VOIP suggestions

[Migalot]

I work from home and currently use a regular BT landline. My main handset is on the second floor and I have three other cordless handsets scattered around other locations (and normally misplaced!). Every room has a CAT6 ethernet socket.

I'm looking to get a VOIP system installed. Want something good and would preferably like to keep my BT number, though that's not a deal-breaker. Can anyone recommend a system to replace what I currently have?

TIA 

[Mr Skrunts]

I just typed into Google. lots came up

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=bt+voip+system

[Migalot]

I just typed into Google. lots came up

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=bt+voip+system

Ye, I did the same. I was really after recommendations/advice.

[Jimbob]

What is your broadband solution? and with whom?
FTTP, or below?

Your whole lot is somewhat tied to your number, and migrating it to a voip provider may well terminate your connection!

I moved house a year or so ago, and as part of that managed to port my old number to sipgate, so I have that number still as a voip number.  Nothing plugged in, just any voicemails come thought to my email.  (I know thats not the bit you are looking for), Point being getting that number away from your current provider into a voip service may / will be awkward, easier with FTTP I beleive but not tried.  Suspect you will have most luck if with an independant ISP, not one of the big boys.

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

I have read that everyone will have to have a VOIP type connection in about 18 months time, as the old copper wire system is being made redundant then.
True or interweb rumour ?

[countrywoman]

True

[VXL V6]

Of course this all relies on BT being able to roll FTTP or SoGEA to every location.... something they currently cannot do

[TheBoy]

I've been using Sipgate for the last 20 years, with few issues, and top it up with a tenner every couple of years.  But I think they are in the process of stopping the freebie accounts, so will have to move.

Seems many Sipgate users are going to Andrews and Arnold now, and when Sipgate get around to kicking me off (I aint paying £15 a month), that's probably where I'll go.


BT will move you to a VOIP solution anyway in the next couple of years or so, as part of the PSTN closure.  I suspect it won't be the cheapest solution, probably the same rates as PSTN

[Mr Skrunts]

BT will move you to a VOIP

Does this mean new equipment like phones and incoming sockets etc  the reason I ask is that I was thinking of having mine moved and with VOIP bering talked about then maybe wangle something on the cheap

[Jimbob]

BT will move you to a VOIP

Does this mean new equipment like phones and incoming sockets etc  the reason I ask is that I was thinking of having mine moved and with VOIP bering talked about then maybe wangle something on the cheap

No, basically a new broadband hub / router that your phone plugs into.  phone network becomes a pure data network at the exchange level so phones will no longer work in an ordinary socket.  nothing to do with fibre, thats just a better way of getting that data network to your house.

[LC0112G]

BT will move you to a VOIP

Does this mean new equipment like phones and incoming sockets etc  the reason I ask is that I was thinking of having mine moved and with VOIP bering talked about then maybe wangle something on the cheap

No, basically a new broadband hub / router that your phone plugs into.  phone network becomes a pure data network at the exchange level so phones will no longer work in an ordinary socket.  nothing to do with fibre, thats just a better way of getting that data network to your house.

And nor will they work during a power cut. Work of the devil if you ask me.

[Jimbob]

BT will move you to a VOIP

Does this mean new equipment like phones and incoming sockets etc  the reason I ask is that I was thinking of having mine moved and with VOIP bering talked about then maybe wangle something on the cheap

No, basically a new broadband hub / router that your phone plugs into.  phone network becomes a pure data network at the exchange level so phones will no longer work in an ordinary socket.  nothing to do with fibre, thats just a better way of getting that data network to your house.

And nor will they work during a power cut. Work of the devil if you ask me.

Indeed, thats causing a bit of a stir, are some backup battery options apparently

[Migalot]

What is your broadband solution? and with whom?
FTTP, or below?

I joined the local authority-backed scheme and, since early this year, I have FTTP with OpenInfra, a Swedish Company. Before that, I was with BT.

Now, here's the strange thing. I have been waiting for OpenInfra to bill me, so I could stop the BT contract, but they haven't. I phoned them and they said, we're not due to bill you until July 24. Well, I said, who is providing me with broadband now? They checked and said "It's us – we'll cut you off". I said, "No, just bill me". "OK", they said.

Nothing heard since....

[ronnyd]

What is your broadband solution? and with whom?
FTTP, or below?

I joined the local authority-backed scheme and, since early this year, I have FTTP with OpenInfra, a Swedish Company. Before that, I was with BT.

Now, here's the strange thing. I have been waiting for OpenInfra to bill me, so I could stop the BT contract, but they haven't. I phoned them and they said, we're not due to bill you until July 24. Well, I said, who is providing me with broadband now? They checked and said "It's us – we'll cut you off". I said, "No, just bill me". "OK", they said.

Nothing heard since....

That's ok for now. But sooner or later someone at their end is going to realise that they haven't been paid for a while and could disconnect you for non payment. it's then up to you to prove that you've been waiting for a bill. 

[LC0112G]

BT will move you to a VOIP

Does this mean new equipment like phones and incoming sockets etc  the reason I ask is that I was thinking of having mine moved and with VOIP bering talked about then maybe wangle something on the cheap

No, basically a new broadband hub / router that your phone plugs into.  phone network becomes a pure data network at the exchange level so phones will no longer work in an ordinary socket.  nothing to do with fibre, thats just a better way of getting that data network to your house.

And nor will they work during a power cut. Work of the devil if you ask me.

Indeed, thats causing a bit of a stir, are some backup battery options apparently

My mum had, and my nextdoor neighbour has, one of those local govt supplied 'panic' alarms - which are basically big red buttons that they hang round their necks and press if they have a fall or somehow become immobilised and need help. These won't work in a power cut. AIUI even if you've got local battery backup they still won't work, because the electronics in the BT cabinates relies on grid power. Your end might be Ok, but their end will be down.