Re: [PLUG] VOIP choices

[PaulNM via plug <plug@lists.phillylinux.org>]

On 10/6/25 21:04, R Geoffrey Avery via plug wrote:
> It seems my parents will be moving, and just transferring their land 
> line number of almost 40 years is not an option.  As that number is 
> their "username" with many businesses by this point, I would rather it 
> not get lost.
>
> What are the better choices to move the number without much fuss?
> I would prefer that it ring like a land line at the house, but they both 

Another option is transferring the number to a cellular company and 
using a SIM base station of some kind. The base station has a slot to 
take a SIM card and provides a standard phone jack which lets you use 
any existing hard line phone you have.

My parents are on Consumer Cellular (uses AT&T towers), and still use 
the wireless handsets they had at the old house. Moving to the new condo 
was as simple as unplugging stuff from the old house and plugging it in 
at the new place. Then they called CC to let them know of the new 
address, but that wasn't needed for it to function. (They advertise 
"Take it in your RV and keep your cordless phone with you.")

Looks like Consumer Cellular has two models currently available, the 
second appears to be eSIM capable.

https://www.consumercellular.com/shopping/details/iris_home_phone_base/details
https://www.consumercellular.com/shopping/details/verve_home_phone_base/details


> have android phones now so an app solution can work too.
> $8 - $15 / month and maybe $100 up front on hardware seems reasonable
> I want to just set it and forget it and not need to provide support

This solution wouldn't involve any apps, doesn't rely on an internet 
connection in the house, and the cost would be similar. The base station 
is $89, unlimited minutes is ~$20/mo, and AARP members receive a 5% 
discount on monthly service. Their plans are for all lines on the 
account so minutes and data are shared. You can save by also having 
their cell phones with them.

I haven't looked, but I suspect other carriers support similar options. 
Even if not "officially" supported, you can still do this as a base 
station is basically just a cell phone with a rj-11 jack or two. You 
just need to make sure it works on the carrier you choose.

-- PaulNM

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