The folks on uk.telecom thought this would be the best group to post
this to....
I have just moved to Orange and have paid the extra £5 to upgrade to
8mb and their VOIP phone service. The trouble is that they can't
give
me a phone number with my STD code so I have an 0845 number. Since
most telecom companies charge a fortune for calling 0845 numbers, I
am
thinking of using my Orange number for outgoing only and take
incoming
calls on my standard BT line.
If I understand the livebox correctly, it performs the VOIP client
functionality (all I need to do is plug a normal phone into the box)
so therefore I can't use a standard VOIP phone in this configuration.
Is this correct?
Does this mean that my only option is to get a 2 line phone? If so,
are there any inexpensive digital cordless phones I can use? I have
checked the posts here for 2 line DECT phones and the solutions seem
very expensive.
On 7 Feb, 09:26, leenow...@yahoo.co.uk wrote:
> Hi,
>
> The folks on uk.telecom thought this would be the best group to post
> this to....
>
> I have just moved to Orange and have paid the extra £5 to upgrade to
> 8mb and their VOIP phone service. The trouble is that they can't
> give
> me a phone number with my STD code so I have an 0845 number. Since
> most telecom companies charge a fortune for calling 0845 numbers, I
> am
> thinking of using my Orange number for outgoing only and take
> incoming
> calls on my standard BT line.
>
> If I understand the livebox correctly, it performs the VOIP client
> functionality (all I need to do is plug a normal phone into the box)
> so therefore I can't use a standard VOIP phone in this configuration.
> Is this correct?
>
> Does this mean that my only option is to get a 2 line phone? If so,
> are there any inexpensive digital cordless phones I can use? I have
> checked the posts here for 2 line DECT phones and the solutions seem
> very expensive.
>
> Any help gratefully appreciated.
>
> Thanks
>
> Lee.
On 7 Feb, 12:54, "Jono" <jmattw...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On 7 Feb, 09:26, leenow...@yahoo.co.uk wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > Hi,
>
> > The folks on uk.telecom thought this would be the best group to post
> > this to....
>
> > I have just moved to Orange and have paid the extra £5 to upgrade to
> > 8mb and their VOIP phone service. The trouble is that they can't
> > give
> > me a phone number with my STD code so I have an 0845 number. Since
> > most telecom companies charge a fortune for calling 0845 numbers, I
> > am
> > thinking of using my Orange number for outgoing only and take
> > incoming
> > calls on my standard BT line.
>
> > If I understand the livebox correctly, it performs the VOIP client
> > functionality (all I need to do is plug a normal phone into the box)
> > so therefore I can't use a standard VOIP phone in this configuration.
> > Is this correct?
>
> > Does this mean that my only option is to get a 2 line phone? If so,
> > are there any inexpensive digital cordless phones I can use? I have
> > checked the posts here for 2 line DECT phones and the solutions seem
> > very expensive.
>
> > Any help gratefully appreciated.
>
> > Thanks
>
> > Lee.
>
> Do you get a SIP address with Orange? - along the lines of
> usern...@orange.voip
>
> If so, you could obtain a geo number from somewhere like voiptalk and
> forward incoming calls to your Orange SIP address.
>
> (I think it's voiptalk that allow you to forward calls to any SIP
> address....)- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
Thanks for your reply.
I don't believe I received a SIP unless there is a standard format
and I just use my broadband username? If I got the number from
voiptalk, would I have to pay for the forward? I know that Orange
charge you per minute to forward calls to that line to another number.
> Do you get a SIP address with Orange? - along the lines of
> username@orange.voip
There are references about to the Livebox using H.323 rather than SIP.
> If so, you could obtain a geo number from somewhere like voiptalk and
> forward incoming calls to your Orange SIP address.
>
> (I think it's voiptalk that allow you to forward calls to any SIP
> address....)
