https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 06 May 2026 19:53:48 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/phone-service-when-your-cell-reception-is-crap#post-2778363 Mon, 09 Oct 2017 12:17:08 +0000 bakingdoodle 2778363@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It really depends how much you are willing to pay:<br /> Best: a real landline. so when power goes out, you still have access to it. BUT you need a corded phone... not one of those cordless because when the power goes out, that cordless won't work, even if you have a landline...<br /> Vonage: expensive. I would think you would get a better deal if you combine with comcast bundle</p> <p>Other: network extender (cell phone repeater) that might or might not work. I like that option because I would rather improve my cellphone connection than get a landline</p> <p>Obihai, Ooma. I have obihai. Works with wifi, way less expensive but you have to buy their device before you sign up for their devices... I have an obihai (I signed up when it was free to use with google voice.. and it somehow still is)</p> <p>I think the most important thing is to have 911 access... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/phone-service-when-your-cell-reception-is-crap#post-2778352 Mon, 09 Oct 2017 11:16:57 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2778352@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So...most of the landlines will not work if the power goes out...including Vonage. You still need wi-fi...wi-fi doesn't work without electricity.</p> <p>If you go with Comcast, it's a little more reliable. You'll be purchasing VoiP or Voice over Internet Protocol. This goes through your cable line. This likely still won't work if the power goes out. </p> <p>If you go with AT&amp;T's home service, that's likely your most reliable. It looks like they have the most affordable plans if you don't plan to use it often. If you will use it for most of your calls at home, it's like $33/month. But it will work if the power goes out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/phone-service-when-your-cell-reception-is-crap#post-2778334 Mon, 09 Oct 2017 09:15:29 +0000 Foodnerd81 2778334@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bakingdoodle: Verizon, but both are notoriously bad where we live. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/phone-service-when-your-cell-reception-is-crap#post-2778316 Mon, 09 Oct 2017 05:40:09 +0000 Charm54 2778316@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a landline for the sole purpose of emergencies when babysitters are here...I wouldn't want them to need to call and they forgot their cell phone, or it's dead, etc.</p> <p>I don't even know our number and no one ever calls it but it gives me peace of mind to know it's there plugged in. Also, it was cheaper to "bundle" and get internet, cable and landline than just pay for internet and cable separately. Our landline still worked during our last power outage (it's a hard wired landline, not a cordless). But maybe things are different here in Canada? I don't really know a lot about that stuff ! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/phone-service-when-your-cell-reception-is-crap#post-2778307 Sun, 08 Oct 2017 23:00:03 +0000 bakingdoodle 2778307@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>why not buy a cell phone repeater? Are you on AT&amp;T? they're not cheap (couple hundreds?). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/phone-service-when-your-cell-reception-is-crap#post-2778281 Sun, 08 Oct 2017 18:42:15 +0000 SweetiePie 2778281@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: Multiple access points would be like the eero I told you about. You plug a primary unit into your modem (replaces the router) and then you place beacons throughout the house and it ensures coverage throughout. It really works amazingly well. Here are some simple explanations from their website. </p> <p><a href="https://eero.com/experience" rel="nofollow">https://eero.com/experience</a><br /> <a href="https://eero.com/technology" rel="nofollow">https://eero.com/technology</a></p> <p>ETA: as for Vonage, I may be wrong (sounds like @macintosh is pretty well versed like my husband, whereas I’m trying to just regurgitate what I’ve learned from him I’ve the years :silly: )<br /> but I believe that they use your existing internet connection, so whatever you have through Comcast, and they just provide some additional hardware/equipment to hook up. Like it’s not a separate service, so if your internet or power went down, Vonage still wouldn’t work.<br /> Comcast is probably a bit more straight forward in the set up and billing as I *think* you just plug the phone into the modem??? And it’s one less variable to worry about (ie is my issue Vonage or Comcast VS I know it’s comcast) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/phone-service-when-your-cell-reception-is-crap#post-2778270 Sun, 08 Oct 2017 18:11:14 +0000 Foodnerd81 2778270@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: what do you mean multiple access points? Like a signal booster for the WiFi, or like two telephones / jacks? Do you know anything about the non Comcast type ones like Vonage? Thanks for the info. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/phone-service-when-your-cell-reception-is-crap#post-2778267 Sun, 08 Oct 2017 17:49:25 +0000 macintosh 2778267@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I install Voice Over IP systems for businesses. I agree that a hard wired IP phone, such as Comcast, is more reliable than calling over wifi. You can also still get POTS (plain old telephone) service through AT&amp;T, but it's being phased out slowly. Also, if you have wifi dead spots in your house, you may need multiple access points to boost your coverage. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/phone-service-when-your-cell-reception-is-crap#post-2778180 Sat, 07 Oct 2017 09:53:20 +0000 Foodnerd81 2778180@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: thanks! This is super helpful! And good point about babysitters. Just because we have WiFi calling enabled there is a good chance not every babysitter will. That alone is enough to at least get Vonage, to me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/phone-service-when-your-cell-reception-is-crap#post-2778179 Sat, 07 Oct 2017 09:40:56 +0000 SweetiePie 2778179@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: He has a couple of reasons.