Hello, How do we handle this situation? we are currently in escrow and due to close in a couple of weeks and we just found out the builder has in the community has not settled on which telephone company to allow service to our home up the hill while other homes below the hill do have service. We learned that we would have to go with a VOIP thru the cable company which we do not prefer because of safety issues (911 etc;) What to do? Thanks
Do you really even need a LAN line? I gave mine up a few years ago. It’s just an extra bill I don’t need. I use my cell and I see no reason to pay for two phone services.
first (like always) read you contract
second, talk to the builder and voice your concerns (and demand if a discount if they are not willing to correct the problem).
unless this lack of a utilty was disclosed, then yes, there might be an issue. I might talk with city building inspector for example. If anything, I would say you have an implied contract. In other words, when purchasing house, there are certain things that are expected (electric, running water, etc). Image if you order car and it came with no windshield.
A LAN is an acronym for “Local Area Network”, you are talking about a “landline” or in the telephony vernacular a “POTS” (“plain old telephone service”) line…
If a local exchange carrier (LEC) is not selected, the phone company designated as the Incumbant LEC (ILEC) for the area is the default… this is normally the “Baby Bell” in your area…Verizon, SBC, Qwest, etc. All LECs must allow the Competetive LECs (CLECs) use the existing facilities.
If the builder didn’t tie the community to the LECs cable plant, then he’s a POS and doesn’t need to be in the development business…like aak says, there are certain expectations of a builder in the 21st Century like sewer, water, electricity, phone, cable TV, etc.
E911 using VOIP on your cable service should not pose an issue…you just need to insure that your cable company is transmitting an accurate E911 location for your residence to the Emergency Service Providers.
Keith
Excuse me Keith …you are correct. My error.
The big problem with VOIP is when there is a power outage situation such as in a bad storm, the VOIP unit usually has a battery in it but the lifespan of the battery may not be too long and you may only be able to make calls for a short period of time. Of course if something like that does happen you would probably call 911 pretty quick, not wait 12 hours to call. E911 works well in most areas, generally you will get a disclosure sheet when you sign up for service outlining the basics.