We had a basic phone line for years and were always hearing comments from people like, "Just find my number on your caller ID" or they wouldn't leave a message but would complain that we didn't call them back with "But you knew I called because you saw my number on your caller ID." Well guess what - we STILL don't have caller ID or any of the other add-on landline services. Our "voicemail" system isn't accessible remotely. It is on our telephone so I have to be home to listen to your message. And no, I don't get texts on my landline.

I'd find it very difficult to give up my smart phone because I use it more as a mini-computer, not a phone. As a matter of fact, I rarely talk on my smart phone. However, if I were to switch, I'd switch from a smart phone to a regular digital cellphone and give up the landline entirely.

 

Cookie - Basic Talk looks like its a VoIP phone service, think Vonage not a basic landline plan.

alaska - Have you read the fine print on their site for any odd or hidden limitations (and additional fee's) Basic Talk looks like a VoIP to me so if you a strong internet connection (limited or no outages) and the terms & conditions & features look ideal for you, I say go for it. Could there be better VoIP carriers available in your area offering a better price/package? BTW: I'd still carry a basic cell phone for emergencies or while you're out and need to call home etc

 

Yes, I read the website and it sounded good to me. Taxes and such will make the end price $12.xx a month. The unlimited talk is for a normal family not a business and with it being just me I'm not too worried about that. I already have high speed internet so that is not an issue. Plus there is no contract to sign so I can drop it at any time with no fees.

I'm not too worried about having a cell phone to call home. I no longer have kids living at home with me and basically I drive to work and back - 12 miles each way & do errands while I'm in town.

I don't know anyone that has it and I was curious if it was as good as they say.

 

A few months ago I set up a Google Voice account and got a $40 Obi100 device to hook the GV to a home phone. I dumped my $30/mo landline phone service and now all US calls with GV are free. (There is a thread on this in Utilities in this forum.)

I've been pleased with how this is all working out! I have a 3mbps DSL internet ($30/mo) and it works great for the GV.

I have notifications of missed calls and voicemails sent to my email. I also have GV voicemails sent as texts to my cell phone. This works out well when I go out of town and I can check my phone or email to monitor my home phone.

I can get texts on the GV too. They just show up in my email. I also get a history of all calls made, so it's easy to find numbers for calling back.

I know Google is taking over the world, but some of their services are quite handy.

Also, I have set up my Nexus 7 tablet with Talkatone and GrooveIP apps and I can use the GV to make calls on the tablet (on wifi). I'm not going to be holding the tablet up to my head, but it works as a speaker phone in a pinch.