Best way for a single line fax?

[Boomyal]

For years I have had Comcast cable Telephone (origanally started by AT&T) It uses a technology that Comcast is abandoning. It is being replaced by, you guessed it, a more expensive service using a ?different technology.

Under the old system I have had two incoming lines at a reasonable monthly cost. One I just dedicated to the fax.

The new program will cost slightly more for just one line than I am currently paying for two. Granted, the new service comes with all the features that I opted not to add to my current setup, including any kind of volume long distance. We just used our cell phones for that.

I am hoping to find a suitable setup that will allow us to keep the fax at the constant ready (for autoanswer) using only the one primary line. It's getting kind of rediculous that our combined TV, Internet and Telephone bill is approacing $150.00 month. I certainly do not want to go over that by adding a second line when we are forced on to the new system.

 

[burroak]

Re: Best way for a single line fax?

How about this?

Command Communications 4-Port Comswitch Phone/Fax Modem/Ans Machine Line Sharing Dev.
by Command Communications

Look up on Amazon

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Best way for a single line fax?

My wife used a distinctive ring option that worked out great. You use the same line, but one number has one ring tone and the 2nd a different ring tone. You just train the fax to pick up the proper ring tone.

The only downside is that you can use both lines at the same time..

The other option is to look at one of the internet fax options. These will allow an incoming fax (to their number) to be routed to you via e-mail where you can print or what ever. You could then use your fax as the outbound or go full out and use the electronic outbound. But that is hard when you have hard copy to fax.

 

[i386]

Re: Best way for a single line fax?

What you need is a fax switch Boomy... It will "route the call" to fax or phone for you so you can use one line. It was one of the things the company I used to work for installed for customers. I'm not a phone tech but I did pick up bits and pieces here and there from them (more than they picked up from me hah!). I'm actually supposed to see one of those guys tomorrow and I'll get them to tell me who makes the ones they use.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Best way for a single line fax?

What I am not understanding is the 'ring tone' bit. How does something know if it is a fax call coming in? Sounds like you would still have everyone running for the phone on the initial ring.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Best way for a single line fax?

I use distinctive ring also. Most fax machines have the ability to recognize the difference and answer automatically.

Hardly use my fax anymore. Use mostly email now.

 

[i386]

Re: Best way for a single line fax?

What I am not understanding is the 'ring tone' bit. How does something know if it is a fax call coming in? Sounds like you would still have everyone running for the phone on the initial ring.

Purely speculation, but I think the fax switch picks up and if it hears a fax machine on the other end it sends it over to your fax and if not your phone.