"Free" Home Phone Service via Google Voice

There is a huge trend of people canceling their home phone service and relying solely on their mobile phone for all their voice communication.  For many, especially those with unlimited minutes and great cell coverage at their house, it's a very tempting idea...who doesn't like to have some extra cash in their pocket each month?  There are others, myself included, who really don't want to give companies I do business with my mobile number.  I receive enough telemarketers calling on my home phone (so much for donotcall.gov) and prefer not to have them calling my mobile too.  Also, maybe I'm just a little old fashioned, but I prefer talking on a regular "old" cordless phone handset instead of my iPhone.

We've used Vonage as our home phone service for several years and I was very happy with their service and the features they provide, especially emailing & transcription of voice mail messages.  Unfortunately, the service was ~$34 (including tax) per month.  [For those unfamiliar with Vonage, they are a VoIP telephone provider and utilize your internet connection to provide phone service using standard analog phones].  There are many VoIP providers out there, some of which, like Ooma, are significantly cheaper that Vonage. However, to get the features we wanted, we would need to subscribe to Ooma Premier plus the voice-to-text add-on for a total monthly cost of $15 +tax.  While that is a nice savings over Vonage, I wanted to find something even better.  Enter Google Voice + Obi....

You are probably familiar with Google Voice and all if it's awesome (and free) features but you probably thought you could only use it with your existing mobile or home phone service.  That's how it's designed to be used, but an Obi adapter from Obihai Technology can get you around that limitation.  You can pick up the base model Obi (100) from Amazon for about $40 and then configure it to use Google Voice, FREE of monthly service charges.  You will have a ton a amazing features for a great monthly price (free) but there are two features you will not have by default: caller ID with name and 911 service.  Google Voice does display the number of the person calling, but not the name.  If caller ID with name is an essential feature for you, it's possible to use the Simon Telephonics Google Voice Gateway to enable it. Use of the gateway is free, but donations are encouraged.  If 911 service is important to you, Obi supports getting this service from Anveo for only $12 per year.

Interested?  Follow the steps below to get up and running with Google Voice via Obi:

1. If you don't already have VoIP service, run a test to see if the quality of your internet connection is sufficient for a VoIP connection:  http://myspeed.visualware.com/indexvoip.php
2. Determine which Obi is right for you and purchase 
3. Create a new gmail (or Google Apps) account to use with Google Voice (this step isn't necessary if you have an existing Google Voice account/number you want to use).  You can configure this new gmail to automatically forward messages to your existing email account.
4. Sign up for Google Voice using your new Gmail account:  http://www.google.com/voice (I suggest you create a new [temporary] phone number as you can port your number later)
5. Configure your Obi to use Google Voice:  http://www.obihai.com/googlevoice.html
6. If possible, Call Forward your existing service to your temporary Google Voice number.  Make test calls for a few days and see how the service performs.  If you are having audio quality issues, consider enabling/configuring QoS settings on your router
7. Once testing is complete, you can port your existing number to Google Voice.  Do not cancel your existing service, that will happen automatically as part of the porting process.  Unfortunately, Google Voice does not allow you to port land line numbers.  The work around is to port your home number to a pre-paid mobile provider (like TracFone) and then port from that mobile provider to Google Voice.  [I was able to do this for about $40 ($5 TracFone, $5 shipping, $10 TracFone airtime, and $20 Google Voice port fee).  Should you choose the TracFone route, a few helpful tips: 1) you probably don't need to purchase any airtime as you get 10 minutes just for activating 2) when filling out the Google Voice port form, your TracFone carrier will show as the actual network the phone is using rather than TracFone 3) Your TracFone account number is your phone's serial number (also called IMEI)].  Google Voice will notify you via email once your port is complete.
8. If caller ID with name is important to you, follow these instructions to sign up for Simon Telephonics Google Voice Gateway and reconfigure your Obi device. (don't forget to donate)
9. If 911 service is important to you, log into ObiTalk and follow these instructions to setup 911 service.
10. Enjoy your "free" home phone service and Google Voice features

Please let me know if you have any additional tips steps or hints I can add to this list!

