Since landline service is dwindling, why isn't Verizon in the VOIP business
MarvKirsch
Newbie

Hi all:

I see that Verizon's VOIP service, VoiceWing, is going bye-bye.  I am somewhat confused as to why Verizon is not in the VOIP business.  I am currently a quad-customer, FIOS triple-play + Verizon wireless with one-bill, and feel that if Verizon could offer VOIP there might be a way to avoid taxes.  I know that current VOIP companies don't charge tax, but Verizon land-line does, and I also realize that the federal government might someday tax VOIP service.  Until that level playing field is available, I wonder if it makes sense for Verizon to offer VOIP service as oppose to just continuing to lose landline accounts.

I would interesting in hearing opinions on this topic.

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Re: Since landline service is dwindling, why isn't Verizon in the VOIP business
Vumes
Enthusiast - Level 3
It seems (my opinion of course) that Verizon could not compete in the VOIP world. There are other companies out there that offer better service (as far as VOIP is concerned) at a lot better price. I just don't think they were able to be competetive enough to make a profit on it.
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Re: Since landline service is dwindling, why isn't Verizon in the VOIP business
jmcohen231
Contributor - Level 3

actually, they are.  check out the "Verizon Hub".  It's basically a cell phone for your home.  seems pretty neat, but once again, Verizon has handcuffed the customers with limitations (imagine that).

some of the key limitations include

- being able to send messages to VZW customers ONLY

- when viewing traffic, weather, or movie trailers, you have to watch a commercial first

- charging $80 for each additional hadnset (max of 3)

the Hub is $200, plus $35/month for the service

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Re: Since landline service is dwindling, why isn't Verizon in the VOIP business
CharlesH
Specialist - Level 1
Actually we are releasing FiOS digital Voice all this summer which is our new VOIP product. Already available in MD. I know it's going to be available in NJ this month then PA in June. 
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Re: Since landline service is dwindling, why isn't Verizon in the VOIP business
MarvKirsch
Newbie

Thanks Charles, so now that leads me to the next question.  Any idea if and/or when FIOS Digital Voice might be available in New York, and in particular on Long Island.  Sounds like I might be having a new option at some point.

Marv

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Re: Since landline service is dwindling, why isn't Verizon in the VOIP business
CharlesH
Specialist - Level 1
If FiOS is available in your area, then so will Digital Voice. That's all the info i know as of right now.
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Re: Since landline service is dwindling, why isn't Verizon in the VOIP business
andrew_Grubb
Newbie

@CharlesH wrote:
Actually we are releasing FiOS digital Voice all this summer which is our new VOIP product. Already available in MD. I know it's going to be available in NJ this month then PA in June. 
I just had FiOS (re)installed yesterday and was supprised to find out I got Digital Voice.  Now if only Verizon could have ported my old VOIP phone..  It was originally issued by Vonage, but I recently ported it to Optimum Voice.  I was told it couldn't come to Verizon because it was a VOIP number, but seeing that I'm still VOIP I don't see why it couldn't be done.
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Re: Since landline service is dwindling, why isn't Verizon in the VOIP business
pl21046
Newbie

I just spoke to two different Verizon representatives, and both told me that Fios digital voice has been suspended, with no information as to when, or if, it will ever be offered again. 

This is quite important to me, since I have AT&T Callvantage service, and they are discontinuing that offering some time in the near future.  Fios digital voice is a perfect offering for me, since I already have FIOS internet and TV.

Does anyone have any good information as to when, or if, Digital Voice will be available again.  I am located in one of the early FIOS buildout areas, Columbia MD  21046.

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Re: Since landline service is dwindling, why isn't Verizon in the VOIP business
jumpin683
Contributor - Level 1

 If/when Digital Voice does come out, will it be similar to the other VOIP providers where you can use your own phone or will we be required to get the Verizon Hub product?

The $35 is still higher than the other VOIP providers but hopefully has all the features.

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Re: Since landline service is dwindling, why isn't Verizon in the VOIP business
CharlesH
Specialist - Level 1
You will not need any kind of little box or phone.  It's happening at the ONT so you will not have to do anything different and you will have all your favorite VOIP features like any other provider. 
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