This thread could not have come at a better time. We just moved and our new apartment can be set up with Verizon FIOS for tv/internet/phone or Time Warner for cable. The problem is that they obviously know each other's price, so a basic package for both (HD cable, HBO, basic phone and internet) comes in at (surprise, surprise) about the same price (~$160 per month).

I looked and it appears that we may be able to get Dish TV and/or DirectTV. But not Cablevision and not RCN. Are there other cable TV and/or internet options I'm not aware of?

As for landline: I believe Verizon has the only real landline (not VOIP) in New York. We have struggled with this for years, because they are )(*&#holes - and the cheapest landline we could get (no calling plan, pay for each call, no long distance, no call waiting, etc.) adds up to $25 a month with all the taxes, 911 fees, etc. However, the landline--as I understand it (please someone correct me if I am wrong)--is the only thing that will work in a blackout and/or for 911 calls. As long as you keep a basic telephone (read: one that does not require an electrical outlet to work), you are good.

When the blackout happened a few years ago, everyone's cell phones eventually went dead, but everyone staying at my house (I had several coworkers, as I lived close to the office then) was able to make calls since I had a landline.

And again, my understanding is that VOIP cannot automatically relay your 911position if you dial in (if, say, you are being strangled and can't speak).

That's what I (think I) know...

Regards,
Katherine