Cutting the Cord...Five Months Later

It's been about five month's since we "cut the cord" and cancelled our satellite service.  Overall, I think it's been a great experience and I've not missed cable at all; although my wife may disagree.

The majority of our content comes from streaming services, primarily Netflix & Amazon, but we also utilize a few other sources, including Hulu+.   One thing is for sure, there are plenty of options. The only challenge is getting everyone in the family to agree on what to watch.

Our antenna & TiVo service are important and enable us watch our local stations, including the news, with DVR functionality.  I was really excited about TiVo, and with respect to an over-the-air DVR, it doesn't disappoint.  However, their integrated search and streaming applications leave a lot to be desired.  I was hoping that the TiVo device would be able to handle all of our over-the-air content as well as streaming content, but that wasn't the case.

Another complaint I have about TiVo is how expensive it is to stream your over-the-air content to other rooms and other devices.  You have to purchase additional hardware and pay additional monthly services charges for this service.  At $15 a month for a single DVR service, TiVo is already more expensive than their competitors and I doubt anyone is interested in paying another $10 to $15 a month (plus cost of hardware) just to add DVR functionality to an additional room.

The good news is that there are some very innovative TiVo alternatives out there.  I've got my eye on Simple.TV.  It's a small device that plugs into your home network and your antenna and then streams over-the-air content (with DVR functionality) to your tablets, computers, and Roku devices.  There are a few things that set Simple.TV apart from TiVo.  Both devices cost about the same, but the monthly cost for Simple.TV is only $5 verse $15 for TiVo.  Also, Simple.TV will let you stream to any TV with a  Roku connected to it, and on tablets and computers, both at home and on the road. I look forward to giving Simple.TV a try as my year-long TiVo commitment comes to and end.

Another over-the-air DVR service to keep an eye on is Aereo.  It is only available in select markets, none of which are in Northern California, but essentially provides over-the-air DVR functionality via "the cloud".  What makes it even cooler is that the antenna used by Aereo lives at their data center rather than your house.  This allows people who have trouble picking up TV signals at their house the ability to cut-the-cord and still receive local channels (with DVR functionality) for about $8 to $12 per month.  Aereo can display over-the-air content on Roku as well as tablets, smartphones, and PCs.

So I've talked about some over-the-air DVR options but what about streaming devices?  Apple TV easily has the best interface around but unfortunately, the content is somewhat limited.  My recommendation when it comes to streaming is Roku.  We'd been using Roku all along in our bedroom but added one to the living room as well.  For us, a major advantage of Roku over Apple TV is support for Amazon (both pay-per-view/purchase and free Prime content) as well as a ton of other "channels" like Spotify and iHeartRadio.  Plus, both Simple.TV and Aereo can work with your Roku device to deliver over-the-air content. 

We didn't watch a ton of TV before, but we watch even less now, which is a good thing.   Given our experience so far, we don't plan to go back to cable anytime soon.

My previous blogs on this topic can be found at:
Thinking of Cutting the Cord? (Part 1)
Thinking of Cutting the Cord? (Part 2)

I'd love to hear about your cord-cutting experience and/or questions in the comments.

Thinking of Cutting the Cord? (Part 2)

In my last post, I talked about the why people might choose to get ride of their cable/satellite subscription (aka "cut the cord") and a few options for getting content, including over the air broadcasts and streaming services like Netflix, Hulu+, and Amazon.  This post will focus more on some of the options to get that content onto your TV screen.  This consideration really depends on which streaming services you plan to use and if you will be incorporating over-the-air channels.

Apple TV
It's no secret I'm a bit of an Apple fanboy (ok, maybe more than just a bit of one) but they make a great product.  We have an Apple TV and there is a lot to love about it, especially if you have a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or all of the above.  The interface is great; simple and elegant. Airplay, which is the ability to send content from your Mac/iOS device to your TV can be quite useful. Most people have their music library in iTunes and Apple TV let's you play the library directly from your computer via home sharing and/or play the songs you've purchased from iTunes directly from the cloud.  You can use Apple TV to stream both Netflix & Hulu+ and you can purchase and rent movies/shows through iTunes.  I highly recommend the Apple TV as a streaming device, especially for those with iOS devices, but if you are cutting the cord, I don't think it would make a good choice for your primary streaming device.  Sure, you can get Netflix, Hulu+, iTunes, and more, but it is lacking a lot of other content options provided by other devices.  However, if you have the budget ($99), and have iOS devices, it is a nice addition to your media options.  You can read more about Apple TV at Apple's website.

