I currently work from home have a telewest phone line (complete with
unlimited calls to UK) & broadband via telewest (blueyonder 4mb).
I use my PC currently for Skype & also VoipStunt (which I have to pay 20
Euro per 180 days).
Skype is just few a quick chat between friends etc.
Voipstunt I tend to use when I'm working away via my laptop on a hotel
international connection to call the UK cheaper.
Both are currently PC/laptop dependant.
My dilemma now is that I'm going to get a lot busier due to winning some big
contracts.
My home phone currently is used by all the family, so with more business
calls coming in it would be better to have a dedicated line (and
geographical number) so I can divert it to my mobile if out of the office.
I will be receiving & making calls to the UK, Finland, Brazil, Germany &
Taiwan on a regular basis.
Also I will be visiting these countries & want to be calling back to the UK.
What would be the best way forward for equipment & tariffs to cover my new
needs?
If it helps my broadband connection is currently via a WiFi router as I've
built a new office but the broadband is else where in the house.
My router is a Dlink DI-624. But I'm looking at changing this as I sometimes
get signal drop out due to other routers in my area. Probably going to look
at a MIMO type (but not sure yet).
I would plan on using DECT phones for this service.
Is it possible to have two geographical numbers coming into my one phone?
"Mr.Muppster" <garystacey_THE@OBVIOUS_talk21.com> wrote in message
news:im6Tg.59605$wg.47624@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.u k...
> Hi all.
>
> I currently work from home have a telewest phone line (complete with
> unlimited calls to UK) & broadband via telewest (blueyonder 4mb).
Get a SIP phone like Snom 320 and a geographical number from gradwell.com.
You will get call centre functionality for £7 per month and ability to
divert your number anywhere in the world.
When you out of office, you can even use a softphone and makes calls on your
laptop as if you were at home.
"Darren" <noemails@nobody.com> wrote in message
news:efit0k$ntm$1@emma.aioe.org...
>
> "Mr.Muppster" <garystacey_THE@OBVIOUS_talk21.com> wrote in message
> news:im6Tg.59605$wg.47624@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.u k...
> > Hi all.
> >
> > I currently work from home have a telewest phone line (complete with
> > unlimited calls to UK) & broadband via telewest (blueyonder 4mb).
>
>
> Get a SIP phone like Snom 320 and a geographical number from gradwell.com.
> You will get call centre functionality for £7 per month and ability to
> divert your number anywhere in the world.
>
> When you out of office, you can even use a softphone and makes calls on
your
> laptop as if you were at home.
>
>
>
I believe the problem with something like a Snom320 is that my broadband
connection is in another part of the house & hence why I want to use
cordless DECT phones.
"Mr.Muppster" <garystacey_THE@OBVIOUS_talk21.com> wrote in message
news:B57Tg.59614$wg.3130@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.uk ...
> I believe the problem with something like a Snom320 is that my broadband
> connection is in another part of the house & hence why I want to use
> cordless DECT phones.
Darren wrote:
> "Mr.Muppster" <garystacey_THE@OBVIOUS_talk21.com> wrote in message
> news:B57Tg.59614$wg.3130@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.uk ...
>
> > I believe the problem with something like a Snom320 is that my broadband
> > connection is in another part of the house & hence why I want to use
> > cordless DECT phones.
>
>
> You can still use DECT with voip.
>
> Need one of these:
>
> http://www.voipfone.co.uk/shop.php?m...category&pid=2
"Oldie" <realoldie@googlemail.com> wrote in message
news:1159530338.886986.145260@k70g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> Why not? They've never let me down.
We used them in our office on a 2mb line with 5 phones and we constantly had
unregistrations and call disconnections every few minutes. We troubleshooted
for months and even bought new hardware and got to the point where we even
had BT test the line. We almost gave up and reverted to PSTN lines from BT
but somebody suggested we try Gradwell. I did the most simple setup without
worrying about QoS etc and immediately we had a 100% stable service!
Voipfone has even promised us on-site technical visit. We made staff
available and the guy didn't even turn up.
In article <B57Tg.59614$wg.3130@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.uk>,
Mr.Muppster <garystacey_THE@OBVIOUS_talk21.com> wrote:
>I believe the problem with something like a Snom320 is that my broadband
>connection is in another part of the house & hence why I want to use
>cordless DECT phones.
