[OT}Digital Phone vs. Analog phone

[bill at horne.net (Bill Horne)]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jerry Feldman" <gaf at blu.org>
To: <discuss at blu.org>
Sent: Tuesday, December 31, 2002 10:30 AM
Subject: [OT}Digital Phone vs. Analog phone


Jerry,

Somehow, I feel uniquely qualified to answer this question ;-J.

> My wife wants to get caller id with name/address, which is not currently
> available in our area through Verizon. One reason I have stayed with
> Verizon is that if our cable goes out (very rare) we can use the phone
line.

That might not be technically correct: sometimes, Verizon's ordering
computer doesn't keep pace with what's actually installed in the field. If
you make some noise, you may be surprised to find that it IS available.

> My questions on ATTBI Digital Phone service in comparison to Verizon:
>
> 1. Cost. How does the cost compare. Is digital less expensive, more
> expensive or pretty much the same as Verizon.

Considering that you're probably paying for cable and/or cablemodem service
right now, the net cost is less. YMMV.

> 2. Reliability. We rarely have problems with our local phone service.

Your telephone service might go down in a power outage, since the cable amps
out on the poles need AC in most areas. Some cable companies have
retrofitted their systems for "head end" power, but there's no way to tell
on any given segment until the power goes out. A UPS won't help unless the
cable is powered from the head end.

Unless you know for sure, you're options for emergency planning are:

1. Keep "lifeline" phone service at the lowest rate.
2. Get a cell phone
3. Memorize the location of the nearest fire alarm box.

> 3. Quality of service. My Verizon line always has a bit of noise on it.
> While I am not 100% certain the problem is on their side, in the past, I
> have disconnected the house and tapped directly into the outside jack so
> they could not point a finger.

You'll probably get better voice quality from the cable, since it's a
digital environment from end-to-end.

HTH.

Bill

--
Bill Horne
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