Graham wrote:
>> (a) I work at home and have 2 MB cable internet.
> That's a good start
>
>> (b) It is on for about two-thirds of the working day.
> That's not so good. Why isn't it available 24/7?

I suspect it is, it's the PC that's only on 2/3 of the day. But I may be
wrong.

To the OP:
With an ATA or a VoIP compatible router like the FritzBox you plug it
into the cable router and the phone is always available, whether the PC
is on or not. With an ATA you might need a network switch/hub to get
enough connections, but these are cheap.

In my case (Vonage - simple and flat rate per month for 01/02 numbers,
and they supplied the router 'free') I have a router that plugs into the
cable modem and gives me four ethernet ports and a normal phone jack.
You just plug a standard phone or DECT base station in and use it as normal.

The PC isn't involved at all.

>> (c) 90% of my calls are to 01/02 and 0845/0844/0870 numbers.
> But what is the ratio of 01/02 to 0845/0844/0870? Non-geographic numbers are
> bad news however you make your calls.
>
>> (d) I recently an NTL deal for 24x7 free calls to 01/02 landlines.
> OK
>
>> (e) I pay £20-£25 per month just for calls (via 2p-a-min Tiscali).
>
> I don't think I understand that.

Ouch. You can easily do better. You'd have trouble doing worse..

>> ---
>>
>> (1) Is there any cost advantage in me getting VOIP. I think that in
>> my situation I would have to pay to use VOIP, wouldn't I.
> No, at least not in the sense I think you mean.
> You just buy the hardware, probably an ATA, and sign up for
> one or more voip accounts. It' usually free to sign up and with
> some like Sipgate.co.uk you can choose an incoming number
> in almost any UK STD area. All free.
> To make outgoing calls you put credit into the account. Sipgate
> charge per minute for 01/02 calls, you might prefer an outgoing
> provider like voipcheap.com (the one I use) which has a slightly
> different credit protocol.
>
>> (2) What destinations would I be better off using VOIP rather than
>> NTLs 24x7 service?
>
> Arn't you paying a premium in standing charge/line rental for this
> privalage?
>
> If you are calling international destinations that will be an important
> factor in choosing your voip provider. As you will discover there are
> many of these, largely unknown names to the public at large,
> many are owned by the same corporation! But the main difference
> between them is the rates they charge to particular countries.
>
>> (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?
>
> I would recommend you go for an ATA and an ordinary DECT phone.

Ditto. Definitely don't get a VoIP phone. They cost luxury prices and
tie you to a single VoIP supplier, usually Skype.