Go with a pure soft-phone solution (eg. X-Lite) and invest in a decent
USB handset. Then wherever you are, as long as your laptop is connected
to a reasonable broadband service, you'll have a telephone service,
and the handset can travel in your laptop case.
You'll need to register with one of the SIP providers
(eg. Sipgate/voiptalk/Gradwell, etc.) but then you'll have a UK number
which you can make and recieve calls with for as long as you keep the
contract with the provider. You will need to make up new business cards,
etc. to refleft your new business phone number, but this shouldn't be
an issue, I'd have thought.
The number and service will then not be tied to your ordinary home phone
line either, so working from home won't be affected by the rest of the
family's phone use. (And it'll be a separate bill which might make your
accounting easier)
I do something very similar to this using a Tesco USB handset - plug my
laptop in, plug the handset in & I can make and get calls right away.
If you don't use your laptop at home, then you can run the same software &
handset on your desktop system, or even run a WiFi SIP phone.
"Gordon Henderson" <gordon@lion.drogon.net> wrote in message
news:efj4gb$mq9$1@lion.drogon.net...
>
> Go with a pure soft-phone solution (eg. X-Lite) and invest in a decent
> USB handset. Then wherever you are, as long as your laptop is connected
> to a reasonable broadband service, you'll have a telephone service,
> and the handset can travel in your laptop case.
>
> You'll need to register with one of the SIP providers
> (eg. Sipgate/voiptalk/Gradwell, etc.) but then you'll have a UK number
> which you can make and recieve calls with for as long as you keep the
> contract with the provider. You will need to make up new business cards,
> etc. to refleft your new business phone number, but this shouldn't be
> an issue, I'd have thought.
>
> The number and service will then not be tied to your ordinary home phone
> line either, so working from home won't be affected by the rest of the
> family's phone use. (And it'll be a separate bill which might make your
> accounting easier)
>
> I do something very similar to this using a Tesco USB handset - plug my
> laptop in, plug the handset in & I can make and get calls right away.
>
> If you don't use your laptop at home, then you can run the same software &
> handset on your desktop system, or even run a WiFi SIP phone.
>
> Gordon
Thanks, but I'm trying to avoid using my PC as phone exchange otherwise I
may as well stick with VoipStunt.
"mattpark" <admin@ukvoiptalk-dot-com.no-spam.invalid> wrote in message
news:1159534206.759373@ntop.griffin.com...
> "Get a SIP phone like Snom 320"
>
> I concur, i use the 320, great little phone. Runs on a linux core so
> you can tweak the buggery out of them.
>
> Get them cheaper at http://www.snomshop.co.uk
just ordered a headset from there....hope they're good!
"Mr.Muppster" <garystacey_THE@OBVIOUS_talk21.com> wrote in
message news:FR8Tg.59640$wg.40208@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.u k
> "Gordon Henderson" <gordon@lion.drogon.net> wrote in
> message news:efj4gb$mq9$1@lion.drogon.net...
[snip]
> > If you don't use your laptop at home, then you can run
> > the same software & handset on your desktop system, or
> > even run a WiFi SIP phone.
>
> Thanks, but I'm trying to avoid using my PC as phone
> exchange otherwise I may as well stick with VoipStunt.
Use something like the Sipura 1001 (2 line capability, one handset) and
plug in any ordinary DECT phone. You can still use X-Lite or whatever on
the laptop when you travel.
"Ivor Jones" <ivor@despammed.invalid> wrote in message
news:4o4mvkFd2ctbU1@individual.net...
>
>
> Use something like the Sipura 1001 (2 line capability, one handset) and
> plug in any ordinary DECT phone. You can still use X-Lite or whatever on
> the laptop when you travel.
>
> Ivor
>
Thanks Ivor
Sounds a more likely answer - best place to buy?
Can you buy these gadgets unlocked or do I have to buy from my prospective
provider?
Also who's the best provider considering my worldwide calls requirement?
"Mr.Muppster" <garystacey_THE@OBVIOUS_talk21.com> wrote in
message news:rQ9Tg.59688$wg.34122@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.u k
> "Ivor Jones" <ivor@despammed.invalid> wrote in message
> news:4o4mvkFd2ctbU1@individual.net...
