A Simple guide to VOIP for Cable Broadband Users

bluedove

This guide is intended for cable broadband users who still use BT analogue line to make both UK and international calls via indirect access numbers, forum memebers please add any other options that will help VOIP users. (Bt line user who high volume of international calls can still save a lot using voip).

I migrated to cable BB because my BT line is so poor that I cannot get upto 1MG BB speed, but kept my BT line to use indirect access numbers for international calls and the odd calls to 08 numbers, since setting up VOIP lines, I have ditched my BT line completely.

Hardware needed for VOIP:

For the Hardware needed, you can go for either:
I) VoIP phone set e.g.Siemens gigaset A580 IP here

ii) Analogue telephone adapter (ATA)e.g. Linksys PAP2T here

I mentioned both equipments, simply because they are affordable (about £45 on Amazon), easy to configure and gives the user flexibility, but there are loads of analogue telephone adapters and VOIP phones available on the net and phone shops.
The Linksys PAP2T ATA can be used with a normal telephone handset and can accommodate 2 VOIP lines, which gives the user the ability to make 2 simultaneous calls, but you only need to buy this equipment if you already have a good quality phone set.
The Siemens gigaset A580 IP, is a VOIP/Analogue phone handset, it can accommodate 6 VOIP lines, a fixed analogue line, but can make only 2 calls simultaneously.

VOIP PROVIDERS FOR INTERNATIONAL AND UK CALLS

Here, you have to choose the best providers for your need; you can sign up with 2 or more VOIP providers, for UK and International calls.
Please for UK VOIP provider; make sure the provider you sign up with, can offer the following:
1) Calls to 999
2) Free minutes to test the service before parting with your cash
3) Automatic divert to another line in event of power cut.
4) Incoming number, 0560 numbers are normally free, but 01, 02 and 03 numbers can be rented at about £2.50 per month by most voip providers, though Sipgate still offer 01 and 02 numbers free.
5) Competitive rates to UK and International destinations.
6) Voicemail service (only if you need it)
Heavy users can buy bundle minutes for calls to both UK and international destination numbers, whilst payments are normally via D.C, C.C or PayPal.

DISADVANTAGES OF VOIP SERVICE

1) It won’t work without broadband service
2) It cannot work when there is power cut.
3) The call quality of some VOIP services are not good

ADVANTAGES OF VOIP SERVICE

1) It’s cheap
2) No long term contract
3) No line rental fee
4) Its flexible, users can change services whenever.
5) The PC is not required to be on for this set-up to work.
6) Calls to most European and international destination are free
7) Its PAYG, top up do not expire.

Finally, I did not mention Skype simply because it uses a SIP setting different from other VOIP providers, hence the hardware is not compatible and also some destinations are more expensive on Skype.
I personally use Siemens gigaset A580 IP phone with two VOIP providers; Sipgate and Voipgain.
Sipgate provides me a free 01 number for incoming calls, whilst i use Voipgain for outgoing calls, my incoming VoIP number is set to divert automatically to my mobile in the rare case there is a power failure in my area.
To set up an account, you can start with researching these companies: Voipfone, Voiptalk, Voipstunt, Voipcheap, Vonage, Localphone, mo-call, 12voip, Voipgain, Sipgate.
There are still many out there that I haven’t mentioned.