After having 330-273-1336 in service for about nine years, today I killed the number and replaced it with Internet phone service. Fuck you, Verizon!
I don't live in an area where I could transfer the number, but given that 95% of those who call us are telemarketers, who cares. I was paying about $80 a month for the line itself, unlimited long distance, voice mail, caller ID, etc. Now I pay $25 for all of that to Vonage.
It took about five minutes to sign-up online, ten minutes to configure the new router I bought ($80 after rebate, and it includes 802.11g to replace by 'b), and that was that. I made my first IP-based call shortly thereafter. I disconnected the lines from the box on the house, and now the entire house is wired. Done. 911 configuration took about three hours, but it's active now as well.
I just got off the phone talking to a friend for about ten minutes. I can't tell the difference. I can't believe I waited this long. If you want to sign-up, let me know, and I'll give you a referral. I can get two months of free service, so I would appreciate it. :)
I foresee companies like Vonage (mixed with the popularity of cell phones) crippling the current hard-line based phone companies in the coming few years. Unless they figure out a way to compete with what Vonage has to offer as well as the very low price, they will be sunk. Oh, and if I had money, I'd invest in Vonage like no tomorrow.