP where you buy an adapter which you hook up to your PC which hooks up to a cordless phone (or regular phone) system and you can make your calls from anywhere in the house just like a regular phone. I paid $13 for mine on sale at Staples. $3 a month isn't bad for unlimited local & long distance. If you need an incoming number then it's a bit more. If you have Grand Central and you don't need to make daytime calls on your cell much, then even better ... no landline required. http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=655480&affixedcode=WW There are lots of different types available on Ebay as well. All you lucky bums in major cities … you get all the cheap VoIP servies. Neway. @ previous posters who mentioned Skype and headsets. Skype can work like other VoIP where you buy an adapter which you hook up to your PC which hooks up to a cordless phone (or regular phone) system and you can make your calls from anywhere in the house just like a regular phone. I paid $13 for mine on sale at Staples. $3 a month isn’t bad for unlimited local & long distance. If you need an incoming number then it’s a bit more. If you have Grand Central and you don’t need to make daytime calls on your cell much, then even better … no landline required.

http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=655480&affixedcode=WW

There are lots of different types available on Ebay as well.

]]> By: Novice http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75811 Novice Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:59:32 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75811 @ Casey -- I live in Toronto ON and use rogers cable. @ Casey — I live in Toronto ON and use rogers cable.

]]> By: S.W. http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75783 S.W. Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:42:36 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75783 I switched to iTalkBB (VOIP) 3 months ago and so far I'm happy. For C$8.99 (+tax) a month it provides all the basic features, a lot less than Bell, plus it's free to call anywhere in Canada and N. America. Only occasionally the long-D calls will have a little delay which is tolerable. For C$24.99 a month you can call with unlimited minutes to over 20 countries. Not bad. I switched to iTalkBB (VOIP) 3 months ago and so far I’m happy. For C$8.99 (+tax) a month it provides all the basic features, a lot less than Bell, plus it’s free to call anywhere in Canada and N. America. Only occasionally the long-D calls will have a little delay which is tolerable. For C$24.99 a month you can call with unlimited minutes to over 20 countries. Not bad.

]]> By: TJ http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75776 TJ Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:24:52 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75776 Eccentric Rogue - quality is great - no problems, issues at all. yes, i believe it can be used outside the US. calls to the US would be free but it seems to have a slight charge for different countries. Eccentric Rogue – quality is great – no problems, issues at all. yes, i believe it can be used outside the US. calls to the US would be free but it seems to have a slight charge for different countries.

]]> By: Eccentric Rogue http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75764 Eccentric Rogue Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:06:03 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75764 TJ, Can Ooma be used outside the US. It looks like a fantastic product. What is the quality like? TJ, Can Ooma be used outside the US. It looks like a fantastic product. What is the quality like?

]]> By: Jack http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75761 Jack Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:52:51 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75761 My strategy was to get a job with Bell Aliant. Free cell phone with free long distance. Also, since I'm allowed (even encouraged) to telecommute to work they give me free DSL internet access as well. I didn't bother with a landline since I'm a bachelor and don't need it. My only bill is for Aliant TV, but I get 40% off because I'm an employee. Gotta love it! My strategy was to get a job with Bell Aliant. Free cell phone with free long distance. Also, since I’m allowed (even encouraged) to telecommute to work they give me free DSL internet access as well. I didn’t bother with a landline since I’m a bachelor and don’t need it. My only bill is for Aliant TV, but I get 40% off because I’m an employee. Gotta love it!

]]> By: Craig http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75750 Craig Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:55:47 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75750 Voip seems to be the way to go now, and costs a lot less. Do you think land lines are going extinct though with all these family plans on cell phones? Voip seems to be the way to go now, and costs a lot less. Do you think land lines are going extinct though with all these family plans on cell phones?

]]> By: TJ http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75749 TJ Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:45:19 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75749 I have to agree with DG (second post). I've been using les.net for almost 3 years now.. $3.50/mo plus 1.5c/min north america, 1.1c incoming (I think $15/mo for local unlimited). Great service, and I've switched my parents, who used to be paying $35+ with MTS for their landline. I have to agree with DG (second post). I’ve been using les.net for almost 3 years now.. $3.50/mo plus 1.5c/min north america, 1.1c incoming (I think $15/mo for local unlimited). Great service, and I’ve switched my parents, who used to be paying $35+ with MTS for their landline.

