Telephone/computer software?

[Mark M]

Can someone point me in the right direction please, I need a landline number for my business Im in the process of setting up but was wondering if there is anything out there that I can use PC based so Im not restricted by location?

I do a lot of work out and about and dont have any premises at the moment but if I could use something simliar to sykpe perhaps? to plug in a usb phone no matter where I am then it could be really usefull for me.

I would also need a built in answer phone if thats possible?

Also thinking longer term, is there something that could grow to say 2-5 or maybe more staff who can transfer calls between them or even ring each other?

Ive had a look on the skype website but it doesnt seem to have any info on getting your own number or anything.

 

[PhillyDee]

I would suggest Vonage, I have one for that exact same purpose. But it plugs into my broadband and I plug a standard phone into that. I have no idea if it can be made to work whilst on the move too. Apart from maybe a call redirect to a mobile phone?

 

[marmalade]

I use www.internetcalls.com I find its mostly reliable. I pay 10Euros for 4 months with 5 hours a week free calls to most developed countries. Mobiles and 0845 0870 are chargeable. At the end of 4 months I just use up the 10Euros or whatever is left over and then pay again. I also have a normal Leicester number. I use this on a netbook traveling about ie Sydney in McDonalds or a McDonalds in Bournemouth and of course my number rings wifi or cable connection. I also use it at home - though one must only be logged in once not at several locations. Best check out the site. Oh! there is absolutely no customer service

 

[jbloggs]

I use www.internetcalls.com I find its mostly reliable. I pay 10Euros for 4 months with 5 hours a week free calls to most developed countries. Mobiles and 0845 0870 are chargeable. At the end of 4 months I just use up the 10Euros or whatever is left over and then pay again. I also have a normal Leicester number. I use this on a netbook traveling about ie Sydney in McDonalds or a McDonalds in Bournemouth. I also use it at home - though one must only be logged in once not at several locations. Best check out the site. Oh! there is absolutely no customer service

I use this one as well (for around the last 3 years), also have my own number, which cost me one euro, and using it with a Siemens Gigaset C460IP plugged into a router, but you should also be able to use with VOIP USB hardware, I have found the quality pretty good...

 

[DreXeL]

You can purchase a 'SkypeIN' number from Skype that will allow people to call your Skype from a landline.

 

[Mark M]

I use www.internetcalls.com I find its mostly reliable. I pay 10Euros for 4 months with 5 hours a week free calls to most developed countries. Mobiles and 0845 0870 are chargeable. At the end of 4 months I just use up the 10Euros or whatever is left over and then pay again. I also have a normal Leicester number. I use this on a netbook traveling about ie Sydney in McDonalds or a McDonalds in Bournemouth and of course my number rings wifi or cable connection. I also use it at home - though one must only be logged in once not at several locations. Best check out the site. Oh! there is absolutely no customer service

Sounds great, think I'll give it a try!

What phone do you use? Ive had a look and there seems to be plenty of cheap USB ones kicking about but most seem to be marketed towards skype but assume they would work fine with any software as its only a mic and a speaker really?