Voip beginner solution-Small business

[minty203]

This is my understanding of VOIP:
A telephone system that runs through the internet.

This is my situation:
I use a cellphone currently to make and receive business calls, but it has become too costly. I need a telephone system that I can use globally (basically make and receive calls remotely). Thus my interest in a voip system and not a telkom fixed line. I use an internet stick with my laptop.

What I seek assistance with:
How do I go about getting a voip telephone and what do I need? It will be for a single user. I've heard that you can use a cellphone using apps on the android/iphone platform to make VOIP calls? Is this true? Do you get dedicated VOIP mobile phones? Or do I need to run it through a laptop/computer with a fixed adsl line? Can I use my laptop? What are costs involved?

I'd appreciate any assistance. Thanks.

 

[Centronix]

There's lots of options there. The easiest and probably cheapest option is to get a sip registration account.
That will allow you to use a software app on your smartphone or laptop similar to viber for an example.

Your service provider will give you a number and password to register with.

I can recommend a service provider if you'd like

 

[BitCo]

I recommend you look at a hosted PBX option whereby you can use any SIP device (Softphone on PC or Application on Smart Phone)
Your SIP Phone will register to the Hosted PBX platform giving you full PBX functionality like Voice mail, Auto Attendant, Music on hold ETC...

You can have a telephone number linked to this account (Port your existing Telkom Line or take a new number) and make and receive calls from wherever you are!

This can also be expanded in future if you have some staff members and you can then also transfer calls between staff and have a single account for all calls.

Many Providers offer a Hosted PBX Application, BitCo offers this solution at R50 Per Extension per month.

You welcome to PM me if you would like a formal quotation.

Regards,

BitCo

 

[minty203]

@BITCO, ILL PM YOU.

@CENTRONIX, PLEASE DO.

THANKS.

 

[Tim the Techxpert]

Hi There,
I have used OTEL through a site called Cheapcall (Yes the site looks cheap and nasty but OTEL is not)
This gives me VoIP from home and out on the road. If you are a one person type business then the hosted switchboard is not necessary but they do offer that as your business grows.
I have used it with an app (3CX) on an Android phone but I can't get the same app on iPhone to work with my current service provider which might be a provider restriction as it works on my iPad which is with a different cellphone provider.

As others have said the choice out there is pretty big. I have been impressed with Otel and their service not to mention the cost.

Regards

Tim

 

[georgegolding]

www.euphoria.co.za have a free hosted pbx package with limitations called the incubator, contact them and ask about it.

 

[Hamish McPanji]

I have 2 phone lines with Fnbconnect.co.za . 1 line was free as an fnb client and the other cost me R50 once off.

They basically give you a sip account with an 087 number. Calls between fnbconnect numbers are free.

I have sip soft phone on my PC, android tablet, Cisco ata and Siemens VOIP phone connected to these account. So no monthly charges, 2 lines and you can calculate the call rates from here : https://www.fnbconnect.co.za/talk-rate-calculator.shtml

 

[rapidblue]

I have 2 phone lines with Fnbconnect.co.za . 1 line was free as an fnb client and the other cost me R50 once off.

They basically give you a sip account with an 087 number. Calls between fnbconnect numbers are free.

I have sip soft phone on my PC, android tablet, Cisco ata and Siemens VOIP phone connected to these account. So no monthly charges, 2 lines and you can calculate the call rates from here : https://www.fnbconnect.co.za/talk-rate-calculator.shtml

Regarding your FNB Connect numbers - do you have multiple devices connected to the same number at the same time? Does that play well?

 

[Hamish McPanji]

Regarding your FNB Connect numbers - do you have multiple devices connected to the same number at the same time? Does that play well?

Oddly enough it works well, but haven't tested extensively.
The reason I got more than 1 number is location based.