> >
> > Use something like the Sipura 1001 (2 line capability,
> > one handset) and plug in any ordinary DECT phone. You
> > can still use X-Lite or whatever on the laptop when you
> > travel.
> Thanks Ivor
>
> Sounds a more likely answer - best place to buy?
> Can you buy these gadgets unlocked or do I have to buy
> from my prospective provider?
> Also who's the best provider considering my worldwide
> calls requirement?
I have to be careful here, recommending providers is a dangerous business
on this group..! I don't make all that many calls, so www.sipgate.co.uk
are fine for me, but their rates may not be what you want for a lot of
overseas calls. Most of my calls are to other users, so they're free. If
you can persuade the people you call regularly to sign up as well, as long
as you're all with the same provider, or ones which have peering
agreements, then your calls will be free also. This is one of the major
advantages of VoIP.
Other people will be along with recommendations I expect.
Darren wrote:
> "Oldie" <realoldie@googlemail.com> wrote in message
> news:1159530338.886986.145260@k70g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> > Why not? They've never let me down.
>
>
> We used them in our office on a 2mb line with 5 phones and we constantly had
> unregistrations and call disconnections every few minutes. We troubleshooted
> for months and even bought new hardware and got to the point where we even
> had BT test the line. We almost gave up and reverted to PSTN lines from BT
> but somebody suggested we try Gradwell. I did the most simple setup without
> worrying about QoS etc and immediately we had a 100% stable service!
>
> Voipfone has even promised us on-site technical visit. We made staff
> available and the guy didn't even turn up.
>
> Darren
"Ivor Jones" <ivor@despammed.invalid> wrote in message
news:4o4qnrFctmmdU1@individual.net...
> "Mr.Muppster" <garystacey_THE@OBVIOUS_talk21.com> wrote in
> message news:rQ9Tg.59688$wg.34122@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.u k
>> "Ivor Jones" <ivor@despammed.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:4o4mvkFd2ctbU1@individual.net...
>> >
>> > Use something like the Sipura 1001 (2 line capability,
>> > one handset) and plug in any ordinary DECT phone. You
>> > can still use X-Lite or whatever on the laptop when you
>> > travel.
>
>> Thanks Ivor
>>
>> Sounds a more likely answer - best place to buy?
>> Can you buy these gadgets unlocked or do I have to buy
>> from my prospective provider?
>
> No you can buy them anywhere, www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk is a good place to
> start.
>
>> Also who's the best provider considering my worldwide
>> calls requirement?
>
> I have to be careful here, recommending providers is a dangerous business
> on this group..! I don't make all that many calls, so www.sipgate.co.uk
> are fine for me, but their rates may not be what you want for a lot of
> overseas calls. Most of my calls are to other users, so they're free. If
> you can persuade the people you call regularly to sign up as well, as long
> as you're all with the same provider, or ones which have peering
> agreements, then your calls will be free also. This is one of the major
> advantages of VoIP.
>
> Other people will be along with recommendations I expect.
>
> Ivor
>
>
What's wrong with using voipstunt? This can be used with ATAs. I use
another provider from that group, voipcheap.com and am happy with it.
However, you may also want to consider inbound calls. If you do not have a
VoIP-in number with VoIPStunt (I believe they stopped doing them recently)
and you need one, then you will need to consider an ATA device that handles
multiple accounts, or find a VoIP provider that does VoIP-Out at good rates
and also a VoIP-In number.
I believe some or all of the Sipura's handle multiple accounts, and
following recommendations from Ivor, I bought a Fritzbox from AVM that is
very good (but a bit more pricey).
If you decide to go the multiple account route, then I would recommend
voipstunt for outbound calls (or voipcheap.com which does good mobile rates)
and use Sipgate for inbound (free number - yes it is free for all those
uk.telecom.voip pedants). You could also sign up for other VoIP accounts to
get inbound numbers in other countries, if this is important to your
business.
If you need reliability, user friendliness and flexible call-handling
features then Vonage is a good choice. It costs a lot for VoIP standards
but is cheaper than an ordinary line. The connection and disconnection fees
are high but the (locked) equipment is included. Gradwell is also highly
regarded for business, and you can use an unlocked ATA with it.
