Advantages and Disadvantages of VoIP Providers and FXO Devices
If you want to connect to 'real' phone lines, it may be difficult for you to decide whether to sign up with a VoIP provider or purchase an FXO device. Here are the advantages and disadvantages with both solutions to help you decide which one is best for your situation:
VoIP gateway provider:
- Advantages:
- Call costs are significantly reduced
- You can discard your existing phone line if you so wish (it is recommended you keep it for emergency backup though)
- Disadvantages:
- Many providers charge monthly subscription fees
- You will be assigned a new telephone number which you have to tell everyone about
FXO device:
- Advantages:
- Keep your existing phone number
- You only pay a once-off purchase for the hardware
- Disadvantages:
- You still pay standard call costs and line rental fees to your telephone company
- Configuration of the device can take time and may require additional assistance
If you would like to use a VoIP provider, see the following page for a list of recommended providers you can try out: https://www.nch.com.au/talk/sip.html
If you want to purchase an FXO device, see the following page for a list of recommended FXO adapter devices: https://www.nch.com.au/hardware/fxo.html