VOIP set up/costs

[Mike W]

Possibly looking at getting a simple 1 user VOIP service. What are the set up requirements? ie. Do I just need to set up an account with someone and buy a phone ...or are there other hardware needs?

 

[cjd]

The only essentials are a broadband connection and a PC/laptop. You can then use a free software telephone - softphone - on the PC. if you do this it's best to use a cheap headset too - shouting at your computer isn't really good business practice.

But you're always much better using a proper hardware telephone - more convenient, always on and far higher quality.

Other than that, you need to find a good business service provider that specialises in small business - one that's a member of ITSPA - and sign-up.

There's no need to sign your life away, these days several telcos work on a paygo basis.

If you're interested in our service, it's best to call us and talk it through - 020 7043 5555 - they're support, not sales. As a UKBF customer you get a month's free trial.

 

[Faevilangel]

^^^ Voipfone are awesome, been with them for 4 years or so now, costs are:

£50-£150 depending on phone you choose
£2 per month per phone number
£10 topup for doing calls, works sames as a payg mobile

There are loads of extras you can add on such as email voicemails, extra lines etc but for a 1 person line,

 

[TPTele]

It is always best to have a think about what you would like a phone system to do for you today and in the future. As a small business you may need your calls to come through to your mobile when you are out and about or make calls from your business number when you have no WiFi access. Some providers offer a Call Whisper feature that can be very useful since it lets you know it is a business call before you are connected, so if you are doing the school run and would rather not speak to someone you can let your phone system pass the call to another user, business voicemail or call answering service.

It is also worth considering how many calls you are likely to make, low cost monthly fees and pay as you go services can work out expensive if you start to make more calls.

If you would like to discuss your requirements please PM me your number and best time to call.

 

[macmacman]

Voipfone are excellent but not maybe as cheap as you thinking once you get going. If you are doing quite a few calls a month eg a couple of hour a day then you'll hit £40 a month in top ups. You can probably get unlimited landlines from BT for £20 a month.

 

[Mike W]

The only essentials are a broadband connection and a PC/laptop. You can then use a free software telephone - softphone - on the PC. if you do this it's best to use a cheap headset too - shouting at your computer isn't really good business practice.

Thanks. Will probably be in touch.

^^^ Voipfone are awesome, been with them for 4 years or so now, costs are:

£50-£150 depending on phone you choose
£2 per month per phone number
£10 topup for doing calls, works sames as a payg mobile

There are loads of extras you can add on such as email voicemails, extra lines etc but for a 1 person line,

Thanks. Did you get your phone through them? I only want a cheap small stand-alone one (use isn't going to be heavy) but their choice seems limited.

Voipfone are excellent but not maybe as cheap as you thinking once you get going. If you are doing quite a few calls a month eg a couple of hour a day then you'll hit £40 a month in top ups. You can probably get unlimited landlines from BT for £20 a month.

Not looking at making loads of calls. More for incoming and not too frequent. Thanks anyway.

 

[cjd]

Our choice is limited to those phones that we're totally confident that will work with all features on our network and won't fall to bits. If you buy them from us we support them, configure them so that they're plug and play and guarantee them.

But if you buy a cheapy off eBay, we'll do our best to make it work for you. The phone must be SIP compliant - not Skype.

We're not trying to sell phones...we make our money selling calls and services - phones are just a necessity.

 

[Faevilangel]

Thanks. Did you get your phone through them? I only want a cheap small stand-alone one (use isn't going to be heavy) but their choice seems limited.

I did and it has been brilliant, at the moment it only uses one phone number but I can easily add more. It cost me about £100 but totally worth it for my current and future use

 

[Mike W]

Our choice is limited to those phones that we're totally confident that will work with all features on our network and won't fall to bits. If you buy them from us we support them, configure them so that they're plug and play and guarantee them.

But if you buy a cheapy off eBay, we'll do our best to make it work for you. The phone must be SIP compliant - not Skype.

Cheap was probably the wrong word I used. I just don't want to spend over the odds as the phone itself is unimportant and unlikely to be used that often.

What's more important is size, so a single handset on a stand would suit me best. You have a few on your site but all are 'coming soon'.

 

[japancool]

I use a softphone client (X-Client) and one of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Plantronics...11341&sr=8-1&keywords=usb+plantronics+headset

I don't have space on my desk for a hardware phone and I do prefer using a headset so I can type.

 

[elisagrace]

First and foremost thing you need to know about your network capacity. Proper LAN set up is required.Without a network, you won't have the infrastructure to use VoIP services. Each and every business has its own internet needs and requirements. Before you switch to VoIP, you need to make sure your current connection can handle VoIP service alongside your current internet use.Small business VoIP systems do need internet connections, but they also need electricity. Have a conventional landline in case of power outage or emergency.With a backup landline, you’ll still be able to make calls.Relatively speaking, a VOIP system will cost between $500 and $ 1,000 per phone.

 

[cjd]

Relatively speaking, a VOIP system will cost between $500 and $ 1,000 per phone.

Eh?

 

[japancool]

Zimbabwean dollars?