I am trying to get rid of my landline and slow DSL internet. The problem I am running into is that if I go to a VOIP service, none of the popular ones like Vonage,Ooma,and Magic Jack will allow me to transfer my current landline phone #. This is a big problem as we have had the # for 30 years.Cost wise it makes no sense to just quit the DSL and keep the landline. It is get rid of both or neither.Any thoughts on how to get around this problem?Thanx

Unless you have some particularly wierd telephone system, you should be able to have your number transferred. I believe it was FCC regulation years ago that mandated that.From the Vonage FAQ:Yes. In most cases you can keep your current phone number. You’ll be able to check if your number can be transferred using our Port Number tool found in the tools module near the bottom of every plan page. If your number is transferable, we’ll help you bring it over to Vonage. And because transfers usually take about 7-10 business days, we’ll give you a temporary phone number so you can start using your Vonage service right away.

I've used Ooma for 4 years and love it. I had no problem transferring my old home number. In fact, they advertise this as a feature and will walk you through the process.

I have voip service thru my internet provider but I am wondering if it is more expensive than a 3rd party voip provider like vonage or ooma.

Almost all numbers should be portable these days (prepaid/non-contract cell numbers are usually not, however), you should be able to take your number to any provider.I went the other way, I got my phone number back in 2002 from Vonage, and I have since ported it to Broadvoice, and now ported it into a real Centurylink landline, VoIP telephony is nice, but there's some things it just can't do, like work in power outages, or support fax/modems/wired-alarm-systems worth a darn (some have finagled Vonage into working with them, but I was never so lucky). Same holds true of cable co's phone service, it's just bundled VoIP.

Thank You for all replies that tell me my # "should" be portable.It is NOT. I have called the companies or tried on their web sites by entering my #.That problem is why I made the post.

Cable Internet and VOIP Phone | Good Sam Community

thestoloffs
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015
Chris Bryant wrote:
I'm not sure you could port MUrray Hill 5-9975 to Vonage :) *.

*Extra credit for anyone who recognizes the number :D

Lucy, you've got some 'splainin to do!
dverstra
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
Here is a link to an article that describes how to do it. It worked for me. And it is free thereafter.
http://www.zdnet.com/article/google-voice-a-step-by-step-primer-on-ditching-your-landline-while-keeping-your-number/
Dutch_12078
Explorer II
Jun 05, 2015
az99 wrote:
Dutch- That seems to make sense for our area also as we are very rural like Frontier.
You better keep that rate as PhonePower is up to $120 per year even with a 1 yr. contract.

We have similar phone/TV challenges at our cottage up there with no cable within many miles. Only Frontier DSL that has the speed of dialup. But that is a different problem. :)

Obihai has a special deal with PhonePower that gets us the cheaper rate. That may change in the future of course, but it's holding so far. We also have Google Voice set up as a backup on the Obi ATA. One of the feature I liked in choosing the Obi ATA over Vonage, Ooma, etc, was the ability to change carriers at will, or even have multiple carrier accounts if we wished.
APT
Explorer
Jun 03, 2015
My recommendation for cable company VOIP was short term, but I'm glad you found a solution.
az99
Explorer
Jun 03, 2015
Doing all this checking and shopping got me onto a newer ATT cell plan that is $30 per month for unlimited talk and text. I can use my old cell phone. So I am dumping my Consumer Cellular plan that has limited minutes and no text.
az99
Explorer
Jun 03, 2015
APT wrote:
I would try your intended cable internet provider's VOIP service as long as there is no contract. You should be able to port your number to that when you switch internet providers. Shortly thereafter, you can port again to something cheaper. I had Vonage for a number of years and now OOMA. No issues with either one. Google Voice is also an interesting option.
I have Google Voice but find it very unconventional to use. Wife will not use it.
I was going to go with the cable company VOIP but they are $33 per month which is more than my landline currently.
APT
Explorer
Jun 03, 2015
I would try your intended cable internet provider's VOIP service as long as there is no contract. You should be able to port your number to that when you switch internet providers. Shortly thereafter, you can port again to something cheaper. I had Vonage for a number of years and now OOMA. No issues with either one. Google Voice is also an interesting option.
bgum
Explorer
Jun 03, 2015
Do you have a smartphone? If so port your home number to that and buy a a tech phone for the home. With Bluetooth you can use the smartphone and a tech just like a landline.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jun 03, 2015
Rgarding porting a number with DSL on it..

Yes and no.. Here is what happens

Your DSL gets a new number.. the old one is ported over

Been there.
az99
Explorer
Jun 03, 2015
Dutch- That seems to make sense for our area also as we are very rural like Frontier.
You better keep that rate as PhonePower is up to $120 per year even with a 1 yr. contract.

We have similar phone/TV challenges at our cottage up there with no cable within many miles. Only Frontier DSL that has the speed of dialup. But that is a different problem. :)

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