>I have just moved to Orange and have paid the extra £5 to upgrade to
>8mb and their VOIP phone service. The trouble is that they can't
>give
>me a phone number with my STD code so I have an 0845 number. Since
>most telecom companies charge a fortune for calling 0845 numbers, I
>am
>thinking of using my Orange number for outgoing only and take
>incoming
>calls on my standard BT line.
>
That's exactly what I do. You'll occasionally want to use the BT phone
for outgoing calls because the internet phone can sound quite gritty
at times. You might also find that a speakerphone doesn't always work
very well. I assume this is something to do with the delay, because I
can usually hear the other person perfectly but sometimes they don't
seem to hear me until I switch the speaker off. If it's important to
make a speakerphone call, you'll want to keep the BT phone for that.
>
>If I understand the livebox correctly, it performs the VOIP client
>functionality (all I need to do is plug a normal phone into the box)
>so therefore I can't use a standard VOIP phone in this configuration.
>Is this correct?
>
Yes, you plug any standard BT-type phone into the livebox. The same
kind of phone that you would plug into a wallbox. Corded or cordless,
as you please.
>
>Does this mean that my only option is to get a 2 line phone? If so,
>are there any inexpensive digital cordless phones I can use? I have
>checked the posts here for 2 line DECT phones and the solutions seem
>very expensive.
No, another option is simply to use two phones. They can then be used
completely independently of each other.
> Hi,
>
> The folks on uk.telecom thought this would be the best group to post
> this to....
>
> I have just moved to Orange and have paid the extra £5 to upgrade to
> 8mb and their VOIP phone service. The trouble is that they can't give
> me a phone number with my STD code so I have an 0845 number. Since
> most telecom companies charge a fortune for calling 0845 numbers, I am
> thinking of using my Orange number for outgoing only and take incoming
> calls on my standard BT line.
I'd be inclined to be forceful with them and get them to change the
allocated/chosen number. Maybe a code in your geographic area is not
available but, unless that is important for you, surely they have codes
for other areas?
Thinking on: it's pathetic that a major telecoms concern cannot provide
full coverage of the UK number range when much smaller VoIP companies
can.
> If I understand the livebox correctly, it performs the VOIP client
> functionality (all I need to do is plug a normal phone into the box)
> so therefore I can't use a standard VOIP phone in this configuration.
> Is this correct?
You wouldn't replace the normal phone with a VoIP phone/ATA. But a SIP
ATA could solve your problem. There is a suitable one here:
Connect its line input/output and its ethernet port to the Livebox. Get
a geographic number. Set up the ATA to accept calls on that number.
Disadvantages: You pay 27 GBP and let Orange off the hook.
Advantages: You can use VoIP providers other than Orange.
> Does this mean that my only option is to get a 2 line phone? If so,
> are there any inexpensive digital cordless phones I can use? I have
> checked the posts here for 2 line DECT phones and the solutions seem
> very expensive.
No. Here is another option. There is a Livebox forum at
On 7 Feb, 16:07, Brian <b...@o2.co.uk> wrote:
> On 2007-02-07, leenow...@yahoo.co.uk <leenow...@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > Hi,
>
> > The folks on uk.telecom thought this would be the best group to post
> > this to....
>
> > I have just moved to Orange and have paid the extra £5 to upgrade to
> > 8mb and their VOIP phone service. The trouble is that they can't give
> > me a phone number with my STD code so I have an 0845 number. Since
> > most telecom companies charge a fortune for calling 0845 numbers, I am
> > thinking of using my Orange number for outgoing only and take incoming
> > calls on my standard BT line.
>
> I'd be inclined to be forceful with them and get them to change the
> allocated/chosen number. Maybe a code in your geographic area is not
> available but, unless that is important for you, surely they have codes
> for other areas?
>
> Thinking on: it's pathetic that a major telecoms concern cannot provide
> full coverage of the UK number range when much smaller VoIP companies
> can.
>
> > If I understand the livebox correctly, it performs the VOIP client
> > functionality (all I need to do is plug a normal phone into the box)
> > so therefore I can't use a standard VOIP phone in this configuration.
