Am I about to overpay for phone service?

[Diggs]

Thanks for this! I never knew about the OBI200, and I have been looking for a solution to integrate my Google Voice # with analog phones in the shop. This is perfect!

First I've seen of the OBI200 also. Very cool. But how do you point GV away from it when out of the shop? Meaning I have GV now and it follows me because I don't tie it to one phone. When I'm in the shop it rings there, when mobile it rings there, when at home it rings there. How do you have GV not ring the OBI200 and follow you when you are not there?

 

[Your PCMD]

The problem with the OBI200 is that you will be charged $20 by Obihai per year to keep using this device for VoIP after the first year of service. Although that is still way cheaper than a monthly service.

 

[Diggs]

The problem with the OBI200 is that you will be charged $20 by Obihai per year to keep using this device for VoIP after the first year of service. Although that is still way cheaper than a monthly service.

Ahhh - That's what I pay for the MagicJack(s) that I run my GV into. (MagicJack also gives me a truly hidden and unregistered number.)

 

[E Bell]

The problem with the OBI200 is that you will be charged $20 by Obihai per year to keep using this device for VoIP after the first year of service. Although that is still way cheaper than a monthly service.

Not sure where you got this information, but it isn't 100% correct...at least not while integrated with Google Voice. I've been using the OBi202 ($79.90 on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/OBi202-2-Port-Adapter-Support-Service/dp/B007D930YO) for a few years now and pay no recurring fees. The 202 has 2 lines, I use one for voice and one for fax. They do have OBiExtras ($5/mo or $40/yr) providing additional capability; however, it is not a requirement.

I got rid of my MagicJack when I purchase the Obi202.

But how do you point GV away from it when out of the shop?

You will configure your Google Voice for "follow-me" and out-of-office settings. I have mine configured where every call rings the OBi device and my cell phone.

The device also works as a router or wireless bridge (which is how I have mine configured). Very impressive device for the cost and ability. Let me know if any of you have any additional questions.

On another note, their Obi1000 (IP phone) device works in conjunction with RingCentral.

 

[Larry Frazier]

I have been using the Sideline Android app. It's $9.99 a month. It has separate voicemail and texting. It's been pretty reliable so far. I use Google Fi on my Pixel, and didn't want to change over to my Google Voice number. I think that might have gotten straightened out.

 

[fencepost]

The Obihai equipment looks interesting, but there's one big thing that gives me pause: Polycom purchasing them 1q/2q 2018: http://www.polycom.com/company/news/press-releases/2018/20180104.html

I was actually looking at the phones and thinking about those as an option - not that much more expensive than the 202, and no need to set up a phone with it.

 

[ChrisB009]

Try voip.ms. If your volume isn't large it will save you quite a bit of money. Weigh the cost of a SIP metered plan vs unlimited. I choose the metered as it's much more cost effective for me. I run an Astrisk server using voip.ms SIP services and have great call quality. They also offer virtual IVR services for free if you want to provide a better end user experience when someone dials your business number.

 

[Fred Claus]

My company uses Vonage and we are a reseller of their services as well. Our bill for a flat 1 line is around $30.00 a month, plus we have access to a mobile app if we need it on our phone as well.

Many of my 1 person customers pick Vonage over RingCentral or the cable company because they are lower priced and offer you more.

Fred

I'm just starting out and I signed up for a trial of Ringcentral. They advertised the premium package for 34.99 per user, but with only 1 user it's 44.99, but then I want to pay monthly so it's 54.99. After taxes and fees it comes out to 73 and change a moth. Seems pretty high when I'm mostly having calls come to my cell and sometimes the desktop app. I really like the ability to use the API and the caller ID which is why I chose the premium plan, but I'm not yet using a lot of the features it has available. Am I about to seriously overpay for phone service or is my price about right? If I call them do you think they can work with me on a custom plan that is a little less expensive? Thanks for any advise. Need some tips before I go buying a bunch of advertising with this phone number.