Centrex vs UBOSS

[krysia]

We jsut switched from FTTC to FTTP and will eventually be switching our landline to digital.  Our telephone service is already with IDNet on the standard PSTN : Anytime Plus package, which we're happy with.  It looks like the Centrex package is the same as our present one, but the UBOSS package may suit us too.  What's the real difference between them? 

[Simon]

I've not switched yet, but as I understand it, Centrix is more for business users, so may have more bells and whistles, extra lines, etc, whereas UBOSS is aimed at home users. 

I can't really think of a reason not to switch now I have the drama of the FTTP installation over with, especially given it would work out cheaper than my current phone package with IDNet. 

The only downside, of course, is the loss of service should there be a power cut, but if you have cordless DECT phones, than they wouldn't work in a power cut anyway, so that's a bit of a moot point in my circumstances, but I can understand the concern for those that may use a Careline, or other equipment that relies on a PSTN line.

[krysia]

Yes, we should probably switch sooner rather than later, as both Centrex and UBOSS are cheaper than our present package. I suppose there's a part of me that worries digital won't work . . . but that's a function of being older!

[Simon]

Do you have a router with an FXS port?

[armadillo]

The only downside, of course, is the loss of service should there be a power cut, but if you have cordless DECT phones, than they wouldn't work in a power cut anyway, so that's a bit of a moot point in my circumstances, but I can understand the concern for those that may use a Careline, or other equipment that relies on a PSTN line.

I power my router, ONT and PC on a UPS. It will support those in a power cut up to an hour or so. If the PC is off, it will do for several hours. I used to have my DECT phone station on it too. Now I have gone onto FTTP, I have ditched the phone though.

[Simon]

Must admit I have considered getting a UPS, but it's not been top of the list of priorities.  We don't get an awful lot of power cuts around here, and if we do, it's usually minutes rather than hours.

I only wish our local water pumping station had a backup power supply, as every time there's a power cut, we also lose our water, until someone goes up there and restarts the thing.

[Postal]

There is the additional option of doing away with any sort of voice package allied to your FTTP connection.  Instead you go to one of the independent VoIP suppliers, put their app on as many mobiles as you need and port your landline number to that supplier.  Do away with all of the phone paraphernalia in the house and then calls to your previous landline number will come to as many mobiles as are registered with the app (so you can answer your "house" phone even when you are away or out).  Provided you have a mobile signal at home you will continue to be able to make and receive calls on both mobile and "house" number in the event of a power cut (until the mobile mast dies when the backup battery there runs out of puff).

[krysia]

Do you have a router with an FXS port?

I think so. We have the IDNet-supplied V230x.  From what I've read, it's better to have a separate base station for the DECT phone so they don't compete with other gadgets using wifi.  So I wouldn't want to plug a DECT phone straight into the router.

[krysia]

There is the additional option of doing away with any sort of voice package allied to your FTTP connection.  Instead you go to one of the independent VoIP suppliers, put their app on as many mobiles as you need and port your landline number to that supplier.  Do away with all of the phone paraphernalia in the house and then calls to your previous landline number will come to as many mobiles as are registered with the app (so you can answer your "house" phone even when you are away or out).  Provided you have a mobile signal at home you will continue to be able to make and receive calls on both mobile and "house" number in the event of a power cut (until the mobile mast dies when the backup battery there runs out of puff).

That would work well for someone who likes to use mobile phones, but I much prefer landlines!

[Simon]

I think so. We have the IDNet-supplied V230x.  From what I've read, it's better to have a separate base station for the DECT phone so they don't compete with other gadgets using wifi.  So I wouldn't want to plug a DECT phone straight into the router.

I have the same router, and I'm planning to connect my Siemens Gigaset base station to it, as that's the reason I bought that router. 

[krysia]

That makes sense - hope it goes well!