VoIP device question

[RyanK]

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I have been using internet phone through a VoIP device. It is a rental unit but I almost bought one for myself on Black Friday. The only reason I didn't buy it at the end because I wasn't sure how it works.
So let's say if I have my own device, can I keep using my old phone numbers and how do I enter that to the new device? Also, If I pick a new phone number, do I have to register this to some agency/department since apparently no one can just pick up any phone numbers they want?

 

[DaveOke]

I have been using internet phone through a VoIP device. It is a rental unit but I almost bought one for myself on Black Friday. The only reason I didn't buy it at the end because I wasn't sure how it works.
So let's say if I have my own device, can I keep using my old phone numbers and how do I enter that to the new device? Also, If I pick a new phone number, do I have to register this to some agency/department since apparently no one can just pick up any phone numbers they want?

Are you currently using an ATA (you plug a traditional phone into the device)? Who's your current provider?

 

[SONIC]

I have been using internet phone through a VoIP device. It is a rental unit but I almost bought one for myself on Black Friday. The only reason I didn't buy it at the end because I wasn't sure how it works.
So let's say if I have my own device, can I keep using my old phone numbers and how do I enter that to the new device? Also, If I pick a new phone number, do I have to register this to some agency/department since apparently no one can just pick up any phone numbers they want?

It depends on the service you're using for the VoIP. Magic Jack for example will let you keep an existing number if you subscribe to their service.

Why not just DL a free app and get a new number and service for free, there's many to choose from.

 

[ajaxguy]

I need help with this too actually( sorry for the hijack) I want to rid myself of my bell landline, so what would be the cheapest service to do this? is majic jack the only that allows you to use your old number?

 

[SONIC]

I need help with this too actually( sorry for the hijack) I want to rid myself of my bell landline, so what would be the cheapest service to do this? is majic jack the only that allows you to use your old number?

I believe most of them do, I just used Magic Jack as an example. There are free ones that you can run right off your cell phone that allow you to call land lines and land lines can call you.

Why not ditch the home phone all together?

 

[oilycreek]

I need help with this too actually( sorry for the hijack) I want to rid myself of my bell landline, so what would be the cheapest service to do this? is majic jack the only that allows you to use your old number?

I've been using magic jack for 3 years with no problems ever. They have an Android app so you can have your home number with you. Magic cost 39 yr Canadian less then bell and Rogers monthly fee lol

 

[spaceboy]

I need help with this too actually( sorry for the hijack) I want to rid myself of my bell landline, so what would be the cheapest service to do this? is majic jack the only that allows you to use your old number?

I'll be giving voip.ms a try in a few weeks. Most voip providers will allow you to port your number.

 

[nfq]

I've been using telephin voip services for the last while, mostly for overseas calls. Lots of choice out there folks.

 

[DaveTheCanuck]

I've been using VoIP.ms for just over two years now and I strongly recommend them Excellent call quality, very reliable, tons of options to play with, and extremely inexpensive to boot (they actually just lowered their rates this past week).

The only thing is it's not quite a "plug it in and walk away" service. You need to buy your own ATA device and configure it manually, though VoIP.ms does provide some configuration guides for the most popular ATA devices on the market. I personally have an Obi 100.

 

[kmalek]

I've been using freephoneline.ca for almost 2 years now...
No issues at all...
One time $50 fee for the configuration file or $100 for the ATA box and the config.

This is very basic service though... there is no international calling etc, but it comes with voice mail and some other features.

I got it initially as a test, as I have figured that if I pay $50 and it works even just for few months I would already save some money...
My previous provider for the home phone service was Rogers and my monthly bill for pretty much the same service ( no long distance, no int calling etc) was well over $30

 

[FiReSTaRT]

I'll be giving voip.ms a try in a few weeks. Most voip providers will allow you to port your number.

Excellent service, very reliable, great pay as you go service, the only issue is that it has a very powerful set of features which may be a bit much for someone who's afraid of configuring an ATA. I like the fact that it's costing me a buck a month, a cent a minute, so I spend about $3-4 a month total. The powerful interface is a bonus for me as I use quite a few of their features, including having set up a bunch of sub-accounts so I can stay in touch with my family (Europe) and in-laws (South America) for free, love the blacklist (and the fact that it can answer with "number not in service") and the ring groups. Their overseas long distance rates are comparable with budget long distance providers so no issues there. Another good option is Anveo but I've only been using them for outgoing faxes - still, they get lots of good reviews.

