A Facebook voiceover friend sent me the following query:

“I moved from NY to Minneapolis, a couple of years ago…admittedly, it’s taken some time to find my footing as an out-of-market talent, but things are going well.

Still, I never really had to consider ISDN out East, because I was in the hub of production.

I’m wondering if you have any thoughts on the matter…I know there are no guarantees, but I could use any opinions or advice you might be able to share.”

My response:
Thank you for asking my opinion. Of course I have one. I’d only get ISDN installed if it “pencils out”. Meaning, if you’ve been requested for ISDN sessions so often you’re tired of schlepping to the local studio that has ISDN. You need to feel that having it wil be worth your investment, in the codec (about $5,000.00 new plus the monthly telephone line charge (anywhere from $45-85.00/month) Are you losing more business than gaining it? Also is ISDN available in your area? This is the tricky part. Finding a provider whio even understands what you’re asking for is an adventure all by itself. Fortunately I have AT&T service. Worked first time, and every time.
 
I just had lunch this week with a friend who owns a radio station and uses ISDN all the time. He told me that ISDN installation will probably no longer be available by 2010. Those who already have it need not worry.

That being said , there are codecs being developed that operate via Voip. Guess we’ll  see how it all comes to fruition.