Roku
While I don't think the interface on Roku can compete with Apple TV it has way more content.  Not only does it have Netflix, Hulu+, Blockbuster, Vudu, and Amazon, it has over 700 more channels worth of content including multiple free movie channels. With all of that content, you are sure to find something to watch. We have a Roku HD in our bedroom and it does a great job of delivering a wide range of options, and from what I've seen, the interface on the new Roku 3 is much improved.   Roku also gives you the ability ability to play songs and display photos from your smartphone on your TV.  If you are doing over-the-air as part of your cord cutting strategy, I can't recommend Roku as your primary device, but if you have the budget ($99), it can make a great addition to your streaming options due to all the extra content it provides.  If you don't care about over-the-air DVR functionality, then I believe this is your best option for streaming devices.  You can read more about Roku at their website.

Boxee TV
Boxee TV takes the basic streaming device and adds support for over-the-air channels. It supports a few different "apps" (services) including Netflix, Vudu (for on-demand movie rentals/purchases), YouTube, Vimo, MLB.tv and Pandora. You can't access Hulu+ content at this point, so if you plan to subscribe to that service, then this may not be the device for you. For $10 a month, you can add on the Boxee TV cloud DVR service and record unlimited over-the-air content and to watch on your TV or on your smartphone/tablet anywhere you have internet access. That is a great feature, but, unfortunately, the Cloud DVR service is only available in eight major metro areas right now. Given the lack of DVR availability and limited content options, the Boxee TV will not be a good choice for most people. However, I think they have a great concept and as content options and DVR service availability expand, this device may become a great option.  You can read more and view market availability of the Cloud DVR Service at Boxee.TV

Tivo Premier
Like Boxee TV, the Tivo Premier takes a streaming device and adds a DVR and guide for over-the-air channels. Unfortunately, there is a monthly subscription fee of $15 which might cause you to shy away from this option. Unlike Boxee, the DVR is built into the device on a local hard drive and can store up to 75 hours of HD content. That should be more than enough for your over-the-air content.  While the Tivo Premier doesn't support anywhere near the amount of content that the Roku does, it supports the streaming services you are likely to care about most. Netflix & Hulu+ content are available for those who subscribe to those services. On demand content may be purchased and/or rented from providers like Amazon and Blockbuster. YouTube is supported, as are multiple music streaming services. Tivo has integrated search that allows you find content and understand your options for viewing it (over-the-air channels, subscription services, or on-demand rental/purchase). I have decided this is the primary streaming device we will be going with. For us, an over-the-air DVR was an important consideration and the ability to do an integrated search should help us easily locate content we are interested in.  We already have a Roku in our bedroom, but may find spending an additional $99 to add one to the family room will complement the great options the Tivo Premier provides.  You can read more about the Tivo Premier at the Tivo webiste.

Other Options
Some other common options for streaming include gaming systems (such as Wii, PlayStation, and Xbox), Google TV, as well as many blu-ray players and Smart TVs. I wouldn't recommend these options for cord cutters as they have limited content options, but if you already have one, it certainly would be a budget friendly approach.

In the end, it really depends on your needs as to which of these devices would be best for you. At this point, my recommendation is Roku for those who don't require over-the-air DVR functionality and Tivo Premier for those who do.  Of course, if your budget allows, adding a secondary device can increase your content options.   Once we "cut the cord" and have been cable/satellite free for a bit, I'll write a follow-up blog to let you know what I think of the experience.

September 2013 Update:  Boxee is no longer an available option and I've written a follow-up post that discusses my experience with TiVo and some new over-the-air DVR options.  You can read more here

Fluoridation Statement

At our February meeting, the OPUD board voted 3-2 to discontinue fluoridation of the water supply in Olivehurst in Plumas Lake.  First 5 Yuba asked the board to reconsider our decision and we did so on 3/21.  After hearing from public on both sides of the issue, and receiving a petition signed by 130+ residents urging us to strop fluoridation, I read this statement:


At previous board meetings I've indicated that my decision to vote to stop fluoridation was not an easy one as the issue is very complex and not black and white.  However, the more time I spend considering this topic, the more black and white it has become for me and the more I believe my vote was the right one.

