I was considering getting DSL and at the same time switching to a Voice Over IP phone service. I read something saying that DSL requires you keep your existing phone number. Is it impossible to use DSL and a VoIP service w/out a standard phone company? Thanks in advance.
Depends on your phone company. Qwest does this (its called Standalone DSL through them). Others are hit or miss.
Qwest offers "stand alone DSL" without requiring that you have phone service from them. They charge more for that then they do for their regular customers, but it's probably less than the sum of voice+DSL.
Maybe something like that is available in your area.
I just checked Qwest's web site and I don't think they support my state (OH). At least that's not an option in the "your state" drop-down list.
Which means you might be SBC, or in the future BellSouth, or whatever. With all the mergers lately it almost comes down to needing to know the specific CO office before you can know your options.
Then you need to contact your own phone company (or whoever will be ultimately responsible for running the wire to your house).
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