Having a virtual landline

[#1]

Hi.

I'm changing from a traditional broadband and landline over copper arrangement to broadband only over part fibre.

How do I set up a virtual landline?

Ideally I'd like to keep my phone number, but it's not essential.

Very simple explanation please! I'm not tech savvy in this area.

Thanks.

[#2]

1. Wait until your FF has been installed
2. Existing broadband is cancelled by swap over ceasing existing telephone number.
3. Sign up to a VOIP provider and request a port in of a ceased number.
4. Obtain hardware and/or software to attach your VOIP number to

[#3]

@nikkijane7272 

You don't have to lose your number. Once your line has been converted to broadband only you have 30 days to "port" the number to your chosen VOIP supplier.

Have a look at A&A - https://www.aa.net.uk/voice-and-mobile/voip-information/

They have a good FAQ page on VOIP

Brian

[#4]

Can I add to this: can anyone recommend a budget phone and how would I connect it to the router? Via the wifi?

I've googled but I'm not convinced all the phone they are showing me are VOIP.

Thanks.

[#5]

I have my home phone number re- directed to an app on my mobile, so I can now answer it anywhere. Much easier than setting up adaptors to use a conventional phone.

Mark

[#6]

@nikkijane7272 

Depending on who you go with for VOIP they may supply the equipment required.

Otherwise you need to but an ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter) which connects to the router via ethernet cable. Most phones will work with this. What phone do you currently have?

Brian

[#7]

Surely it is not a requirement of VoIP to have a FF connection? FTTC should suffice. Has this not been discussed previously, hereabouts?

[#8]

@pvmb
I misread the OP. They are going from broadband with phone line to broadband only, SOGEA.
In that case, wait until you get confirmation from PN that the swap has been completed and then you have 30 days to port the number to someone who are good with ceased numbers, A&A are great at it. A&A can also sell you hardware reconfigured with the settings if you want to get new hardware.

Go ahead with the change, when you start the port of the number come back and ask for help regarding setting up existing, used or new hardware.

[#9]

@nikkijane7272 As @mystreet1 stated you have to wait until your transfer to your new service is complete and your old phone number is "released" before you can "port" it to a new supplier. That's assuming you want to keep the old number, something your post suggests isn't necessary? You can set up a new VOIP service any time over any broadband connection, even mobile data to a mobile phone. Most suppliers will give you a choice of numbers on your "local" exchange.

What supplier, service and equipment you then go for depends on what you expect/intend to use your VOIP "landline" for; give us a bit of information and ideas will undoubtedly be forthcoming. For many people, given cheap all-inclusive mobile contracts, the requirement is often quite limited.

You don't even need a phone at all if you only need to record incoming calls and make none outgoing. Suppliers such as A&A will just record voicemail messages from incoming calls and forward them by email to wherever you want.

[#10]

It's a panasonic DECT phone of some sort. I don't have the model number to hand but I've had it about 3 years I think.

[#11]

Thanks HPsauce, that's an interesting idea. We mainly use the landline for incoming calls for the business. This is entirely my husbands business, and he has a work mobile, but can't take calls while he's with a client. Possibly a messaging service would do the job just fine for us, he can call back on the mobile when he's out of session. 

[#12]

@nikkijane7272 

If VOIP is not used for outgoing calls then A&A may be the best deal on the market.

Brian

[#13]

@nikkijane7272,

Hardware to use your existing phone can be found on ebay.
An example is https://ebay.us/m/jkRAF5
It will need to be configured for your service. You can get a VoIP number now from A&A to test. You may find that the answering machine service is all you need.

[#14]

Take care that any VOIP device is actually a new full retail product
and not a device that is used and was previously issued locked down by a VOIP provider.

An unusually low price is a clue of a used locked down and totally useless VOIP device.

Have a look on the VOIP providers website ( E.g. A&A ) and you will find installation guides
for various VOIP phones & ATAs that have been tested & work on their service.

Micro SIP Lite is a free & very handy VOIP phone for Windows computer.

https://www.microsip.org/downloads

[#15]

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@pvmb wrote:

Surely it is not a requirement of VoIP to have a FF connection? FTTC should suffice. Has this not been discussed previously, hereabouts?

---

It has. 

That's how it's been for me since migrating from PN to Zen 2½ years ago.