One area that I believe isn't black and white is the benefit of  fluoridation verse the possible risks.  There are very passionate people and arguments on both sides of this debate.  Frankly, I think the benefit is less than is claimed by some on the pro-fluoridation side while the risk is less than that portrayed by some on the anti-fluoridation side.

What I believe is black and white is the argument that OPUD should not be adding a substance to the water that is used for a medical purpose, especially when there are alternative treatments and residents have approached this board and asked us to stop.  I believe our customers have a right to have water that is fluoride free.  Those OPUD customers who wish to add fluoride to their water have the ability to do so.  Those who want water without fluoride have no easy way to remove it. 

I would support donating the funding we spent on fluoridation to improve dental care for the economically disadvantaged in our community.  However, based on my experience on this board, I anticipate that doing so would be considered "a gift of public funds" and would not be allowed.  Interesting that it is ok for us to spend rate payer money on improving dental health as long as it is done through the water supply and not directly, where I believe it would make the most difference. 

I want to thank the citizens who have stepped up and made your desires and concerns on this topic known to the board, no matter which side you were on. While we received feedback from those on both side of the issue,  I personally heard from far more residents who wanted fluoridation stopped and I hope the board listens to our constituents and upholds our decision last month to discontinue it. 

After directors had an opportunity to comment, a vote was taken and the result was the same as the month before.  Essentially, a 3-2 decision to stop fluoridation.

Thinking of Cutting the Cord? (Part 1)

In 2012, for the first time ever, the number of cable & satellite subscribers in the US actually declined over the previous year. The number of channels available on cable/satellite continues to increase...but so does the cost. Many people stare at a guide with hundreds of channels and realize that there isn't anything on they are interested in. An increase in channels does not equal an increase in value if you don't watch most of them. Sure most of us have some regular shows we record and watch with our DVR but we are getting an increasing amount of the content we watch on our TV via streaming services such as Netflix. This is causing many people to "cut the cord" and rely on streaming services and over the air broadcasts for their TV content. We plan to join them. While there can be some serious savings associated with "cutting the cord" it isn't for everyone and there are plenty of things to consider.

The first is availability of content. While streaming services such as Netflix & Hulu+ have an amazing amount of movies and popular shows you can stream, as well as shows they produce, chances are they don't have current seasons of the shows you watch right now. Hulu+ is the exception and has many recent episodes from the broadcast networks but you are unlikely to find current seasons from cable channels like TNT, Discovery, History, etc. The good news is there is an alternative. You can purchase episodes of most cable network shows on Amazon (and iTunes) for $1.99 an episode. We watch several shows we will have to purchase from Amazon, but will still be far less than our current satellite bill.

If you are like us, you like to watch your local news and/or other live TV like sports from the major networks. For most people, "cutting the cord" doesn't have to mean giving this up. The major networks are still broadcasting their programming and as long as you are within range of their signal, you can get a crystal clear digital picture for FREE, which in many cases is in HD. To get an idea what channels you can get at your house, visit antennaweb.org and plug in your address. You can also get similar information from tvfool.com.

We are just over 50 miles north of the primary broadcast towers for the Sacramento area. It was clear from the research that we would need an outdoor antenna and one that could get both UHF and VHF stations. This is because in the Sacramento area both PBS (6.x) and ABC (10.x) are still broadcasting on VHF frequencies.  Something confusing about the digital transition is that broadcast stations now have virtual channels, such as 3.1, and an associated RF broadcast channel.  For example, KCRA 3.1 (NBC) actually broadcasts on RF 35.  If you want to pick up stations that broadcast on RF channels < 14 you will need an antenna that supports VHF as well UHF.  Otherwise, a standard UHF antenna will meet your needs.