I don't use an ATA - I use a cordless SIP phone system (cordless base plugs into my router instead of plugging into a phone jack) - just using fancier handsets than what comes in the box

http://www.gigaset.com/en_HQ/shop/gigaset-c610a-ip.html

Another good option comes from Panasonic but again, it's powerful and can be a bit complicated for a newb
http://www.panasonic.com/business/p...ions/Hosted-Open-Source-Market/KX-TGP500.aspx

Just a note for you newbs out there.. If you can call out but can't receive incoming calls, it's not a service issue. Your router's firewall is doing its job. Most of these devices can be tweaked to work behind a firewall - best bet is to call manufacturer's support, tell them you need help setting it up behind the firewall and opening ports is NOT an option.

 

[RyanK]

I have been using iTalkBB which has a store in Pacific mall, and I am paying like $9/month for local calls. I thought these companies sell us consumers no services but just a rental device called VoIP device which converts voice to IP through the internet.
I thought if I buy my own VoIP device, I could cancel the service and pay $0/month for phone service. All I have to do is plug in the device and connect the device to the internet.
Am I missing something?

 

[FiReSTaRT]

I have been using iTalkBB which has a store in Pacific mall, and I am paying like $9/month for local calls. I thought these companies sell us consumers no services but just a rental device called VoIP device which converts voice to IP through the internet.
I thought if I buy my own VoIP device, I could cancel the service and pay $0/month for phone service. All I have to do is plug in the device and connect the device to the internet.
Am I missing something?

A lot.. If you want a phone number and to be able to dial phone numbers and reach someone, you have to buy service from someone who terminates those calls. Having your own ATA or SIP phone will save you bucks on rental fees but you still gotta get service from someone.

 

[oilycreek]

I have been using iTalkBB which has a store in Pacific mall, and I am paying like $9/month for local calls. I thought these companies sell us consumers no services but just a rental device called VoIP device which converts voice to IP through the internet.
I thought if I buy my own VoIP device, I could cancel the service and pay $0/month for phone service. All I have to do is plug in the device and connect the device to the internet.
Am I missing something?

$9 a month,I pay $29 a year for my magic Jack.

Sent from my LG-D803 using Tapatalk

 

[regder]

I've been using freephoneline.ca for almost 2 years now...
No issues at all...
One time $50 fee for the configuration file or $100 for the ATA box and the config.

This is very basic service though... there is no international calling etc, but it comes with voice mail and some other features.

I got it initially as a test, as I have figured that if I pay $50 and it works even just for few months I would already save some money...
My previous provider for the home phone service was Rogers and my monthly bill for pretty much the same service ( no long distance, no int calling etc) was well over $30

I've had FPL for about the same time frame. Their tech support is an absolute nightmare, thankfully I've only had to call them once. Otherwise the service has been bulletproof

 

[FiReSTaRT]

I've had FPL for about the same time frame. Their tech support is an absolute nightmare, thankfully I've only had to call them once. Otherwise the service has been bulletproof

If you want good tech support from a VoIP provider, you'll need to pay close to POTS (plain-old telephone service) rates. If you wanna save $$$, GIYF (Google Is Your Friend)... You can also ask here.

 

[Fulvster]

Re: VoIP device question-firewall?

Just a note for you newbs out there.. If you can call out but can't receive incoming calls, it's not a service issue. Your router's firewall is doing its job. Most of these devices can be tweaked to work behind a firewall - best bet is to call manufacturer's support, tell them you need help setting it up behind the firewall and opening ports is NOT an option.[/QUOTE]

Can you please expain tht a bit more? Thanks. I am wondering if that is my problem. I have a landline I want to dump. I bought a cellphone for use when in wifi range; it has no sim card and has not been activated. I set up a google voice account, got a new number from it. Also set up groove ip light to use with google voice. I can use the cellphone just fine for outgoing calls; incoming calls ring but I am unable to anwer them. Calls then go to voicemail and I can return them from there. I am hoping to improve this setup though.

Thanks for your time.

 

[FiReSTaRT]

Re: VoIP device question-firewall?

The settings are different depending on the softphone app you are using on your phone. Here is a brief description of what happens.. Your wireless router acts as a firewall, blocking incoming connections and protecting your network that way. The only way a connection is accepted is if YOU open it. That can protect you from hacking and other malicious outside contacts but you can see why sometimes your phone won't ring. Most ATA's, SIP phones and softphones can go around that by sending a packet to your VoIP provider's server from time to time in order to tell your firewall that the connection is still alive and that it should stay open so the incoming calls will keep coming in. Usually the setting is called "NAT keep alive" or something along those lines.

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