On Fri, 24 Nov 2006 14:58:39 -0000, Tx2
<this.is.an.inv@lid_email_address.com> wrote:
[color=blue]
>
>I currently have a MAXdsl (up to 8Mb) with AAISP, and am looking to
>perhaps 'enter' the VOIP arena.
>
>Currently, our voicecalls are routed via Primus (on our BT rented line)
>and we also use 18185 for certain calls, I.e. international.
>
>We tend to make a mix of local, national and international calls (the
>latter only ever to Cyprus) so I am looking for a cheaper VOIP option
>than our current arrangement.
>
>1. Which company is the market leader for domestic VOIP?[/color]
Vonage is the market leader but don't take that as a recommendation as
to the VSP you should go with. Choose them only if you want an
inflexible but out of the box solution. Imho, they are overpriced.
You do not need to use just one provider.
For uk calls I would recommend voip.co.uk. Vyke.co.uk have a good deal
but there have been no reports posted here, afaik, on the company.
If you are dialling internationally you do not have to choose a UK
based company for those international calls. For example I use an
Australian company for calls to Australia.
Check out the extensive list of VSPs on the sipbroker.com web site.
You might check out the Betamax companies for outgoing
calls...sipdiscount etc. and look at Voipfone too - they are
particularly good on the incoming side as they have a good voicemail
system, 1471, caller display, callwaiting.[color=blue]
>
>2. Are the monthly costs of VOIP likely to be cheaper than Primus/18185?[/color]
I think so yes. However, another advantage is you can forget about all
this dialling of codes, to access different providers, if you use a
Sipura ATA, such as the Sipura/Linksys SPA-3102 you can set up a dial
plan so that the correct provider will be chosen for the type of
number dialled - plus you can set up speed dial numbers - no more
programming of every phone in the house as it is all central. The
SPA-3102 will allow a single incoming number (plus a landline if you
have one) and 5 outgoing providers (plus a landline if you have one).[color=blue]
>
>3. Are the quality of the calls good?[/color]
Yes.[color=blue]
>
>4. Does VOIP use bandwidth which counts towards usage limits insofar as
>the ISP is concerned? (that's perhaps my daft question!)
>[/color]
Yes. The amount used depends on the codec. Typically, for a good
quality connection, it might be 16MB/hour.[color=blue]
>5. Can I use my existing Draytek 2600 router?[/color]
Yes.[color=blue]
>
>6. Can I use my existing DECT cordless phone system?[/color]
Absolutely, no problem, indeed it makes the set up far easier as you
don't have to do any wiring.[color=blue]
>[/color]
Lastly, if you are able to get Telewest then you can have a broadband
only connection and can ditch the landline - however, you should have
a mobile switched on at all times to cater for 999 calls. Voip.co.uk
do cover 999 but if your broadband is down or the power has gone off ,
you'll need your mobile phone.

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