Most Gisborne Net users have the option of operating their phone via their broadband link. This means that they no longer need to use more expensive landline services offered by traditional Telecos. The technology is known as Voice over IP or VoIP and is widely used by business and private phone subscribers.
Gisborne Net recommends customers use 2talk for their VoIP requirements.
Please do not switch your phone service over to VoIP before contacting us so we can ensure your connection is suitable.
Who can I call using a VoIP connection?
Can I keep my existing phone numbers?
Can I operate Fax POS and security alarms via VoIP?
Can I use Voicemail call waiting and other telecom services?
Do I need to notify Gisborne Net if I want to use VoIP for my phone?
Who provides VoIP services in New Zealand?
Who provides VoIP phones and ATA converters?
Important things to consider before you switch to VoIP
How does it Work?
There are a number of VoIP providers in New Zealand. Gisborne Net partners with and recommends 2talk. They terminate phone numbers on their servers and make them available to their customers via broadband internet.
You can use VoIP phones, or alternatively ATA converters to connect your existing phones – wired or cordless – to the internet.
Who can I call via a VoIP phone connection?
Calls can be made to any phone numbers – landline or mobile – via a VoIP connection. This includes 0800 and other services. It should be noted that while most VoIP operators provide the 111 emergency service, they may not guarantee connections.
What does it cost?
One of the most compelling reasons for converting to VoIP is the low cost of the service. A typical domestic plan with 2talk will cost $11.50 for one line per month. This can include free local, national and international calling. Business plans which provide up to five lines typically start at $40.00 per month inclusive of GST and also include free local, national and international calling.
You will need a VoIP phone or an ATA Converter to connect. Pricing starts at $75.00 including GST.
There is usually a one-off charge for porting an existing phone number to a VoIP service. 2Talk operates on a pre-pay basis with all payments by credit card.
There are no surcharges by Gisborne Net to VoIP phone customers.
Can I keep my existing phone numbers?
Most VoIP providers offer a porting service which enables you to retain your existing phone number(s). There is usually a one off charge for this.
Alternatively you can have a local number allocated by the VoIP provider. It is also possible to have local numbers for other locations – invaluable for businesses, who may want to have local numbers in other cities or countries.
Can I operate FAX, POS and security alarms via VoIP?
Provided that suitable ATA converters are used, most digital devices can be used with VoIP.
2Talk operates FAX to mail services which enable FAXes to be sent and received via email.
POS machines can be operated via suitable ATA converters. However we recommend that POS users investigate the availability of IP enabled POS machines. These complete POS transactions quickly without impacting on phone services.
If you have a monitored alarm system we recommend consulting with your alarm monitoring company before moving to VoIP.
Can I Use Voice Mail, call waiting and other telecom services?
2Talk offers a comprehensive range of telco services including Voice Mail, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Hunting Groups etc
Do I need to notify Gisborne Net if I intend to use VoIP for my phone?
We recommend that customers intending to use VoIP phones contact Gisborne Net (06-867 6384 or support@gisborne.net.nz to check that their broadband link will give reliable results.
Who Provides VoIP services in New Zealand?
There are a number of VoIP providers and Googling ‘voip NZ’ will list companies offering the service.
2talk is Gisborne Net’s preferred provider with an excellent range of VoIP services for domestic and small business users. The Gisborne Net network is optimised for 2Talk services.
Larger businesses may want to investigate the services offered by telecom companies offering guaranteed service levels, billing facilities and virtual PBX.
Who Provides VoIP phones and ATA converters?
Gisborne Net can supply ATA converters to connect your standard phones to the internet. Most communications contractors provide VoIP equipment. In Gisborne, VoIP devices can also be obtained from Highfield Solutions 06 867 7573 or support@highfields.co.nz
Where can I find out more?
Further information on VoIP in NZ is available at these sites:
VoIP for NZ dummies
Wikipedia
2talk
Important things to consider before you switch to VoIP
- If the power goes out – so will your phone.
If your household or business requires 24/7 constant phone service, we recommend you either: Retain a conventional landline or provide a UPS to maintain power to your VoIP unit, Gisborne Net microwave unit, and Wifi router during outages. Contact us for further information.
- If your internet is off – your phones will not work.
If your business requires 24/7-365 phone service it may be prudent to retain a landline in addition to your VoIP connections.
Gisborne Net prioritizes 2talk VoIP traffic, however if we have an issue on the network, both your internet and phone connection may be compromised until service is restored.