VOIP Setup

[#1]

Finally have the option for Full Fibre but will need to keep a landline as it's a rural area with little signal coverage

I know very little about the switch over to digital phone lines and all that so had a fairly simple question

-

Can I setup and transfer the landline to a VOIP before switching to full fibre? or do I have to actually have the new fibre setup first then switch over the landline?

Just unsure on the way it all gets setup

[#2]

Can I setup and transfer the landline to a VOIP before switching to full fibre?

@Robert88 No.

If you transfer before the switch it will cease the landline and the existing broadband. The switch to Full fibre will cease the landline and you then have 30 days to port to voip and retain the number

[#3]

Gotcha

So sort the internet out first then do the landline switch after

[#4]

@Robert88 When you switch to Full Fibre your landline number becomes "ceased" - although you have 30 days to port he number it should be done asap in case of problems, Be aware that some VOIP providers cannot handle (or have been unable to do so in the past) ceased lines.

Other things to consider.

You need to consider (and choose) which VOIP provider you plan to move to before hand.

There will be some downtime in the phone service (only a few days hopefully)

You might need to buy an Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA).

You will need to provide power backup up to the ONT, the router and any DECT phone system you have. Note that FTTP is better than FTTC during extended outages as it (probably) doesn't rely on battery backup.

Does your mobile provider allow WiFi calling - helps with the phone setup.

What is your outgoing phone usage like? This can determine which VOIP provider you go for.

With a good mobile signal I would suggest A&A for VOIP but they don't have call plans so may be expensive if you make a lot of calls. The can (and do) handle ceased lines. Plus they have a good FAQ section on VOIP.

https://www.aa.net.uk/voice-and-mobile/voip-information/

Brian

[#5]

Thanks for the heads up, thats some good information

Only other question I had at the moment would be about the ATA

Do I only need one if i want to use my old phone? If I went with A&A for example and got this Phone Package would that new phone need one?

[#6]

@Robert88 Only other question I had at the moment would be about the ATA

Do I only need one if i want to use my old phone?

Yes. If you go for the A & A phone package then that's all you need.

If you are confident configuring your own voip equipment then look at some of the Gigaset N300 based options here https://ligo.co.uk/search?q=n300&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

They will work fine with the A & A voip ( and others ) and there are many people (including me) on here using them who can help with configuration if you get stuck.

[#7]

@Robert88 

Only comment I can make is that people have previously stated A&A equipment isn't the cheapest option but does come pre-configured.

Brian

[#8]

@Robert88  and if you're happy to go with refurbished kit , then the ligo outlet on ebay is work a look , for example https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285569478061?_skw=gigaset+voip&itmmeta=01JBEYKMRA72GQ9BNJCFAJPSRZ&hash=it...

You could likely pick up used kit on ebay even cheaper

[#9]

@Robert88 

I assume that your preference is to stay with PN and hence have your VOIP with another provider such as A&A.

If you are open to other options, you could consider other providers who do both FTTP and VOIP ( Digital Voce as some term it). There are quite a few out there - BT(who PN can move you to with no Early Termination Charges applied), Zen, Vodaphone etc. Most of the time you just plug your existing analogue phone into the provided router (which has an inbuilt ATA). The advantage is that there are no configuration issues withe the phone, no equipment costs and no downtime whilst you wait for the port to complete; the disadvantage is that you will incur ETCs (some providers may pay those for you) if you are in contract with PN. Charges vary but a lot are competitive with PN. Happy hunting!

[#10]

Thanks everyone for the help and information

It's a lot clearer now

[#11]

We've used Voipfone for many years and they provide a great service including support. Prices start at £5 pm and they do a free trial