Meatball
ULTIMATE Member
Prompted by a few recent posts, the recent VoIP article by MJ plus a need to find a solution for my father in-law I have sought to compare the UK Voice options for a dedicated home voice line.
Whilst a considerable percentage will just give up the dedicated home line and use mobiles there will still be a number who would wish to retain a service in the home independent of their mobile whether its to retrain their number, use by other household members, emergency or simply nostalgia.
I attach a pdf of my comparison (usual accuracy caveats). Those that have or can manage a particular use pattern will get different results.
The situation is constantly moving so where are we?
Traditional Landline/VoBB
The three main players are charging high call charges and the liability of unexpected and very high call costs is an issue. My conclusion is that unless you are using the line for incoming only (and the discipline to keep to it) or on a call plan they are not advisable.
The BT 700 minute plan will meet most consumer needs and remains competitive.
The unlimited call plans from BT, Sky and VM have increased.
I am not expecting things to change as we move to VoBB as these guys will want to retain revenue. Annual price rises may continue so what they will offer is additional functionality free on VoBB (at least initially).
VoIP Providers
General conclusion is these are mainly focused still on Business. The web sites are downright misleading and there are many hidden costs (beware). An example is Vonage, with its Talk UK, looked good but it doesn’t include calls to UK mobiles which is ever more likely. Hence why I have assumed the worse possible case in UK comparison.
Mobile (VoLTE)
Currently a mobile SIM with inclusive calls is the best. However, Landline number call forwarding costs. Entry level SIMs with inclusive calls from the providers is now around £10/m and the MVNO SIMS are following.
For a dedicated line you need an extra SIM and family/multi SIM offers appear to be being managed out. If you can use an existing mobile whilst at home, then it can be even cheaper. Connect2Cell/Link2Mobile devices are now very rare or old units with heavy postage from the US. I am using my Yealink MP50 and quite pleased with it. It can remember 5/6 mobiles and you can connect 2 at a time.
I am currently retesting old VoLTE routers that previously just dropped to 3G for calls. But I am getting mixed VoLTE results with no connection, o/g only, incoming only or dropped calls. A minefield and I may have to await 3G closure as some appear to be lying to me.
The solution for my 86 year old Father in-law now is to use the Skytalk for incoming only and a Easyfone T200 4G LTE Big Button (beware cheaper 2G) in its cradle for outgoing. Added advantage is he can dispense with his 2G Nokia and take the T200 with him when out and about and put it into his cradle when home. Wife uses her iPhone.
I thought my comparison may be of use if only to trigger thoughts. It shows red where there is a warning and green cell where it’s the cheapest within the type.
Please always check before deciding on a particular supplier and advise if I have misinterpreted.
Sorry attachment too large see link for download (quickest will review)
Updated errors.
Whilst a considerable percentage will just give up the dedicated home line and use mobiles there will still be a number who would wish to retain a service in the home independent of their mobile whether its to retrain their number, use by other household members, emergency or simply nostalgia.
I attach a pdf of my comparison (usual accuracy caveats). Those that have or can manage a particular use pattern will get different results.
The situation is constantly moving so where are we?
Traditional Landline/VoBB
The three main players are charging high call charges and the liability of unexpected and very high call costs is an issue. My conclusion is that unless you are using the line for incoming only (and the discipline to keep to it) or on a call plan they are not advisable.
The BT 700 minute plan will meet most consumer needs and remains competitive.
The unlimited call plans from BT, Sky and VM have increased.
I am not expecting things to change as we move to VoBB as these guys will want to retain revenue. Annual price rises may continue so what they will offer is additional functionality free on VoBB (at least initially).
VoIP Providers
General conclusion is these are mainly focused still on Business. The web sites are downright misleading and there are many hidden costs (beware). An example is Vonage, with its Talk UK, looked good but it doesn’t include calls to UK mobiles which is ever more likely. Hence why I have assumed the worse possible case in UK comparison.
Mobile (VoLTE)
Currently a mobile SIM with inclusive calls is the best. However, Landline number call forwarding costs. Entry level SIMs with inclusive calls from the providers is now around £10/m and the MVNO SIMS are following.
For a dedicated line you need an extra SIM and family/multi SIM offers appear to be being managed out. If you can use an existing mobile whilst at home, then it can be even cheaper. Connect2Cell/Link2Mobile devices are now very rare or old units with heavy postage from the US. I am using my Yealink MP50 and quite pleased with it. It can remember 5/6 mobiles and you can connect 2 at a time.
I am currently retesting old VoLTE routers that previously just dropped to 3G for calls. But I am getting mixed VoLTE results with no connection, o/g only, incoming only or dropped calls. A minefield and I may have to await 3G closure as some appear to be lying to me.
The solution for my 86 year old Father in-law now is to use the Skytalk for incoming only and a Easyfone T200 4G LTE Big Button (beware cheaper 2G) in its cradle for outgoing. Added advantage is he can dispense with his 2G Nokia and take the T200 with him when out and about and put it into his cradle when home. Wife uses her iPhone.
I thought my comparison may be of use if only to trigger thoughts. It shows red where there is a warning and green cell where it’s the cheapest within the type.
Please always check before deciding on a particular supplier and advise if I have misinterpreted.
Sorry attachment too large see link for download (quickest will review)
Updated errors.
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