From: jdbeard@patriot.net   
      
   On 10/17/2012 11:24 AM, Adam wrote:   
   > How reliable is VoIP?  My DSL connection is ~99% reliable but   
   > POTS voice is practically 100%, and due to medical issues I'd   
   > rather have the 100% (in addition to my Verizon cell phone,   
   > probably the only local cell provider whose coverage reaches my   
   > apartment).   
      
   That depends on your equipment, but usually the VoIP gear   
   requires power from a wallwart.   
      
   FIOS VoIP comes with a backup battery the FIOS tech will install,   
   that is supposed to provide several hours of phone service if you   
   have a power outage.  If you try to use the computer, though, the   
   battery backup will simply provide power until it goes dead.   
      
   The backup battery I have has been in place for over 7 years now,   
   but the LED still glows green and Verizon will not replace the   
   thing even though it is beyond "normal service life."  How long   
   it would actually last is uncertain, as during our last   
   several-days outage I simply turned off all computer stuff and   
   never looked at it again until power came back on, which of   
   course eliminated the FIOS VoIP with it.   
      
   The real advantage of traditional landline phone service is that   
   the line includes its own power source, independent of the power   
   company serving your house.   
      
   If you have a power outage of several days duration, and no good   
   way to recharge your cell phone battery during the outage, a   
   traditional line should keep you in phone service throughout the   
   disruption.  All else will die due to lack of power, soon or   
   somewhat later.  You can extend the cell phone battery by turning   
   it on only when you want to call out, but then others can reach   
   you only via voice mail, which will get through when you check it.   
      
   Cheers!   
      
   jim b.   
      
   --   
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