magicJack and MagicJack Plus Support, Reviews, FAQs and Hacks

jomax2195

[i] I currently have Time Warner Cable & pay $39.99 for local & unlimited Long Distance "just" for the phone portion monthly on my bill. I want to save money like everyone else! Reading ALOT of mixed reviews on these boards makes me apprehensive, yet still curious? I live in NC & 95% of my calls are ALL long-distance, so I need FREE LONG DISTANCE svce! Main ? here, #1 - Do I need to disconnect TWC phone svce. altogether to make MJ work? #2 Will my answering machine built into my phone unit still work (built into my 2 AT & T phones; connected on the same line, yet on separate jacks? & #3 - If I return if unsatissfied, am I responsible for return shipping & handling costs? Many thanks!! : )

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mberlant · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 2:00 am Post subject:

Welcome aboard. By reading through the previous postings you will get a much more thorough idea of how VoIP, in general, and MJ, specifically, work than can possibly be spoon fed to you here in a new thread. No, you do not have to disconnect your real phone service to enjoy VoIP. In fact, you should not, because VoIP is a great replacement for Long Distance, but a terrible replacement for POTS. Your best bet is to purchase the MJ at a retail outlet, so you won't need to worry about return shipping charges in the event that MJ is not right for you.

jomax2195

Thanks for your expiedient response! I am still not sure how I would be saving any $$$ if I maintained my local phone carried thru Time Warner Cable @ $40/mo. & still paying to use the MJ Svce.? That is why I asked should I disconnect the TWC Home phone svce., which you told me not to?? Do I need a local phone carrier to make MJ work or just the internet service alone? (I'm not too computer saavy - sorry!) Also, which retailer could I but the MJ from should I decide to go w/it? THANKS!! Very Happy

tony

QuantumIguana · MagicJack Newbie Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 8

I would buy the MJ from a local store rather than ordering it online. I know Best Buy and Radio Shack carry it. I bought mine at Radio Shack because it was closer, most people don't have to drive far to get to a Radio Shack.

You do not need a local phone carrier to make MJ work, it just uses the internet and your computer. You should note that you will have to have your computer on all the time in order to receive calls. If your computer is off or in sleep mode, the calls will get directed to voice mail.

One advantage is that you can take the MJ with you, and make calls where ever you have an internet connection.

I am considering ditching the phone company, if I can persuade my wife. She wants to be able to port our existing number, which MJ currently does not support.

I suggest trying it out, and decide for yourself if you find it reliable enough for you to replace your existing service. I have a prepaid cell phone that I don't use a lot, and it's a cheap backup for emergencies or when the phone is out.

If you want to use it as your primary phone, make sure that a local phone number is available for your MJ. If you get assigned a number that is not in your local area, people who call you on the MJ will be making long distance calls.