> > Is this correct?
>
> You wouldn't replace the normal phone with a VoIP phone/ATA. But a SIP
> ATA could solve your problem. There is a suitable one here:
>
> http://stores.ebay.co.uk/PcTradeShop...ter-Components
>
> Connect its line input/output and its ethernet port to the Livebox. Get
> a geographic number. Set up the ATA to accept calls on that number.
>
> Disadvantages: You pay 27 GBP and let Orange off the hook.
> Advantages: You can use VoIP providers other than Orange.
>
> > Does this mean that my only option is to get a 2 line phone? If so,
> > are there any inexpensive digital cordless phones I can use? I have
> > checked the posts here for 2 line DECT phones and the solutions seem
> > very expensive.
>
> No. Here is another option. There is a Livebox forum at
>
> www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk
>
> You want to be looking for '2-line switch'.
>
> Disadvantages: You pay about 25 GBP and let Orange off the hook.
> Advantages: Over the first option? None that I can see.
>
> Brian.
To be honest, I don't know enough about this space to know whether the
ebay item would work or not. The broadbandbuyer forum was great and
seems like there are a couple of options but people are having
difficulty getting it working correctly with a switch box.
The second option was to use Dectsys phones with a base station as
they apparently support 2 lines at about £200 for base station + 2
handsets then £60 per handset afterwards.....
>> You wouldn't replace the normal phone with a VoIP phone/ATA. But a SIP
>> ATA could solve your problem. There is a suitable one here:
>>
>> http://stores.ebay.co.uk/PcTradeShop...ter-Components
>>
>> Connect its line input/output and its ethernet port to the Livebox. Get
>> a geographic number. Set up the ATA to accept calls on that number.
>>
>> Disadvantages: You pay 27 GBP and let Orange off the hook.
>> Advantages: You can use VoIP providers other than Orange.
[Another snip]
> To be honest, I don't know enough about this space to know whether the
> ebay item would work or not. The broadbandbuyer forum was great and
> seems like there are a couple of options but people are having
> difficulty getting it working correctly with a switch box.
There is another forum at www.thinkbroadband.com but it may not add much
to what you already know.
The ATA off Ebay is intended to connect to the PSTN by pressing # on the
telephone handset. I am informed that works. If that port is connected
to the Livebox instead one would expect to be able to make outgoing
calls. Receiving incoming calls to a geographic number should definitely
work. If it didn't you would have grounds for returning the unit.
In contrast to the so-called 'intelligent switch' the ATA is a more
saleable item if you were not happy with it. Sourcing it from the UK
should also mean quicker delivery.
> The second option was to use Dectsys phones with a base station as
> they apparently support 2 lines at about £200 for base station + 2
> handsets then £60 per handset afterwards.....
You are seeking a technical solution to a problem caused by Orange's
lack of provision of a geographic number. 25 GBP or so to work round
that may or may not be more tempting than tackling them over it.
On 8 Feb, 19:18, Brian <b...@o2.co.uk> wrote:
> On 2007-02-08, leenow...@yahoo.co.uk <leenow...@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > On 7 Feb, 16:07, Brian <b...@o2.co.uk> wrote:
>
> [Snip]
>
> >> You wouldn't replace the normal phone with a VoIP phone/ATA. But a SIP
> >> ATA could solve your problem. There is a suitable one here:
>
> >>http://stores.ebay.co.uk/PcTradeShop...ter-Components
>
> >> Connect its line input/output and its ethernet port to the Livebox. Get
> >> a geographic number. Set up the ATA to accept calls on that number.
>
> >> Disadvantages: You pay 27 GBP and let Orange off the hook.
> >> Advantages: You can use VoIP providers other than Orange.
>
> [Another snip]
>
> > To be honest, I don't know enough about this space to know whether the
> > ebay item would work or not. The broadbandbuyer forum was great and
> > seems like there are a couple of options but people are having
> > difficulty getting it working correctly with a switch box.
