On Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at 10:13:52 AM UTC-4, Ken wrote:
wrote:
I help run a homeowners' association and our clubhouse needs a phone as part of its insurance requirements (for calling 911 etc). Landline was costing $33/month and so we're considering ways to switch to a cheap pre-paid cell phone service. Or even no formal service and just rely on the cell phone's ability to reach 911 services.

The problem is: we can't figure out a way to physically secure any type of cell phone (even a cheap old/repurposed flip phone) to be tethered to the wall so that a kid can't just walk away with it. Yes, there's a security camera pointed at the wall, but we still need a physical deterrent that won't get in the way of emergency use. And, of course, it will need to be perpetually plugged into its charger, but there's an outlet nearby so that's not a problem.

Any/all ideas appreciated.

Thank you.
Theodore


Have you considered Vonage? You could have service for $15. I have no
financial interest in Vonage.

https://support.vonage.com/articles/...ing-Plans-9074

I thought of similar, eg Ooma that's VOIP for just $5 a month, but I bet
they don't have cable internet service at the club house either. But I
see a bigger issue, which is this is a bad idea. $33 a month
is ~$400 a year. Since it's a community with a clubhouse, let's assume
it's 40 units. Each unit owner's cost for the existing landline
would be be $10 a year. What's the cost
going to be in terms of insurance rates raised, time lost in endless
meetings, litigation, finger pointing in the community, if someone needs
911 and for whatever reason, the cell phone doesn't work, has been stolen,
etc?