VoIP Trick and Tips

For many of us, it's hard to get used to the concept of having a second phone service. Because we've all been using the same traditional landline phone for many years, many people don't use their VoIP or iiTalk service as often as they could (and should).

With that in mind, we have prepared some simple steps help you get used to the idea of using your VoIP or iiTalk phone in place of your usual landline telephone service.

Use your normal phone

If you have a particular telephone handset that you are used to using, plug that into your VoIP hardware to help keep you in the habit of using that particular telephone.

Cordless phones

If you use a cordless phone at home, plug the base station into your VoIP equipment. Using the cordless is another great way to get used to using your VoIP or iiTalk. Most cordless systems now come with multiple handsets, which will allow you to make VoIP or iiTalk calls from both ends of the house.

Divert your landline calls

Divert your landline calls to your VoIP or iiTalk number. If you use a Telstra touchtone phone this is quite simple. Lift the handset, press "Call Forward", enter your VoIP or iiTalk number including area code and then press "Call Forward" again. You will hear a long tone similar to your VoIP or iiTalk dial tone - this indicates that the call forwarding is in place.

Alternatively, if you have a PSTN failover port (check your modem manual) you can have both your landline number and your VoIP or iiTalk number going through to the same handset. So when you dial out your using VoIP or iiTalk service, and when someone calls either your VoIP or iiTalk number or landline number, it rings on the one handset.

Move your landline

Move your landline telephone handset somewhere that you won't regularly look to answer it. This is best achieved by leaving the handset plugged in as normal but storing it under a table or behind the lounge. You want it to be out of the way but still readily accessible in case of emergencies as VoIP or iiTalk relies on your broadband connection to make calls.

Troubleshooting

If you're suddenly unable to make VoIP or iiTalk calls, check your broadband connection first. As your VoIP or iiTalk service is dependent on your broadband working, any problems with broadband may affect your VoIP or iiTalk as well.

iiNet's Belkin four-port routers come with a PSTN failover facility for emergencies - please ensure that it is plugged in and ready to use.

Extra services

There are several free features with iiNet VoIP or iiTalk accounts - like voice mail, call waiting, and voice mail forwarding to email - check them out and get them working and you'll find pretty quickly that it's much more convenient to use VoIP or iiTalk.