Re: [edlug] SIP Trunk providers and IP handsets -- Slightly OT

[James Robertson <james@xxx.xxx.xxx>]

2009/6/25 David <david@xxx.xxx.xxx>

Is SIP over ADSL/MPLS the way to go?  Is there something else that we should be looking at? 

I would recommend a simply VoIP setup to start with, I use the following:

 - Sip provider: Sipgate (UK)
 - Broadband voice adapter: Netgear TA612v 
 - ISP: VirginMedia (2 MBPS now upgraded to 8 MPBS)
 - Telephone handset: BT Studio 1000
 - PBX: Asterisk 1.4 (running on Ubuntu 8.04)

I chose Sipgate because it's the no. 1 SIP provider in the UK, and it's straightforward to get registered with.  The broadband voice adapter was the cheapest box at the time (< £60)  to allow existing analogue telephone handset to be used as VoIP handsets.  

I only recently added Asterisk (about 18 months) which wasn't essential but if you have time on your hands like myself it will make your  telephone system easier to manage.

I have been with Sipgate now for 3 years and I  can't save I have had a problem with  the service.

I haven't yet listened to the latest podcast from voipusersconference.org however they were talking with the folks from Sipgate, it might interest you.  Here's the link:
http://www.voipusersconference.org/2009/06/sipgate-enters-the-usa-market/

One other good point about Sipgate is that I managed to pick an 0131 number meaning that callers are oblivious to the fact that they are talking to me through VoiIP. :-)

Regards,

James Robertson