For $19.95 a YEAR, Magic Jack is still the best deal. Unlimited calls anywhere in North America and very crisp and clear calls. Have had it for 4 years now and wouldn't have any other service.

Not the same. You need at least a 5mb internet connection and must leave your computer on in order for Magicjack to function. Now how much does it cost? Verizon Home Connect does not require internet. I don't have a dog in this fight, so JMHO.

Verizon Home Phone Connect
 

Just wanted to weigh in since I just read the posts. We have had WHPC since September. We got it at our home in Myrtle Beach and within 10 days (the grace period) took it to the Villages to be sure it would work there. After we found it worked well in TV, we ported our Myrtle Beach number to it and discontinued two land lines. For our Myrtle Beach friends, it is a local call. We pay less than $25.00 per month including taxes. Ours has unlimited calling anywhere in the continental US. We just connect it to the house phone system.

We have an old house phone we attach to it and put in the car so we can call people from the car when we are traveling back and forth. The battery, fully charged, will go 4 or 5 hours. You can turn the phone on and off. If it is off, it will still receive voice mails.

The only negative I see is that you cannot attach a fax machine to it. We have solved that problem by learning to scan documents into our computer and emailing them.

You also need to check it carefully when you buy to be sure Verizon service is available. My brother bought one. He lives in a rural area, and it did not work-apparently Verizon service was either not available or not strong enough, so he had to take it back.

With two homes, this has worked well for us.

I have 3.0 internet speed connection and my magic jack works just fine. The new Magic Jack Plus does not require a computer hookup and yes, the cost remains the same at $19.95 a year. Just my preference and very glad to have it available.

I have a gas furnace and sometimes a strong wind will go down the chimmney and blow out the pilot.

I got the Home Phone Connect and really like it so far. I also got Verizon's little 4G Mobile Hotspot for my net. It works great and now I don't have to carry service at my Pa home and Villages home.