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Testing VoIP as a copper landline replacement

Barnet

ULTIMATE Member
Having recently had FTTP installed by an "Alternative Network" I've a few months to run on my landline phone and broadband contract so I need to investigate options for the landline.

We like "traditional phones" so I need something that will make any landline replacement work with the existing instruments.

As a toe in the water I signed up for a Sipgate "starter" account and got Acrobits Groundwire for my phone.

I understand why it is as it is but the whole Sipgate process was a bit confusing.

When I signed up it seemed (from the Sipgate account administration) like the account was functional but actually it only started working once I had got a letter from Sipgate with a code to enter to confirm my address.

This could have been finger trouble with the Acrobits app but I don't think so.

The number I was allocated started with 056. Sadly this wasn't included in the "free" calls for my landline so I had a modest (but unexpected) expenditure in testing the Acrobits app.

I have a spare Draytek router which can act as a VoIP adaptor, so I can experiment with the Draytek but seemingly I will need to remove the Acrobits "phone" in Sipgate to do that as it won't let me add another "VoIP telephone".

The device configuration support for Sipgate was very good in my view although Acrobits didn't quite match what the instructions said (I suspect the app had had a few changes).

Maybe I need a second Sipgate account!

Observations from those who have travelled this route welcomed.
 
Firstly I strongly encourage you to call your current provider and make sure the "emergency" address is correct for that number. Here in County Fermanagh, the local council changed the numbering system for addresses and has led to number ports being rejected!

Then you need to email porting@sipgate.co.uk with the following:

  • the full telephone number you wish to port
  • your current service provider
  • your sipgate account number (You need to have setup and verified your account)
If all is in order your will get a reply with instructions and more information they will need, including how to make the payment.
 
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Thanks @clivejo but I'm a a bit away from number porting. I'm fairly sure my current ISP has the address correct but that is some way in the future.

@kommando828 I'll give that a go.

From what you say, what Sipgate call a "Phone" might be considered to behave like a "line" allowing multiple "extensions" (so one or more of soft phones and a hardware adaptor).
 
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From what you say, what Sipgate call a "Phone" might be considered to behave like a "line" allowing multiple "extensions" (so one or more a soft phones and a hardware adaptor).
Yes, I have multiple devices connected at the same time, gateways, soft phones{apps running on phone and computer) and hardware IP phone.

sip is much more than a line. In the sipgate settings you can create rules. For example you could configure it to forward the call to another number if your devices are offline. Or after a set time period, to pass the call to voicemail. It is very flexible! Also, you could answer a call on one device, (ie your mobile phone) and the other devices can accept and take incoming calls, so family members could use it simultaneously. I'm not sure if you can make multiple outgoing calls at the same time, but can definely take incoming!

What do you mean you were allocated a 056 number? They only give out local numbers like 01 and 02 in my experience?

I used to have a Manchester 0161 but then ported my NI based 028 number over when I got rid of the crappy landline!
 
@clivejo I've currently got 2 allocated numbers, the 056 which does work (but is premium rate) and an 020 number (which won't work from my landline or mobile).

I have the free Sipgate "starter" account and the 056 was what they gave me at signup.

I've been attempting to understand how to get the 020 number to work and it may be that I can only have one "free" number so I've cancelled the 056 (which will take until the end of the month to take effect) so come October I may be able to experiment further.

@kommando828 I've got the Draytek seemingly working and I see two devices registered in the Sipgate account.

Due to a limitation in my first experimental setup, calling the Sipgate test line was a bit tricky but a more modern instrument fixed that!

VoIP.jpg
 
Odd, did you maybe signup for there business account by mistake? I am/was on Sipgate Basic, but I can't see it on the main website any more :unsure:
 
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I am/was on Sipgate Basic
As was I but they upgraded all basic accounts to normal accounts recently, no change to pricing eg all incoming calls are free, just have access to a lot more setup options and information. When you login on their website all should be revealed.
 
"Sipgate basic" has become "Sipgate starter".

It says it's "for one user", although I have two active SIP registrations, and it says it supports parallel calls.
 
Is that the same for Starter / Basic though? Teams is their business offering.

Must admit I don’t really visit the Sipgate portal much other than an occasional balance check / top up. Which happens less frequently than an MoT 🤣
 
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Our A/Cs are both Starter ( originally Basic ).

From reading these comments and looking at the Sipgate portal the process has changed since we registered for Sipgate Basic. The Starter portal now looks to be quite close to the business offerings.

It is mentioned that calling the 020 number does not work.

Assuming the 020 number was a number selected from Sipgate Starter a/c or registration process, check in the Sipgate portal and make sure the 020 number is listed in the section: Telephony --> Edit routing

For our Sipgate Starter a/c with 2 inbound 01206-xxxxxx numbers both are listed on the left side of the routing diagram.

Dialling to either number (routes) inbound calls to the same SIP a/c,
for out bound calls the caller ID can be set to either number.
 
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To update on progress, I raised a support ticket with Sipgate about the non-functional 020 number and the 056 number not being required and within a day the 056 number had been removed and the 020 made to work.

I don't know if it was the 056 that prevented the 020 from working or an unrelated problem.

For a free service I was very impressed with the response of Sipgate and I'm quite inclined to port my "real" number to them when the time comes.

Once I had the 020 working (and also previouslywith the 056 number I think) I had an incoming CLI problem on Acrobits (and potentially on the Draytek if that does incoming CLI) in that it would give my new 020 number as the CLI not the calling number.

Turning off the Sipgate number CLI and switching on "Optimised call information for single-line displays" seems to have fixed that but I need further experimentation on this topic,

Thanks to all for your suggestions.
 
My advice would be to not touch any of the Acrobits settings at all - leave them completely vanilla.

Any CLI settings should be done through Sipgate. You shouldn’t really have to do anything to be fair other than set the number you want as CLI presentation.
 
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