Dropping SBC phoneline, but keeping DSL for Vonage

Posts: 5 · New Forum Member Joined: Sep 15, 2003 Posts: 5

Hello. I did a quick search but nothing quite comprehensive came up on this forum. Hence the new post.

My question is, can you still have SBC DSL without the phone portion like with Verizon? I think they call it Naked DSL. I know a lot of people are using SBS DSL because it is cheaper than Cable Road Runner. But they don't realize they are paying a lot for the basic phone service compared to Vonage.

Anyone care to comment? TIA.

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Dec 08, 2003 Posts: 2

Qwest and Verizon are slowly getting into Naked DSL. Qwest more openly than Verizon. However, SBC does not offer Naked DSL yet. They actually can't because they've got their systems set up to not allow it. They could and most likely will change that in the next year or so, but right now it's a defensive measure to prevent a flood of customers, mainly DSL customers, from cutting the cord.

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Nov 14, 2004 Posts: 2

Even if you could cut away from SBC landline service and retain their DSL, don't you still need a landline to have DSL service? So, what's the point?

Honestly, I've always felt there is no point in going to Voip if you have DSL Internet service. I use cable modem service, so I don't need a landline. Even the most basic landline from SBC, just to be used for DSL serive, will run you in the high $20's after the taxes and fees. Tack on DSL service and your really close to breaking even. I was paying SBC @$67 for a $49 unlimited calling package from SBC, and had cable modem service on top of that. It made sense for me to drop the landline, but if you require DSL serivce I see no point in Voip, unless you are looking for the Softphone or ability to have a number from another area code.

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Nov 14, 2004 Posts: 3

I have the very situation that you described. I was forced to purchase a basic phone line in order to receive DSL service from SBC. However, you can purchase DSL service even with a measured-rate phone line. It costs about $11 after tax. My DSL service is $26.95, so all-in-all I still pay less than cable service. I am not happy about paying for a local line, especially one that I have no need for, I use a cell phone for everything. Since I am a California customer, I have engaged the PUC and filed a complaint against SBC using the term 'Forced bundling' citing other Telco’s that do provide 'Naked DSL".

If enough customers complain eventually SBC [I hope] will be forced to comply.

An picture of my local bill is below.

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