Given our distance and need for both UHF & VHF, I went with the Clearstream 2V from Antenna's Direct. I've hooked up the antenna to test it out and I'm able to pick up ALL the major Sacramento stations crystal clear [3.1 (NBC), 3.2 (MeTV), 6.1 (PBS), 6.2 (PBS2), 6.3 (vME), 10.1 (ABC), 10.2 (ABC2), 13.1 (CBS), 29.1 (ION), 29.2 (Qubo), 29.3 (ION Life), 29.4 (Shop TV), 31.1 (CW), 40.1 (FOX), 40.2 (AntennaTV), 58.1 (MyTV), 58.2 (ThisTV)].

Yuba County is the northern boundary of the Sacramento TV market and by getting a multidirectional antenna, I hopped to pull in a few stations from the north of us as well.  Chico news sometimes provides more coverage of our area than do Sacramento stations.  I expected to get CBS 12.1 and possibly FOX 20.1 from Chico, but was unable to do so.  While the Clearstream 2V is able to pick up signals from the back side of the antenna, it can't do that with the same strength as the side I have pointed toward Sacramento...not to mention my roof is likely blocking the signal from the north.  This goes to show that your mileage may vary from what antennaweb.org says.  It depends on antenna placement, design, and what might be between you and the broadcast tower.

In a follow-up post, I talk about some devices you can use to stream your content and which one I plan to use.

Why I don't support fluoridation of our drinking water

Adding fluoride to the public water supply is a very controversial issue.  However, I believe if you stopped the majority of people on the street and asked them about the topic they wouldn't have a strong opinion one way or the other, but in general would support it because they trust their local water provider and because their dentist says it's a good thing.  One the other side of the fence is a growing number of people who have actually researched the topic and are fighting to have the practice stopped.  I used to fall into the first group of people but now consider myself part of the second.

My local water provider, Olivehurst Public Utility District (OPUD) started adding fluoride to our water in July of 2010.  At the time, I remember some discussion about it on our community forum, and some minor opposition, but I personally thought it was a good idea.  Like most people, I trust my water provider and dentist to be looking out for me.  Why would they do something that may not be in my best interest?  Later in 2010, I decided to run for an open seat on the OPUD board of directors and was elected to represent my fellow residents.  My run for the board had nothing to do with fluoridation, and I didn't think much about it until early 2012 when a friend of mine, who is opposed to the practice, came before the board and requested that it be stopped.  He gave the board a thorough presentation explaining why fluoridation should be ended and provided adequate resources for board members to conduct their own research on the subject.  The board also received presentations from the Yuba County Health Department and local dentists who support the practice.  When the board voted, it was 3-2 in favor continuing water fluoridation.  I cast my vote in favor of stopping it.  In the November 2012 election, one of the OPUD board members who voted to continue fluoridation lost to an individual who ran on a platform opposing it.  As a result, the OPUD board once again took up the topic of fluoridation in February 2013 and this time the vote was 3-2 to stop it.

How could someone who was a supporter of fluoridation no all that log ago vote to end it?  The answer is simple, I researched it and was surprised by what I found out.

As with any controversial issue, there is plenty of information both for and against and it's often hard to know what to believe and what not to. There are claims that fluoridation of the water supply can cause cancer and bone damage.  While I don't deny these are possibilities, I didn't read anything that persuaded me to believe these claims as hard fact.  Also, while fluoride is toxic in large quantities, I believe that at the level it is added to drinking water, it's "likely" safe.  However, many people don't think so and don't want it in their water. It's claimed that the source of fluoride used by most water providers comes from a waste product of the fertilizer industry. While this doesn't automatically mean it's dangerous for consumption, it does point out a reason why there could be corporate financial pressure to continue the practice.  Without a market for this fluoride, it would be very expensive for these companies to dispose of it, as it is considered a hazardous material.

Some additional arguments against fluoridation that I found very interesting and contributed to my decision to vote against it both times include the following:

• Tooth decay rates in many "first world" nations have seen similar rates of reduction over the last 30 years in both fluoridated and non-fluoridated countries. (see graph below)
• The CDC recommends against reconstituting infant formula with fluoridated water (link)
• Prior to 2011, the recommended range of fluoride in drinking water was .07 ppm to 1.2 ppm.  In 2011, the EPA and HHS changed that recommendation to .7 ppm, cutting the previous maximum recommendation almost in half (link).
• Fluoride in the water supply increases the likelihood and severity of dental fluorosis.  (This is claimed to be the primary driver for the two bullet points above).
• Fluoride is the only chemical added to the water for medical reasons; all other chemicals added to the water are done so to make it safe and/or more pleasant for consumption.
• You can't purchase fluoride at a pharmacy without a prescription, yet water providers can add it to the water supply.

