Lowest cost options -Forwarding landline calls to mobile in 2014

Kevaroo62

I need to set up a landline for my business but most often will be on the move...

So I'm looking for the lowest cost options to have a land-line number and forward the calls to my mobile.

(Keen to establish the most cost effective ways to do this in 2014, a lot of the relevant info on the web seems pretty old!)

Many thanks in advance for your suggestions!!

rejsystems

The cheapest option is FREE but it's using voice over internet (VOIP) provided you have sufficient data in you mobile bundle.

I've used sipgate.co.uk which provides a free UK 01 number.

It can be tricky to setup depending on your experience playing with these things.

Kevaroo62

rejsystems wrote: »

The cheapest option is FREE but it's using voice over internet (VOIP) provided you have sufficient data in you mobile bundle.

I've used sipgate.co.uk which provides a free UK 01 number.

It can be tricky to setup depending on your experience playing with these things.

Sounds intriguing! I have unlimited data on my Broadband and also on my mobile bundle so no issues there..

I have limited experience of setting up a VOIP fax number which had some restrictions (some of my international clients weren't able to send faxes to the number due to some kind of Block? Does it charge them more or similar?)

Keen to find out more!

Kevaroo62

@Rejsystems is there no charge for forwarding the incoming calls to a mobile line?

rejsystems

What would happen is the VOIP number would be a seperate landline number, so if you are looking to use an existing number this wouldn't be suitable.

You register with the VOIP provider and in sipgates case you can then select a new personal local number with your area code.

The whole thing runs over the internet so as with having a VOIP application on your phone you can also run one on your PC at home via your broadband.

The best choice is to have incoming calls via VOIP but use your mobile minutes to call back. Sipgate do provide bundles of VOIP minutes for a price but why pay if you're already paying for mobile minutes.

p.s. I'm not in any way affiliated with sipgate I've just used their free incoming line and never paid a bean..
More info here http://www.sipgate.co.uk/user/tour.php

I can't see there would be a restriction as the calling party would just be dialing a normal number. The only problem would be if you lost network conectivity.

Kevaroo62

Thanks Rejsystems,

1 more question: would I get a new landline number and then..

(a) get all the calls automatically subverted to my mobile number for free? (some of the services Ive seen charge a cost/min for forwarding to mobiles - considering some calls can be up to an hour or more that could work out quite expensive)

(b) answer calls to the landline number via online/software on my mobile?

(c) Or would I need to set up a manual call forward to the mobile number suing a VOIP phone or PC software??

(many thanks in advance)

Kevaroo62

I just found this... "The cost of calls will be charged according to the particular tariff. e.g.: You forward a call from your sipgate number to your mobile phone. If you answer the call, you will be charged the tariff according to calls to mobile networks (per minute)" - (9.90 p/min)"...

So the cost depends on how many calls I receive this way I guess. long incoming calls could = fairly big bills.

Are there other options to consider?

rejsystems

Right let me see if I can explain clearly

Registering with sipgate gives you a new local landline number.

This is a completely Internet number VOIP, no real landline involved.

You have a VOIP account that this number is associated with.

You run a VOIP app on your phone and set it up with your account details.

Incoming calls go to the VOIP app using data which would cost if you didn't have unlimited. Another thing to mention is check your network allows VOIP use. The only cost to the caller is a the normal cost to a landline number.

RE your second post, yes it can be pricey to call out on the VOIP but they do do bundles, but personally I'd call people from your normal mobile number and not via VOIP.
With VOIP you basically get 2 lines on one mobile.

Kevaroo62

Thanks Rejsytsems - got it! )

(b) answer calls to the landline number via online/software on my mobile (or PC)

My mobile network is 3G (unlimited data use) so I guess I'll need to check that first to see if they alow VOIP use. If so, this would be perfect.

thanks again

rejsystems

By Jove I believe he has it

As it's free it's not really a worry to give it try!

Bigphil1474

Just to add to the conversation, my stepdaughter has a sip gate number which she has used in Vietnam and Angola - she basically has a local Leeds telephone number wherever she is in the world, and we get free calls on our home phone so can call her abroad for free. Its pretty good, other than the issue if you lose network, then no calls.