<br /> 1) WiFi calling still depends on WiFi. It’s just another variable that can fail. Whereas the landline is hardwired. (Yeah it’s still internet, but it’s not relying on a WiFi signal or a cell signal)<br /> 2) having a kid now he wants to have a landline that they can easily access. So he may not have access to a cell phone (I sah and what if something happens to me; or when hes with his Grandma) and he needs to call 911 - it’s good to have a dedicated phone in the same location that doesn’t require passwords to dial. </p> <p>As far as calling during a crisis or something, yeah, landline would probably be better since it is hardwired. I can ask my husband to be 100% sure (I’m traveling so not near him), but The issue with cell phones is that everyone is using the cell towers so they get jammed. </p> <p>But if your power went out, internet phone/landline would not work since they do require a modem and a modem requires power. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/phone-service-when-your-cell-reception-is-crap#post-2778178 Sat, 07 Oct 2017 09:17:19 +0000 Foodnerd81 2778178@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: this is really helpful, thank you! Can you elaborate on why he insists on a landline in general? I feel like we should have one, but dh feels like it’s unnecessary if we can get WiFi calling fixed. Also does he have feelings on Vonage vs Comcast? (It’s like $20+ difference a month). </p> <p>We have also had multiple issues in the house- one, my old iPhone was dropping WiFi in general for no reason- it was an issue with my phone before we moved, but new phone comes today. Our WiFi used to be spotty in the house as well but we just got a fancier new modem that has helped with that too. But there is one spot in the kitchen that still drops calls, which is just an annoyance but I suppose I don’t need to have my phone right there. But no, it’s very rare that the internet actually goes down. </p> <p>So in a power failure, does the Comcast landline still work? Or in an emergency when everyone is on the phone at once? Like after the marathon bombing I wasn’t able to call my family on my cell to let them know I was fine, but could email or text them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/phone-service-when-your-cell-reception-is-crap#post-2778176 Sat, 07 Oct 2017 08:20:29 +0000 SweetiePie 2778176@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband is in technology and as a result he routinely has to deal with internet and phone systems/telecom.<br /> He requires that we always have a landline in our apt. We do have bad cell service because of our building construction and surrounding buildings. Yes, it is through our internet/cable provider. But unless your internet goes DOWN, the landline is available. It sounds like your issue with WiFi is deadzones in the house (ie it’s fine in one room but bad in another), not that your internet routinely goes down completely. So landline phones should be fine. </p> <p>If internet routinely goes down (like isn’t available anywhere in your house at all/you have to reboot your modem/router) that is a bigger problem that you should contact your provider about. </p> <p>As for dead zones for WiFi in your house, get Eero! It’s a bit of an expense, but my husband insists on them. We also have bad WiFi without them (which is not an option for my IT professional husband). With them we have Perfect WiFi throughout.<br /> My parents also had a lot of issues with their WiFi (would only work in one room of their house). My husband got them a few Eeros for Christmas last year and set them up. They now have Perfect WiFi throughout and my parents said though they didn’t ask for it, it’s the best gift they could have received. My dad can finally work from home efficiently and my mom doesn’t email my husband constantly to bitch about WiFi 😂<br /> And btw, that in turn will make WiFi calling on your cell phones better. So then you could potentially skip on landlines, but my husband still thinks it’s safe to have one landline per household for emergencies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/phone-service-when-your-cell-reception-is-crap#post-2778175 Sat, 07 Oct 2017 07:46:39 +0000 Nonimouse 2778175@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I believe that Comcast would be through your cable and require power and vonage just uses your wifi. You should be able to still get a traditional landline--that's actually via phone line and doesn't require power if you have a corded phone. That would be through Verizon in our area. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/phone-service-when-your-cell-reception-is-crap#post-2778160 Fri, 06 Oct 2017 21:51:08 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2778160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: we have to use wifi calling for our cell phones and we have a landline. Both at&amp;t and the landline is way more reliable..never had issues with reception on the home phone despite major issues on our cell phones.. it's actually how or home alarm works too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/phone-service-when-your-cell-reception-is-crap#post-2778159 Fri, 06 Oct 2017 20:54:46 +0000 Foodnerd81 2778159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you live somewhere with terrible cell phone reception, what do you use for making phone calls? </p> <p>We live in a suburb with notoriously bad service, but my end of this street is just a dead zone. If we use WiFi calling on our cells phones, it’s ok, though we still have dead zones within the house. </p> <p>I want a land line since even with WiFi calling it can be iffy, but DH and some others have said it’s all the same since “landlines” just go through the cable/ internet anyway. As I understand none will work in a power outage? Does anyone know more about landlines? Also going through Comcast vs something like Vonage (which would be much cheaper)? I’m so fed up with dropping calls. </p>