Any good alternatives to having a Skype Landline?

icebergx

Hi all,
I wanted to setup a separate Skype Landline number for a business that I run. it'll cost me just £25/yr for this and i figure it adds some credibility to a business, I could still be reached "on the go" and eventually, once I setup an office (one day,) I can still give the number to an employee to answer/respond to, via a Skype hardware phone.
The only annoying thing is, I don't think I'll ever be able to port the number away from Skype if I wanted to, so I thought I'd see if there are any other decent alternatives...

Does anyone know any other good quality VOIP providers which can also offer a landline number for people to reach you on?

Thanks for your help, in advance.

bengalknights

Vonage are quite good and you can port numbers in or transfer out if you dont like the service

Inner_Zone

Sipgate used them for thirteen years now, very reliable.

icebergx

Sipgate looks like a good deal, as it includes free calls to mobile and landline... pretty good for the price, but I only really need it to receive incoming calls, at least at the moment. I have unlimited free outgoing calls on my mobile already.

For £25 per year, Skype works out much cheaper, so I'll probably end up going with them... unless anyone has any other suggestions?

Inner_Zone

I realise a business should use a business level service (is Skype?) but if you select Sipgate basic without a package it is PAYG. So ideal for incoming calls mainly only. That how I use it at home and on mobile and use mobile inclusive calls for outgoing calls.

icebergx

Inner_Zone wrote: »

I realise a business should use a business level service (is Skype?) but if you select Sipgate basic without a package it is PAYG. So ideal for incoming calls mainly only. That how I use it at home and on mobile and use mobile inclusive calls for outgoing calls.

Oh, I didn't notice the basic service... So essentially, the service including the number is free, and I only pay for calls I make. Is that correct?
I noticed they give you the option to register as private customer or business which is good, although I'm not sure if there's any difference between the two. Skype works pretty well on 3g/4g. Is it business level? Hard for me to say but I've never had a problem with it.

Do they ever get annoyed that they don't make any money off you?
How does the smartphone service work? I'll mainly be picking up calls on my mobile.

Thanks for your help.

Inner_Zone

I put credit on the account for the occasional outgoing call or for were I have internet access but no mobile access, credit does not expire.
Smart phone Android use an VoIP app such as CSipSimple or Sipdroid with the Sipgate account (or other) details, CSipSimple works on Edge upwards.

icebergx

Inner_Zone wrote: »

I realise a business should use a business level service (is Skype?) but if you select Sipgate basic without a package it is PAYG. So ideal for incoming calls mainly only. That how I use it at home and on mobile and use mobile inclusive calls for outgoing calls.

Thanks for the input, Inner Zone.
May I just ask, whats the performance/call quality like, especially over 3g/4g? Is it comparable to Skype? I've had pretty good call quality over Skype, over the last few years.

Also, can you set it up so that, if an incoming call can't be taken (e.g. you're on the underground or other non-3g/4g area, will calls divert to some kind of voicemail system?

Thanks again.

Inner_Zone

icebergx wrote: »

Thanks for the input, Inner Zone.
May I just ask, whats the performance/call quality like, especially over 3g/4g?

Been fine for me, but just try it you are not committed.

icebergx wrote: »

Is it comparable to Skype? I've had pretty good call quality over Skype, over the last few years.

Never used Skype so I can't compare.

icebergx wrote: »

Also, can you set it up so that, if an incoming call can't be taken (e.g. you're on the underground or other non-3g/4g area, will calls divert to some kind of voicemail system?

Thanks again.

Yes you can setup divert to voice mail (free) or other numbers (chargeable) and you will get a e-mail with the voice mail (WAV) attached or a text notification (chargeable), you can also dial the voice mail number to listen.

Owain_Moneysaver

icebergx wrote: »

Sipgate... I only really need it to receive incoming calls, at least at the moment. I have unlimited free outgoing calls on my mobile already.

Using Sipgate (or any other VoIP provider) for outgoing calls allows you to present your 'business' number calling line identity, which looks more professional than sending a mobile number, and means that callers who use 1471 caller return will connect back to your business number.

And means you won't get business calls to your mobile number at inconvenient times.