On Tue, 03 Jul 2007 16:43:11 +0100, Owain
<owain47125@stirlingcity.coo.uk> wrote:

>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
I keep a spare mobile phone on at all times for 999 use.
I agree with Linker3000, it is far better to forget about Skype and
invest in a real voip system. When running Skype you have to factor in
the cost of running a computer or you have to buy expensive hardware
that runs on Skype without a computer. Whatever, you are tying
yourself up with a single provider.
Consider voip.co.uk for your UK 01/02 calls using an UNLOCKED ATA.
If you are retaining a BT landline then 18185 are probably the
cheapest for calls to 0845/0870. They are still accessible, via a
geographic 02 or a free 0808 via voip if you choose to drop your
landline (if you have cable broadband).

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