Replace landline with homebuilt PC dedicated for internet phone

[mstickma]

Hello,
Is it worthwhile to consider building a low cost PC as a land line replacement? Right now I pay $40 per month through my cable provider. This PC would be always on, so low power consumption and longevity is important. I would like to keep my existing phone number so is that a limiting factor?
Thanks,
Mike-51

 

[boiler1990]

What do you plan on using as your VoIP provider? If you're making calls to non-internet phone numbers, you'll be spending money, in addition to the small cost of leaving your computer on all the time.

 

[jsc]

If you are thinking about something like MagicJack, you won't be able to keep your old number.

Nor with Vonage. But Vonage is $30 a month, not a whole lot less than what you are already paying.

 

[Atotalnoob]

or skype.... I dunno their rates... but I think Skype is per minute?

 

[mstickma]

I was looking at Skype, Net Talk, Yahoo Phone Out, etc. A couple of these services purport to offer number portability as a future service. I believe I can use ParkMyPhone.com to retain my number until then. If the cost of the PC hardware is low enough, it might be worth it as the calling is very low cost with these services. If I could get payback within one year, that would be ideal. It just looks like it is hard to beat Ooma's $200 cost.

 

[boiler1990]

Do you have a cell phone? I mean, you could just use that and not have a landline...

 

[mstickma]

Best answer selected by mstickma.