In/Outbound SIP/IAX Provider for Testing?

[RatX]

For a work project, I need to get my head around Asterisk + FreePBX, so have been playing at home. After some muddling, I got the two running in a CentOS VM, but need a path to the outside world. I'm with iBurst, so was thinking of signing up for their iCall offering, which seems to be SIP based, but not getting any luck getting signed up - not sure if anybody else is using iCall in this way?

Any recommendations for a provider who can offer reasonable local + cell rates and maybe help me get signed up this weekend still? Extra points for one or two 087 numbers being thrown in. Extra extra points for IAX support to save NAT pain. I might set up some SIP clients on my home PC's + mobiles to get cheaper calls when at home if everything works out, just having difficulty finding a provider.

I know the question crops up here quite frequently and I've Googled, but I'm not really getting anywhere - most of the offerings out there seem to be aimed at businesses. I would preferably like a recommendation from somebody who has tried a couple of the providers. I had a Telfree account some time ago, but wasn't too impressed after some irregularities on my account and it has subsequently lapsed. I'm prepared to pay for the service of course, but hoping for something under R100 per-month + usage.

Thanks for any input.

EDIT: Seek and you shall find, they say, so I did, and found: Wanatel, Dow Networks and Switch Telecom - still seem to be quite business-centric offerings, though...

 

[zamicro]

As you are in a hurry, what about FnbConnect?

 

[RatX]

Thanks zamicro! I didn't even think of that, looks quite promising. Will give it a go.

 

[voipjunky]

iax

Hi
Do FNB offer IAX?
I can suggest connection-telecom who are very good too.

good luck.

 

[RatX]

Okay, didn't get anywhere with FNBConnect - apparently their service is available to current FNB customers and non-FNB customers, but if you're a former FNB customer you need to re-activate your account or something similarly convoluted. I gave up on that idea and after two attempts managed to get an iBurst iCall number. Doesn't help me much right now, because the account details I've been provided don't work, but at least it's a start...

 

[AchmatK]

Connection Telecom. They offer IAX. Cost is R45 per month for one 087 number and R45 per month for a geographic number like 021xxxxxxx or 011xxxxxxx. Its a prepaid service and topups can be done with a credit card or on account on their website and offers realtime itemised call reports of incoming and outgoing call as well as voicemail.