Looking for VOIP service

[MathSpire]

We use Office 365 for most communications but we are looking for something for PSTN calls.

Features we would like are:

• Ability to buy numbers (initially 2, more later)
• Make and receive calls over PSTN on computer with good call quality
• Make or receive a call on one computer, and have someone else join (mostly for collaboration with my VA)
• Preferably have access to contacts on O365 or Outlook.
• Reliable

The options that occur to me:

• Microsoft-provided PSTN: seem to be very expensive and targeted at enterprises.
• Non-business Skype
• SIP is possible. I have used Counterpath Bria for personal use in the past and it worked well although tricky to set up.

Any opinions or other options we should consider?

 

[karmacomputing]

Might be a misunderstanding on what you mean by "PSTN on computer" but there's little need to require a POTS (Plain old telephone service) in the mix which is what is sounds like your're asking for. You'll find a lot more flexibility with SIP generally.

The only specific requirements (those mentioned at least) to check would be:

1. Make or receive a call on one computer, and have someone else join (mostly for collaboration with my VA)
2. Have access to contacts on O365 or Outlook

Point two is probably the most use-case specific, the rest are pretty general requirements.

 

[MathSpire]

Thanks both. I think I will go with SIP. I do have an SIP number already (AAISP) but am not yet using it. Otherwise I would definitely consider voipphone. I hope it works as unfortunately my internet (university) still has not fully rolled out IPv6 and I remember that the dreaded NAT which is needed for IPv4 can cause problems for SIP.

 

[cjd]

I think you're a bit confused. SIP is session initiation protocol, it's a technology used by all VoIP companies (except Skype). It's the international standard for internet based telephony.

Also you don't need IP6 for VoIP and you don't need to worry about NAT anymore.

You can test it all for free with no commitment to anything if you want to have a play.

 

[KM-Tiger]

Also you don't need IP6 for VoIP and you don't need to worry about NAT anymore.

Yes, NAT is a lot less of a problem with VOIP than it used to be.

AAISP (who are are first rate provider, BTW) do take a pessimistic view, saying in effect that all bets are off if you are using NAT with VOIP. My experience in practice is that SIP to Voipfone via an A&A broadband connection works just fine.

 

[GraemeL]

I can recommend voipfone from @cjd . Excellent product and great service.

Graeme

 

[Paul Murray]

I've been using Voipfone for a couple of years with no problems.

 

[Russ Michaels]

Been using gradwell dot com for many years, no complaints, always a good and reliable service. If I ever had cause to change, I would probably give Zen Internet a go, as I use them for my broadband and phone line, and they have consistently been great.

 

[Page]

BT do their icloud offering

I have no idea if it represents value for money nor how it compares with offering such as voipfone

Maybe he would enlighten us because they keep on phoning me up and I have some voipfone numbers that I use in a non standard way