>
> There is another forum atwww.thinkbroadband.combut it may not add much
> to what you already know.
>
> The ATA off Ebay is intended to connect to the PSTN by pressing # on the
> telephone handset. I am informed that works. If that port is connected
> to the Livebox instead one would expect to be able to make outgoing
> calls. Receiving incoming calls to a geographic number should definitely
> work. If it didn't you would have grounds for returning the unit.
>
> In contrast to the so-called 'intelligent switch' the ATA is a more
> saleable item if you were not happy with it. Sourcing it from the UK
> should also mean quicker delivery.
>
> > The second option was to use Dectsys phones with a base station as
> > they apparently support 2 lines at about £200 for base station + 2
> > handsets then £60 per handset afterwards.....
>
> You are seeking a technical solution to a problem caused by Orange's
> lack of provision of a geographic number. 25 GBP or so to work round
> that may or may not be more tempting than tackling them over it.
>
> Brian.
I have been banging my head against the Orange brick wall and all I
get is "we will get the franchise in our area at some point and will
change you over then". I haven't checked but ironically, I assume
they will charge me 10p per minute to call my home number because it
is an 0845 number!!! Customer service from them is poor
You can change your Orange number 4 times in the member centre control panel
for free.
There is a list of UK dialing codes to choose from.
Although your local code is not available now is would be better to be on
another
01 or 02 code for now.
On 8 Feb, 19:18, Brian <b...@o2.co.uk> wrote:
> On 2007-02-08, leenow...@yahoo.co.uk <leenow...@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > On 7 Feb, 16:07, Brian <b...@o2.co.uk> wrote:
>
> [Snip]
>
> >> You wouldn't replace the normal phone with a VoIP phone/ATA. But a SIP
> >> ATA could solve your problem. There is a suitable one here:
>
> >>http://stores.ebay.co.uk/PcTradeShop...ter-Components
>
> >> Connect its line input/output and its ethernet port to the Livebox. Get
> >> a geographic number. Set up the ATA to accept calls on that number.
>
> >> Disadvantages: You pay 27 GBP and let Orange off the hook.
> >> Advantages: You can use VoIP providers other than Orange.
>
> [Another snip]
>
> > To be honest, I don't know enough about this space to know whether the
> > ebay item would work or not. The broadbandbuyer forum was great and
> > seems like there are a couple of options but people are having
> > difficulty getting it working correctly with a switch box.
>
> There is another forum atwww.thinkbroadband.combut it may not add much
> to what you already know.
>
> The ATA off Ebay is intended to connect to the PSTN by pressing # on the
> telephone handset. I am informed that works. If that port is connected
> to the Livebox instead one would expect to be able to make outgoing
> calls. Receiving incoming calls to a geographic number should definitely
> work. If it didn't you would have grounds for returning the unit.
>
> In contrast to the so-called 'intelligent switch' the ATA is a more
> saleable item if you were not happy with it. Sourcing it from the UK
> should also mean quicker delivery.
>
> > The second option was to use Dectsys phones with a base station as
> > they apparently support 2 lines at about £200 for base station + 2
> > handsets then £60 per handset afterwards.....
>
> You are seeking a technical solution to a problem caused by Orange's
> lack of provision of a geographic number. 25 GBP or so to work round
> that may or may not be more tempting than tackling them over it.
>
> Brian.
I have been banging my head against the Orange brick wall and all I
get is "we will get the franchise in our area at some point and will
change you over then". I haven't checked but ironically, I assume
they will charge me 10p per minute to call my home number because it
is an 0845 number!!! Customer service from them is poor
> The second option was to use Dectsys phones with a base station as
> they apparently support 2 lines at about £200 for base station + 2
> handsets then £60 per handset afterwards.....
BT Airway units on Ebay for less. Bit clunky but do have 2-line
functionality for <£100
Help - Phone for Orange livebox and BT line 
Linear Mode