I have no doubt that fluoridation of the water supply has benefit, especially in those areas where there is limited access to dental care and it isn't common practice to brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste.  However, I think that the scope of the population receiving benefit continues to shrink while there are many valid concerns with the practice of fluoridation.  As a result, I don't think it is wise to add fluoride to our water supply and I couldn't in good conscious vote to continue doing so.  It should also be noted that while the board heard from multiple citizens requesting that OPUD stop fluoridation, the only people who addressed the board in favor or fluoridation where dentists, none of which identified themselves as residents of the OPUD service area.

The City of Fairbanks put together a task force to study the issue and I think it's a great non-biased report on the topic.  You can read it here.  After receiving the report, that city council voted to stop fluoridation.  It should also be noted that Olivehurst, Plumas Lake & Fairbanks are not the only communities that have discontinued fluoridation in recent years; here is a list of other communities who have also stopped fluoridation since 2010.

I encourage you to do your own research and come to your own conclusion.

How Technology Can Charge You Up

Like many other smartphone/tablet owners that I know, rather than bring my Bible to church and Bible study each week, I use a a Bible app installed on my smartphone/tablet. My Bible app of choice, and the app of choice for pretty much everyone I know is YouVersion. If you have a smartphone or tablet and haven't checked out this app, I suggest you give it a try. It has some pretty great features, including:

• Easily get to the text you want by tapping to select book, chapter, verse
• Support for a ton of translations and the ability to easily switch between them. The iPad version even allows you to view two translations side by side.
• Some translations can be downloaded to your device so you can use them when you don't have a cellular or WiFi connection.
• The ability to add notes to a verse and have them saved in the cloud so you can view them across all your devices.
• Display all verses containing a search phrase.
• Built in reading plans, some with associated devotional text

So what does this app have to do with the title of the blog? I'm not sure about you, but I struggle to spend time reading my Bible on a daily basis. It's not that I don't think it's important...I do. In fact, this last weekend the pastor used a great illustration to hammer this truth home. We all know that our smartphone/tablet must be connected to a power source on a regular basis or it's worthless. It's the same with us. We must charge up regularly by spending time in prayer and reading our Bible. I know this, and have experienced its truth in my life but yet I still struggle.

It's not that I don't have the time, although that is my excuse. It's that I don't make the time. Much like regular exercise, which I also struggle with, if we don't set aside a specific time in our routine to spend time with God, it won't happen.

I have a ~1 hour commute to work in the morning, and I've found that I can use some of that time to pray. I know this isn't the most ideal prayer environment due to the distraction of driving, but I've still managed to have some good prayer times. While I may be able to pray (eyes open) during my commute, it's probably not a good idea to try and read my Bible.

Recently, it hit me there was an easy solution to this dilemma. I don't have a line-in port on my car stereo, but that doesn't stop me from using my smartphone to listen to Pandora or songs that I've downloaded. (Yes,I use one of those cassette tapes from the 90's that was used to connect your portable CD player to your car stereo). I mentioned above that the YouVersion Bible app has some built in reading plans. The word "some" is an understatement, there are a ton of plans, both topical and thru-the-Bible. Many of the translations even include the ability for the app to read the text to you. Starting to see where I'm going with this? I started a plan and let the YouVersion app read me the text through my car stereo. It's working great, and I often find myself letting the app read beyond that day's reading. If you struggle with spending time reading your Bible, why not let the Bible read itself to you on your way to work or during some other regular activity?

Don't have a way to play audio from your phone during your commute? Still, check out the YouVersion reading plans on your smartphone. I'm pretty sure that at least once during the day, instead of checking what your friends are saying on Facebook, you could see what God is saying in his Word.

What do you do to make sure you are getting charged up regularly?