>"Mr.Muppster" <garystacey_THE@OBVIOUS_talk21.com> wrote in
>message news:rQ9Tg.59688$wg.34122@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.u k
>> "Ivor Jones" <ivor@despammed.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:4o4mvkFd2ctbU1@individual.net...
>> >
>> > Use something like the Sipura 1001 (2 line capability,
>> > one handset) and plug in any ordinary DECT phone. You
>> > can still use X-Lite or whatever on the laptop when you
>> > travel.
>
>> Thanks Ivor
>>
>> Sounds a more likely answer - best place to buy?
>> Can you buy these gadgets unlocked or do I have to buy
>> from my prospective provider?
>
>No you can buy them anywhere, www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk is a good place to
>start.
>
>> Also who's the best provider considering my worldwide
>> calls requirement?
>
>I have to be careful here, recommending providers is a dangerous business
>on this group..! I don't make all that many calls, so www.sipgate.co.uk
>are fine for me, but their rates may not be what you want for a lot of
>overseas calls. Most of my calls are to other users, so they're free. If
>you can persuade the people you call regularly to sign up as well, as long
>as you're all with the same provider, or ones which have peering
>agreements, then your calls will be free also. This is one of the major
>advantages of VoIP.
>
>Other people will be along with recommendations I expect.
>
>Ivor
>
I don't think that you'll find cheaper than broadbandstuff.co.uk
@ £37.60 inc VAT
Remove 'no_spam_' from email address.
Skype Free Zone!!
Thus spaketh Mr.Muppster:
> "Ivor Jones" <ivor@despammed.invalid> wrote in message
> news:4o4mvkFd2ctbU1@individual.net...
>>
>>
>> Use something like the Sipura 1001 (2 line capability, one handset)
>> and plug in any ordinary DECT phone. You can still use X-Lite or
>> whatever on the laptop when you travel.
>>
>> Ivor
>>
>
> Thanks Ivor
>
> Sounds a more likely answer - best place to buy?
> Can you buy these gadgets unlocked or do I have to buy from my
> prospective provider?
>
> Also who's the best provider considering my worldwide calls
> requirement?
On Fri, 29 Sep 2006 21:44:46 +0100, Jono <nothanks@blueyonder.invalid>
wrote:
>Brian A pretended :
>> I don't think that you'll find cheaper than broadbandstuff.co.uk
>> @ £37.60 inc VAT
>
><http://www.broadbandstuff.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=740&osCsid=cabbe7e261 e2aa05e568d797f8db7d7b>
>
>Did we, in the end, decide whether it was locked to Orbtalk?
>
Obviously worth checking out before purchase if that might be the
case.
Sorry can't remember the site but I did find a US site that cost about
the same, inc post, as broadbandstuff and someone told me they didn't
get any import duty. Perhaps ATAs are off the radar for customs - if
they can't classify it they may not charge. However, I did investigate
the matter of importation, in general, once. The upshot was that you
can contact customs with the description of the item you want to
import. They will give you a BINDING decision on how much they will
charge. The emphasis on they BINDING is that they can't change their
mind later.
Remove 'no_spam_' from email address.
Skype Free Zone!!
"Aidan Whitehouse" <whitehousemadhouse-2005@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
news:BCdTg.48629$WV2.47474@newsfe2-gui.ntli.net...
> I believe some or all of the Sipura's handle multiple accounts...
Be careful here - when I tried it, I found that everything appeared to work,
but the unit got confused and silently stopped receiving incoming calls
after a while. It's only a software bug and I've told them about it so it
should be fixed eventually, but for now mine is gathering dust (until I get
an Asterisk box working).
"Darren" <noemails@nobody.com> wrote in message
news:efj7mm$jj1$1@emma.aioe.org...
>
> "mattpark" <admin@ukvoiptalk-dot-com.no-spam.invalid> wrote in message
> news:1159534206.759373@ntop.griffin.com...
>> "Get a SIP phone like Snom 320"
>>
>> I concur, i use the 320, great little phone. Runs on a linux core so
>> you can tweak the buggery out of them.
>>
>> Get them cheaper at http://www.snomshop.co.uk
>
> just ordered a headset from there....hope they're good!
ironic...they sell phones but yet they won't answer their own.
Would VoIP be the answer? 
Linear Mode
