VOIP Phone Service

Use the internet to make calls, instead of telephone lines with VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). It is an easy and inexpensive alternative to the standard telephone service that is suitable for most Australian households.

What is VOIP, or a VOIP Phone?
VOIP phones carry your calls over a digital line, instead of the old analogue line. VOIP is the next logical step in the phones evolution, is the same way digital TV is replacing the old fuzzy TV signals. VOIP gives you added functionality and a cheaper service.

VOIP is relatively simple to set-up. In most cases you can continue to use your old phone, but instead of plugging it straight into the wall, it needs to be plugged into a VOIP modem/router. The VOIP modem/router converts your analogue signal into a digital one.

What are the benefits of VOIP?
There are a few, but the main benefit is cost.

Firstly, VOIP does not use an analogue signal so you no longer need your Telstra fixed line – that’s an immediate savings of $25 a month.

Secondly, call costs are significantly lower when compared to traditional providers. Depending on the plan you choose, you can also get free local and national calls, and calls from as little as 5 cents to the UK, USA, NZ and other major international destinations. Mobile call rates vary, but are about half the cost of the traditional providers, at around 27c per minute.

Finally, for the tech savvy, VOIP phones allow you to do much more than traditional phones. You can setup conference calls with multiple people on the phone at once, digitally track your previous calls, setup do not disturb and call forwarding functions and much more.

Are there any drawbacks with VOIP?
VOIP phones run over the internet, so they require electricity to work. If the electricity is down, your VOIP phone line will be as well.

VOIP phone services are not required to meet the 000 obligations of fixed line providers either. Though, with 22 million mobile phones in Australia (for 21 million people), most people have access to a mobile in the limited number of times that there is a disruption in the electricity service.

The VOIP phones are slightly more complicated and require some technological knowhow in the setup process. But if you go with the right provider, they will make this a simple process.

Is VOIP suitable for me?
If your household does not use or require a broadband connection, VOIP may not be for you. However, if you currently use, or would benefit from broadband, we recommend using VOIP.

What to buy
We recommend the naked broadband package. Naked broadband is broadband and VOIP combined, without the need for a costly fixed line rental from Telstra. It’s a definite winner.

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