The thing to remember if you go off the phone grid is that you have no true 911 service. Cell phones are supposed to be able to provide location for emergencies, but I don't think this is very widespread yet. And internet-based phone service like Vonage warns you in the small print that your "911" service is not hooked up to your local 911 people.
SD
Welcome aboard, PINGEE #895.
Thanks! With my severe heart problems that's a good point to remember.
I'd love to go from two phone bills to one, but it's all in the math, plus what you point out. When our year is up with Verizon DSL I'll take a good long look at it.