What should you ask a provider before signing up?

[mattpark]

What should consumers ask about before signing up for a VoIP service?

Consumers should check the prices of different services carefully. In addition, some VoIP services might ‘look and feel’ like traditional telephone services but may not offer (in the same way or to the same standard) all the features consumers have come to expect from their traditional telephone service.

If you are considering VoIP, ask the provider to explain what their service can and cannot do, before you subscribe. Some relevant questions you may want to ask the VoIP provider might include:

Does the VoIP provider offers access to the emergency services, i.e. 999/112 calls?

Does the VoIP service depend on your power supply? In particular, does the provider offer back-up power in case of power cuts?

If there is a problem with your broadband connection, will the VoIP provider offer a back up to make calls via a traditional (PSTN) telephone connection?

If you call the emergency services, will they automatically know where you are calling from?

What other features such as directory assistance, directory listings and access to the operator, do the VoIP provider offer?

Will you be able to keep your telephone number if you later decide to transfer your services to another provider in the future?

[sm1thson]

some of my conciderations:

-(UK) how much to call 0800, 0845, 0870 etc numbers? -easy to get caught out here!

-does the provider offer caller ID?

[kyron]

well there are a number of things i would ask a service provider if i got the chance again.

1 how often does the service drop out
2 does call line quality decrease over time
3 Who do you peer with. I.e got a old boys sorry ladies for this agreement that stipulates if you call x who is with say plusnet can you call them for free and then can plusnetcall sipgate for free etc I.e no call charges like vop should be.

Long live skype

[alexc]

has anyone ever used barablu ? you can get free mobile calls with it. i was wondering if anyone has used it and if it works? barablu - get free calls on your mobile and make free mobile to mobile calls

[john1970]

First of all the prices, some of them seem cheap but adding up VAT is killing :-(
I know only two providers that does not pass over tax and fees to the customers: adeptotele.com and voipeasy.co.uk

Hope this helps.