[plug] VoIP Phones - was ADSL - filters/splitters

[Chris Caston]

On Tue, 2004-06-22 at 23:33, Steve Boak wrote:
> On Tue, 22 Jun 2004 09:17 pm, Chris Caston wrote:
> [...]
> >
> > Let me know if your interested in installing VOIP phones (can call and
> > be called from the PSTN with a normal 8 digit number) that look and act
> > like normally POTS lines except are dirt cheap to operate compared to
> > regular call costs and line rental.
> 
> I'm keen to get VoIP running here as almost all my calls are long distance 
> from the southwest, so what can you offer in that regard?
> 

Actually there's a gap in my knowledge. What are the regular costs for
calling regional areas?

The call rates are available here:

http://www.platinumcalling.com.au/callrates/index.asp?Session=callrates

Local calls are set at 17c. National calls are 13c per minute, of course
many international rates are currently better than this but I'm certain
this problem will be solved as Platinum Calling sets up more SIP proxies
in different states such as Sydney.

If both people are connected to Platinum Calling the call is free.

The main selling point for most people is that it will grant you a
second (or even third) line without paying line rental costs and caller
id. This line has a normal 8 digit phone number. 
There are no costs for incoming calls.

When I first signed up the cost of this number was $5 a month but I
believe it may now be free but I need to check up on that so don't quote
me. 

Call credits are prepaid and can also be accessed through a calling card
service you can use from other peoples POTS phones.

> I'm intrigued that the phone does IP and POTS - can you explain or provide 
> links to appropriate info please?
> 
The phone connects to a local SIP proxy that is connected to WAIX and
from there they have a carrier grade uplink that connects to the regular
PSTN. Although it could and will deliver cheaper rates to make more of
the connections IP based the regular PSTN at this stage is still more
reliable as well as already widely used.

> I guess I'll be needing some sort of exchange software to make this work?
> 

I've tested it extensively with kphone and kphone and it works very
well. The service also works with the free Windows SIP client Xten. 

I myself use a Cisco 7905 that cost me a fair packet but you won't need
to buy one of these. The Grandstream budgetones will be available soon
which are much more affordable.

The SIP phones (and software clients) will traverse NAT and do not
require a static IP address. I do, however, recommend setting up a QoS
based adsl modem, router or Linux box so that other services (such
sending large e-mail attachments and other type of uploading) don't
saturate your uplink during phone conversations.

If you have any more questions please give me a call on the numbers
below. 

regards,

-- 
Chris Caston

Aptitude Technology

Office: 1300 722 146
Mobile: 0422 978 315