"news" <news@care4free.net> wrote in message
news:raw1k8FnQVaFFwrj@care4free.net[color=blue]
> I am considering signing up with Gradwell for VoIP, for
> home/small business use.
>
> By far the most important criterion for me is RELIABILITY.
>
> 1. When you pick up the phone, do you always get a dial
> tone?[/color]

Depends on your ATA - dial tone is generated by the ATA not by the
provider.
[color=blue]
> 2. When you dial a number, do you get connected almost
> immediately, or do you have to wait 30 seconds to connect?[/color]

Usually, yes.
[color=blue]
> 3. Do you get cut off in mid-call?[/color]

Not in my experience.
[color=blue]
> 4. Does 1471 tell you the date/time that someone called
> you, as well as the calling number?[/color]

No idea, never used 1471 on Gradwell, but the website status page gives
time/date of made/received calls (although with a short delay, not
immediately).
[color=blue]
> In other words, I'm looking for a basic telephone
> service, as reliable as BT or NTL. A service that has got
> the fundamentals right. A service that understands what
> single-point-of-failure means. The frills can come later.
>
> Experiences of Gradwell anyone?[/color]

I can only speak as a single line customer, in my experience they are
excellent. For the single line service, they offer a 3 month free trial:

[url]http://www.gradwell.com/voip/trial.php[/url]


Ivor