Verizon Home Phone Connect.


I've been looking for a way to use my home phone hardware on a cellular network. There were few adapters available before now, some using Bluetooth, others used the internet or were VERY pricey. base unit Now Verizon has come out with a home base unit which looks to fill my bill. It does all the adapting and conversion required. It might help to read my index page first, so you understand how my relationship with cellular started.

There are a lot of got-chas to watch out for. I think the big one that will stop lots of people is the one about Dish Network and DirecTV. Those TV services REQUIRE you to have a real land line. This device does not qualify. Also, it is not compatible with home security systems, fax machines, some internet services, Collect Calls, DVR, medical devices, and credit card machines. There is an Early Termination Fee and a 2 year contract.

Each phone you have must be plugged into the base unit. You can not connect it to your house phone wiring. They do give you 2 connectors so 1 phone and 1 answering machine is fine. It helps to have a wireless home phone system. (Seems funny, a wireless home phone on a cell-type base station.) Now I DO have the knowledge to re-wire my home lines, and it DOES work. Just don't blame me if your house burns down. Verizon tells you not to do this for a good reason: A T and T connected to Verizon is asking for problems.

My biggest gripe is that the calls are not clear. The fidelity is poor. Well, it IS a cell phone. The caller ID feature is not what people expect. It only give you the incoming number, no name.

Make sure you understand exactly how this works before you order it, even how the GPS and E911 works.

Also, I found out after mine was installed that the web site AND authorized dealers can waver the activation fee. So, it helps to shop around, ask questions and look for a good deal.

Let me know if you get one too, and how you like it.           [Effective as of 07/21/2011.]

Update: 08/12/2011
I've used it long enough now to add this comment: Do not get this system if you own a business. I have had to many dropped calls that did not ring on my home line. Instead of going to my answering machine they went to voice mail. Even then, they did not show up for over 24 hours. This is an annoyance for personal use but disastrous for a business.



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