Using a Land Line on an iMac.

[DDevlin780]

I would like to be able to have my land line phone supplied by Spectrum, work on my iMac. Spectrum says it can be done, but won't tell me how because it would involve a named product. Apple Support says it cannot be done. Is there anybody out there the may have a solution.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

And what do you intend to do with the land line? Your iMac doesn't have a modem, so there's nothing you can do with it. Spectrum blatantly lied to you without having a clue about computers from the past decade or so since they've ALL dropped the modem since we moved to WiFi.

 

[chscag]

Welcome to our forums.

Spectrum supplies a VOIP type phone which works thru their modem that they supply. The Spectrum phone works in conjunction with your internet connection. VOIP = voice over internet protocol

Are you asking about having that phone make and receive calls from your Mac? Calls can be made from your Mac by using WiFi but that only applies to an iPhone or an iPad with cellular capability and that are on the same network as your Mac.

The fact that Spectrum won't tell you how it can be done leaves me very skeptical about whether it can be done at all.

Frankly, I would believe Apple before believing Spectrum.

 

[DDevlin780]

And what do you intend to do with the land line? Your iMac doesn't have a modem, so there's nothing you can do with it. Spectrum blatantly lied to you without having a clue about computers from the past decade or so since they've ALL dropped the modem since we moved to WiFi.

Thank you for your reply, it is a little more then, "what do you intend to do with a land line"? I am profoundly deaf. For the past number of years hearing aid technology had options where I could hear my computer in my hearing aids thru an analog input, or answer my cell phone bluetooth, or talk on a land line using bluetooth. The aids can only handle two BT connections at a time.

The companies have eliminated any analog input to the aids. I want to eliminate the handset, and use the computer's bluetooth capabilities.

 

[DDevlin780]

Welcome to our forums.

Spectrum supplies a VOIP type phone which works thru their modem that they supply. The Spectrum phone works in conjunction with your internet connection. VOIP = voice over internet protocol

Are you asking about having that phone make and receive calls from your Mac? Calls can be made from your Mac by using WiFi but that only applies to an iPhone or an iPad with cellular capability and that are on the same network as your Mac.

The fact that Spectrum won't tell you how it can be done leaves me very skeptical about whether it can be done at all.

Frankly, I would believe Apple before believing Spectrum.

Thank You for your reply. Frankly I don't believe either of them. Spectrum said "of Course". Apple said NO. A Nothing answer from both. Check my reply to an early post.

David

 

[Lifeisabeach]

So apparently the ability to use a desktop computer to dial out on a Spectrum landline is a thing. It's called Spectrum Anywhere. And yes, there is a Mac client.

1. Spectrum Anywhere simplifies communications for on-the-go users and remote users by extending the features of a desk phone to any other fixed or mobile device, regardless of the network or handset manufacturer. Callers dial one number and can reach you on any phone the user chooses. A desk phone, cell phone, and/or a soft phone may ring simultaneously. Enjoy voice call continuity with the ability to move live calls from one device to another without hanging up.

Anywhere Connect Desktop - About - Charter Spectrum

Anywhere Connect for Desktop is a native Windows and Mac client for Unified Communications.

learn.uc.spectrumenterprise.net

 

[chscag]

So apparently the ability to use a desktop computer to dial out on a Spectrum landline is a thing. It's called Spectrum Anywhere. And yes, there is a Mac client.

Read his reply to Ashwin. That may be what he's looking for, but I wonder why Spectrum gave him the answer they did?

I probably shouldn't say it but I have had Charter in the past as my TV/Internet provider and they were terrible. They still come around knocking on my door every once in awhile trying to get me to change back to them. They used to be called Charter Communications but upped their name to Spectrum.

 

[Kenney]

DDevin780: Have you asked you Hearing Specialist about options?

 

[harryb2448]

Outside capital cities Down Under, the ultra conservative right wing government with a small 'g' provide a cheap and nasty 'Fibre to the Kerb' with only VOIP service via a $200.00 router purchased at the home owners expence, whilst of course capitals and their electyorates got ultra high speed cable.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

Read his reply to Ashwin. That may be what he's looking for, but I wonder why Spectrum gave him the answer they did?

Yeah, I saw the reply and thought it was straight up odd that they'd be evasive about it. Could be just the one rep. I'd try again for laughs. I would be hesitant to just sign up and get into a contract situation only to find out you aren't getting what one hoped for.

I probably shouldn't say it but I have had Charter in the past as my TV/Internet provider and they were terrible. They still come around knocking on my door every once in awhile trying to get me to change back to them. They used to be called Charter Communications but upped their name to Spectrum.

I have Spectrum internet thanks to Charter having bought out Time-Warner Communications. I have no other practical alternative for internet. And the monthly fees just keeeeep rising. ? I don't have TV service.... had been on satellite for years but finally got the cord cut on that.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

So apparently the ability to use a desktop computer to dial out on a Spectrum landline is a thing. It's called Spectrum Anywhere. And yes, there is a Mac client.

Anywhere Connect Desktop - About - Charter Spectrum

Anywhere Connect for Desktop is a native Windows and Mac client for Unified Communications.

learn.uc.spectrumenterprise.net

Good find LiB and indeed as Sly mentioned, VoIP lines allow you to use your "land line" through the Internet through the use of special apps. That's how services like Vonage works. All the big telcos provide similar "soft phones" for the work environment to allow people to take the call from any connected device, their computer, smartphones and so on without being tethered a physical desk phone.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Thank you for your reply, it is a little more then, "what do you intend to do with a land line"? I am profoundly deaf. For the past number of years hearing aid technology had options where I could hear my computer in my hearing aids thru an analog input, or answer my cell phone bluetooth, or talk on a land line using bluetooth. The aids can only handle two BT connections at a time.

The companies have eliminated any analog input to the aids. I want to eliminate the handset, and use the computer's bluetooth capabilities.

So if I'm understanding your current setup. You have your hearing aids connected to your cell phone and computer over BT. You lose the analog input, but still want to use the landline. OK, in that case the Spectrum Anywhere that LiB found in the post above mine is the path you want to follow.

You would use that app to manage your "land line" connection and make and receive calls on it.

You can visit this site to grab the client for Mac, iPhone and so on. Once installed, you will be able to access your home phone on your computer and on the go if you wish.

Since your hearing aid is connected to these two devices through BT already, you shouldn't have to do anything else other than setup that app and learn how to use it.

 

[DDevlin780]

So if I'm understanding your current setup. You have your hearing aids connected to your cell phone and computer over BT. You lose the analog input, but still want to use the landline. OK, in that case the Spectrum Anywhere that LiB found in the post above mine is the path you want to follow.

You would use that app to manage your "land line" connection and make and receive calls on it.

You can visit this site to grab the client for Mac, iPhone and so on. Once installed, you will be able to access your home phone on your computer and on the go if you wish.

Since your hearing aid is connected to these two devices through BT already, you shouldn't have to do anything else other than setup that app and learn how to use it.

Thank You, I am going to work on that plan. I will repost once I figure it out.

David

 

[DDevlin780]

DDevin780: Have you asked you Hearing Specialist about options?

I get my aids from the VA. They called me last year and wanted to upgrade the ones I have had for several years. 1st. Resound (they are compatible with Coclear implants). They were nice with a great app that controlled them. 2. Phonac with their latest technology, could not get them to work. 3. An older model Phonac. They do what I want but not well.

If I can get the phone line into the computer I can go to the latest version.

I truly appreciate all the responses.

David Devlin