Who Here Uses VoIP?

I'm considering using some kind of VoIP service, and I'm interested to see if any of you are using one?

I'm currently looking at services with an incoming landline number and call forwarding. That would mean that I can get a single number, give that out to clients, and I can then forward that to whichever phone I am closest to, or a central answerphone if I'm unavailable. Sounds like a good plan to me.

DavidH suggested Skype, and it looks quite good. There is a cheap annual fee, but I'd have to pay 1.4p/min for each incoming call, and then it looks like a futher 1.4p/min to have it forwarded to a landline or my mobile. I don't like the idea of being at the mercy of whoever's ringing me - if it's a client then fair enough, but paying 2.8p/min to deal with telesales or wrong numbers makes me want to cry.

So, has anyone had any experience with VoIP? Do you know somewhere who might work out cheaper than Skype, or who may let me pay an up-front rental fee without the added per-minute charges?

Comments

Meri

The other main option I'd heard of was Vonage, although they will forward your calls for free, they do still treat it as a outgoing call.

I don't think you're likely to get around that though mate -- they are all going to want you to cover the cost of using the real phone network. Might just be best to get a mobile number as your primary number and keep the phone with you.

radiac

Ooh, that name rings a bell - thanks, will look into it.

I'm currently just working off my mobile, but don't have brilliant signal in either place I live. I used to use the 'divert to landline' option on Orange, but I kept forgetting to turn it on or off. VoIP seems like the kind of thing I could automate - ie when my machine is off, calls go to my mobile. Guess I'll just have to pay for the priviledge!

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