Do I need to keep local phone service when moving to VoIP?

[guest]

Hi, I am very interested in signing up with Packet8.

However, I do have a couple questions before I take the plunge.

I have dsl service for my computer. As I understand it, I have to keep a basic line from my phone company, coming into my apartment for the dsl and get a new number for Vonage use. Is this correct?

Thanks

J

[andyf]

Anthony,

Good question, and this is one a lot of people with DSL ask before moving to VoIP.

The big carriers, such as Verizon and Qwest, currently have this requirement that you must keep your local phone service in order to keep DSL with them. This may be because they do not want a mass exodus from their local phone service especially since it brings in so much revenue to them. Apparently they also have technical difficulties with DSL to do this since DSL is linked to your home phone number but this is more likely to be stalling tactics (in my opinion).

However, recently noticed some articles coming out concerning "Naked DSL". Basically a lot of the carriers are now letting you remove your local phone service but still keep DSL. You can then do Local Number Portability (LNP) with your new (VoIP) service to get your number moved. This Naked DSL is only possible in certain areas at the present time.

Is it coincidental that these same carriers now offer VoIP?

http://news.com.com/Verizon+to+offer+'naked'+DSL/2100-1034_3-5221095.html?tag=nefd.top

Andy