snipped-for-privacy@hotmail.com >> Can I drop my phone service and use Skype instead? The Skype site
>> says "Skype is not a replacement for your ordinary telephone" But >> why not?
>> Has anyone done that?
> The reason they say that it is not is among things that it's not as
> robust as regular telephone service. If you lose your internet
> connection for any number of reasons you no longer have VOiP service
> either. It also cannot connect to your local 911 emergency reporting > service as well.
I agree that the ISP is the biggest stumbling block but many people don't realize how often the incumbent telecom providers go down at the most inopportune moments.
As to E-911 services, VoIP providers have had that for some time now. I know Vonage does and have had occasion to use the service a time or two.