Having looked into Plus, I am getting the impression it is more viable than its predecessor.
There were four concerns I had of the previous model:
1. voice quality
2. problem resolution
3. ability to use existing phone number
4. computer usage (energy conservation and computer life)
From the PCWORLD reviews, it appears most problems have been cleared up, except poor access to customer support.
Here is what magicJack Plus provides:
- Voicemail
- Caller ID
- Call waiting
- Call forwarding
- Your own phone number
- Unlimited free calling within the US and Canada
With the Plus release, you plug into the wall outlet instead of your computer, after the initial computer assisted setup.
This allows you to turn off your computer but you must leave your computer wireless modem/router on at all times.
All phones in your house should work.
In summary, my advice is try it before deleting your home service and you have 30 days to return it at no cost if not satisfied. It is not perfect or easy ... but much cheaper than a monthly fee home line.
For those who want to read more, here is an exert from the second review source, outlining what you go thru to move your existing phone number to/from magicJack.
"The general porting process requires you to order it via MJ. Once you pay MJ’s porting fee, it can take anywhere from a week to a month for your Comcast number to be ported over to your MJ account; exactly how long it will actually take depends upon how quickly MJ gets the paperwork to Comcast, and how quickly Comcast approves it. Comcast basically has the final say (but generally they’re pretty good about it).
You will then need to check daily to see if the port has been completed, by calling your old Comcast number to see if the call rings the phone connected to you J device. Once the “port” has been completed, you will then need to call Comcast to make sure that they immediately cease billing you for their telephone service.
Starting with one year after the initial port, MJ will charge you an annual fee to *keep* the ported number (the fee is currently $10) in addition to the regular MJ subscription fee. These fees are paid to MJ via a credit card which you will need to have on file within your MJ account; if for any reason the fee(s) is/are not paid on time (like, say, if your credit card info on file at the time is not up-to-date) you may LOSE your ported number (permanently) and be assigned a new number by MJ. If you ever decide to port your number *out* of MJ, they will charge you a one-time fee to do so (currently $30).
As per MJ’s current “Terms of Service,” MJ can change its terms (including all porting-related fee amounts) at any time without any advance notice."
