[djaco]

You are correct that there are no uptime regs for VoIP with the FCC, and that it will not work if your power or internet connection is down. As far as security goes, our government currently has access to all landline phone calls via wiretapping. They are really pushing for this access with VoIP, but right now they cannot listen in on VoIP calls. Since VoIP uses internet, it is inherently not as secure as PSTN lines. As do most people, I have a cell phone - which is my backup phone service in the event VoIP is not working due to power outage or whatever. The biggest advantage to using VoIP is the price, and although there are some drawbacks as you mention - to me these are ok considering all the money I am saving. VoIP isn't for everyone, but if you make a lot of long distance calls as I do, it's the best thing going!