]]> By: Canadian Finance http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75746 Canadian Finance Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:04:34 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75746 @ casey5 - check this link for area codes / cities... http://www.primustel.ca/en/residential/talkbroadband/talkBroadband-availability.htm @ casey5 – check this link for area codes / cities…

http://www.primustel.ca/en/residential/talkbroadband/talkBroadband-availability.htm

]]> By: Canadian Finance http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75745 Canadian Finance Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:01:41 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75745 @Novice - I never had a problem with the box... I wonder if they warranty it? Only slightly related, but when I bought my cable modem from Shaw, they'll still replace it or upgrade it as if it was a rental... I wonder if Primus would do the same? @Novice – I never had a problem with the box… I wonder if they warranty it? Only slightly related, but when I bought my cable modem from Shaw, they’ll still replace it or upgrade it as if it was a rental… I wonder if Primus would do the same?

]]> By: casey5 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75741 casey5 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:01:56 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75741 Novice & Neeraj: Where are you guys located? I'm thinking of switching to Primus too. Novice & Neeraj:

Where are you guys located? I’m thinking of switching to Primus too.

]]> By: TJ http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75739 TJ Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:30:38 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75739 was on vonage for 5 years but just recently switched to Ooma. $220 for the device - they never any monthly fees. http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11337740&search=ooma&Mo=0&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=ooma&Ntt=ooma&No=0&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1 was on vonage for 5 years but just recently switched to Ooma. $220 for the device – they never any monthly fees.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11337740&search=ooma&Mo=0&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=ooma&Ntt=ooma&No=0&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

]]> By: Novice http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75738 Novice Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:23:06 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75738 But Baker -- don't you need to still sit at your computer desk or laptop and use it to make calls? What I like about voip is that I can just be lying on the couch and pick up the phone, even if my pc (in the basement) is off? But Baker — don’t you need to still sit at your computer desk or laptop and use it to make calls? What I like about voip is that I can just be lying on the couch and pick up the phone, even if my pc (in the basement) is off?

]]> By: Rene http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75737 Rene Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:22:33 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75737 I use skype and like it, with a decent logitech mic. Although, I have stopped using it since joining grandcentral (can't beat free). However, there will be no new grandcentral accounts, and it will no longer be free when they finish rolling out to google voice (although will still be a reasonable 1cent US per minute). I use skype and like it, with a decent logitech mic. Although, I have stopped using it since joining grandcentral (can’t beat free). However, there will be no new grandcentral accounts, and it will no longer be free when they finish rolling out to google voice (although will still be a reasonable 1cent US per minute).

]]> By: Baker @ ManVsDebt http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75730 Baker @ ManVsDebt Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:46:34 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75730 The biggest problem with Skype is not having a decent microphone set-up. With a decent headset (up front cost), the sound difference is nearly negligible between it and a regular line. The biggest problem with Skype is not having a decent microphone set-up. With a decent headset (up front cost), the sound difference is nearly negligible between it and a regular line.

]]> By: Cow http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/6-ways-to-lower-your-phone-bill.htm/comment-page-1#comment-75729 Cow Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:37:43 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/?p=840#comment-75729 Vonage makes sense if you need a home phone or if you make a lot of out-of-area calls that would be too expensive to do on a cell phone. (Plus, my employer pays for my mobile, so I only pay the $20/mo. or so for the Vonage line.) I've been with Vonage in both the US and Canada, and been quite happy with them. They have local numbers in most places now, and even better, if you have a Vonage account, people can call a local number for them and then dial your number and be connected for free. I'm a US citizen living abroad, so this works out really nice; my parents and my US friends can call the number in their area and be connected to my Vonage line, and then they don't have to pay 40c a minute or whatever it is to call Canada. I can call them on Vonage, and US and Canada numbers are billed at the same amount--and I never go over my 500 minute limit, so it all works out. If you make a lot of US calls, I'm pretty sure you can't beat Vonage. As for call quality, it's great for me, but that depends on your internet connectivity. When I had a bad DSL connection in suburban Seattle, Vonage was painful to use. On cable or fibre, I've never had issues, and the call quality's as good as a normal landline. Vonage makes sense if you need a home phone or if you make a lot of out-of-area calls that would be too expensive to do on a cell phone. (Plus, my employer pays for my mobile, so I only pay the $20/mo. or so for the Vonage line.)

I’ve been with Vonage in both the US and Canada, and been quite happy with them. They have local numbers in most places now, and even better, if you have a Vonage account, people can call a local number for them and then dial your number and be connected for free.

I’m a US citizen living abroad, so this works out really nice; my parents and my US friends can call the number in their area and be connected to my Vonage line, and then they don’t have to pay 40c a minute or whatever it is to call Canada. I can call them on Vonage, and US and Canada numbers are billed at the same amount–and I never go over my 500 minute limit, so it all works out. If you make a lot of US calls, I’m pretty sure you can’t beat Vonage.

As for call quality, it’s great for me, but that depends on your internet connectivity. When I had a bad DSL connection in suburban Seattle, Vonage was painful to use. On cable or fibre, I’ve never had issues, and the call quality’s as good as a normal landline.

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