Pre-Sale Confusion... Separate lines? DSL vs. # Transfer...

Posts: 9 · New Forum Member Joined: Apr 16, 2005 Posts: 9

Okay, so I have to say, I'm happy I happened across this forum. I've contacted Vonage via Email and phone a number of times now and can honestly say their support people need a little help.

That said, I'm hoping someone can clarify some confusion I'm having. I'm thinking about switching to Vonage, but can't quite figure out a couple things...

First, I have DSL through Qwest. It runs on our current phone line.

Of course, like when switching any phone service, I want to keep our number, and DSL.

Now, I understand that Vonage requires the DSL - no problem there.

But, what I can't understand is whether it needs to be on a totally separate line (copper pair) than the primary line it is on now.

One Vonage rep said yes, another said he didn't understand and their Email responses didn't answer the question at all.

If it does need to be on a separate line (copper pair) than the primary line (which it is currently on) - can someone please explain why? Qwest said they have no problem moving it, but didn't understand why and, of course, they charge a fee and the price of my DSL goes up.

Thanks.

Posts: 230 · Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 3:13 pm Post subject:

as long as quest provides DSL without phone service from them you will not have any issues. Unlike many you have to have phone service with the company offering DSL and cant just get DSL alone.

You do not need separate copper wires or anything like that.

Posts: 22 · Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 3:32 pm Post subject:

You don't say if you transfering a number or not. Because if you are, the situation can be sticky. Cry

But if you aren't, then DSL is a non-issue. You just cannot have DSL on a Vonage line. You'll need to maintain a landline for DSL if it not stand alone DSL.
If you want to transfer a phone number that has DSL on it, then the situation gets to be a pain. The DSL will need to be removed first, then a broadband connection needs to be re-established.

Posts: 9 · New Forum Member Joined: Apr 16, 2005 Posts: 9

SmartMonkey wrote:

You don't say if you transfering a number or not. Because if you are, the situation can be sticky. Cry

But if you aren't, then DSL is a non-issue. You just cannot have DSL on a Vonage line. You'll need to maintain a landline for DSL if it not stand alone DSL.
If you want to transfer a phone number that has DSL on it, then the situation gets to be a pain. The DSL will need to be removed first, then a broadband connection needs to be re-established.

Sorry, yes, we would want to transfer our number - which right now is associated with our voice and DSL line (the DSL is on the same line as our voice is.)

So, are you saying that if we want to transfer that number, we would need to ask Qwest (also our DSL provider) to assign a new number to that line?

If so, how would we keep the number we have now?

Posts: 3198

nickm wrote:

Of course, like when switching any phone service, I want to keep our number, and DSL.

Posts: 6 · Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 4:26 pm Post subject: LNP if u have DSL......

if u have dsl, u need to keep a basic phone service for it to function coz a dsl is dependent on that phone to continue functioning. lets say u have 1 phone # right now with qwest and that number is 111-1111. and lets say u have dsl with qwest as well. ur dsl right now is tied up/dependent with the 111-1111 number that u have. if u disconnect the service for the 111-1111 number (lets say u transfer it or u cancel the service with qwest) u will also lose the capacity to have ur dsl on that line.

bottom line is, if u want to continue having ur dsl, u have to keep the 111-1111 number active with the most basic service from qwest. then u sign up with Vonage with a new number. since Vonage works thru the internet, u will still be keeping the same set up with qwest now and just downgrade to the most basic plan for the 111-1111 number to comtinue. then u get Vonage as an add-on number/service.

so meaning, Vonage will be thru the internet, u will have a new number and receive calls on Vonage independently. u will still receive calls on ur qwest number 111-1111 the way u do it right now. to make it simplier, u will have two phone lines and two numbers coming to ur house after u get Vonage. one will go thru the normal telephone lines, the other one thru ur high speed internet connection.

basic installation:

internet-----dsl/cable modem-----Vonage phone adapter---telephone

* but if u dont want the hassle, u can just get a cable internet connection instead. and since cable internet is not dependent on the phone line, then u can disconnect ur dsl with qwest, free ur number and transfer that. if u can get an independent dsl with qwest that will be gud as well. since independent dsl is not dependent on the phone line to function, u free ur number, just have the dsl and transfer ur number to Vonage.

Posts: 9 · New Forum Member Joined: Apr 16, 2005 Posts: 9

In our case, Qwest will provide a standalone DSL line - so are you sure?

Posts: 3198 · Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 4:30 pm Post subject:

isn't the whole point of this thread naked, bare, standalone, whatever you want to call it, dsl? as in, don't need phone service with it. and as has been stated, he is in an area that offers this.

Posts: 66 · Full Forum Member Joined: Feb 07, 2005 Posts: 66

Let me answer the question another way.. I think I can understand what the DSL/Vonage question answers are.

Getting the DSL out of the way off the bat. If you can Have DSL service without having to purchase a landline phone number, then go for it. DSL requires the copper from the phone company into the DSL modem. (DSL is now done.)

The 2nd copper line that I think Vonage is refering to is the one from the Vonage Box to the Phone's on the house. That would be the 2nd copper line required. You can not share the DSL copper, but you can rework the copper in the house to utilize that wire for all of your phones. Just make sure that the Vonage Dial tone does not have an electrical path to the DSL modem wire. (What would be the WAN side of the DSL Modem.

The 3rd Item that will be a problem for a short time is the transfer of your old phone number to the Vonage system. The phone company's have had some problems wanting to transfer that number. Fortunatly, they are required to do it, but sometimes you have to fight them.

Vonage can and will save you lots of cash. Just remember what the limitations are. No DSL or Cable Service, no phone. 911 is available, remember to sign up and it is NOT E911 right now. Meaning they dont get all the information about who you are. You must tell them.

It is also wise to keep a Cell phone service going too. Mainly for the E911 and when your internet service is out.

Any more questions?

Posts: 9 · New Forum Member Joined: Apr 16, 2005 Posts: 9

Thanks mcdowelljc -

That answers quite a few questions. So, if I'm hearing (reading) you correctly, I would not have to have the phone company change the line my DSL is on (saving me $31).

Now, say I setup Vonage service, put in the transfer for the number... What happens in the meantime in terms of phone service? From what I can understand, I get a temporary number, right?

So, I wouldn't have any downtime in terms of service. Right?

What happens to calls that go to my number while it is in transition?

Additionally, in order to do this and transfer our current number, we'd have to figure out if our phone company could assign a new number to our DSL line (xxx-????) while at the same time, taking our current line (xxx-6335) and transferring it to Vonage...

Any suggestions/thoughts on how to do this?

Thank you!