Lem wrote:
> I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to VOIP and I would like to ask
> the specialists here for some pointers.
> (1) Is there any cost advantage in me getting VOIP.

VoIP can be a lot cheaper if you want multiple lines/numbers eg to
separate home and business calls, or different numbers for special
promotions or to track advertising.

> (3) As it just so happens I need to get a DECT handset. Is it worth
> getting a DECT handset with VOIP capability (eg single Panasonic
> handset £100 KX-TG9150ES verus non-VOIP £48 KXTG7120ES) or is the
> steep extra £50 for VOIP mainly for convenience rather than for
> economy?

As Brian says, those are for connecting to a computer. Use an Analogue
Terminal Adapter and connect any ordinary phone (or feed the output into
a PBX) or use a proper IP phone that connects direct to your router, and
you won't have to have your computer on all the time. A proper IP phone
can also cope with multiple 'lines' and if you want to have a computer
running all the time you can run Asterisk on it to give you VoIP PBX
facilities.

As you work from home your home will be subject to the Health and Safety
At Work Act and you should consider that VoIP is less resilient than
ordinary telephone service, doesn't work if you have a power or
equipment failure, and may not allow you to make 999 calls (and will not
provide the emergency services with your location automatically) so you
need to carry out a risk assessment and determine whether alternative
provision for 999 calls is needed.

Owain