[PLUG] VoIP question

[Ted Mittelstaedt]

Yes.

Hand's down the easiest way to preserve a "residential landline" is to go to
https://www.vonageforhome.com/

You can see the box here:

https://www.vonageforhome.com/why-vonage/

And on the description:

"Simply plug the device into your router, then into your phone."

When you sign up with them they will ask you if you want to do a "number
port" you put in your Ziply land-line telephone number, and they will port
that number to your service with them.   Once all that's working, then you
contact Ziply and tell them you want to turn off your telephone service and
just keep the Internet service only.   The number port may have already
triggered that.

There ARE cheaper VoIP providers and if you want to get fancy you can setup
a FreePBX Asterisk based server and register a SIP trunk right into it.  Or
just buy a VoIP phone, and find a SIP provider on the Internet you can pay
to register your phone into.

But to use any of your "old school" POTs phones you would still need a FXO
device (which is what the Vonage box is)

The reason I recommend Vonage to newbies to VoIP is that they are the
largest, have a technical support number, and are sort of like Consumer
Cellular in that they cater to the KISS crowd.

As for getting rid of the $15 a month Ziply charge you need to find out if
they are charging you "rent" on the "ONT" (Optical Network Terminal) since
that device is mandatory for Ziply, in order to keep Ziply fiber you would
need to continue paying for this even if you cancel phone service with them.

Please post your results to the list!   It's been a while since I've checked
up on what Ziply does on the Residential accounts.

Ted

-----Original Message-----
From: PLUG <plug-bounces at lists.pdxlinux.org> On Behalf Of Rich Shepard
Sent: Tuesday, February 4, 2025 9:02 AM
To: plug at pdxlinux.org
Subject: [PLUG] VoIP question

I just discovered that the ZiplyFiber router/modem installed (separate from
my Ubiquti Edge router and LAN switch) when the phone was converted from
copper to VoIP costs me $15/month rent for what the company calls "Business
Network Services". That's more than the taxes on copper phone lines.

Knowing nothing about VoIP I ask if there's an analog voice (land line
phone) to digital converter that I can connect to my switch (or directly to
the router) to replace this rented unit? The Ziply installer told me he
turned off the WiFi capability of their modem because I already have a
working WAP.

Advice appreciated,

Rich