Geekzone: technology news, blogs, forums
Guest
Welcome Guest.
You haven't logged in yet. If you don't have an account you can register now.


View this topic in a long page with up to 500 replies per page Create new topic
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
richms
29099 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10214

Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #969727 19-Jan-2014 19:18
Send private message

timmmay: People still use PSTN phone lines?


Plenty do, old people mainly.

Even with unlimited calling plans on mobile phones for not much more than a landline and a few extra services which are free on mobiles (caller ID, voicemail, call waiting etc) they still want a phone that only works in one location. Bizzare eh?




Richard rich.ms



eXDee
4033 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1070

Trusted

  #969736 19-Jan-2014 19:45
Send private message

richms:
timmmay: People still use PSTN phone lines?


Plenty do, old people mainly.

Even with unlimited calling plans on mobile phones for not much more than a landline and a few extra services which are free on mobiles (caller ID, voicemail, call waiting etc) they still want a phone that only works in one location. Bizzare eh?
I think you'll find its not old people mainly - I'd wager the majority of families and households do, unless they are with Orcon/Snap/similar bundled voip solutions, or are people who use their mobile and dont have a landline number at all, which is a common trend among younger people. Only tech enthusiasts tend to have voip set ups that arent a bundled solution (orcon genius, snap plus w/fritz etc).

For the OP and others who want two phone numbers, I also suggest a VOIP solution.
Snap plus i personally find works well,and supports 5 concurrent calls even without secondary numbers, which are still available to purchase might I add. But for those who aren't on Snap, 2Talk has a great solution for $23 a month:
2 Numbers - 4000 local minutes - 1000 national minutes - 2 concurrent calls and a sweet control panel with a ton of features. WXC offers lines at $11.50 a piece but includes no minutes beyond your standard local calls, which isn't as good value as the 2talk offering.

 

Drop your POTS and go for a naked connection. Eg i have snap plus which is only $10 over standard naked DSL, and second phone numbers or unlimited national calls are only $10 extra. While 2talk works out cheaper, sometimes a bundled solution is nice.

freitasm
BDFL - Memuneh
80654 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41048

Administrator
ID Verified
Trusted
Geekzone
Lifetime subscriber

  #969737 19-Jan-2014 19:50
Send private message

I have a Snap line here with their phone service - using the Fritz!Box with the Fritz!Fon, a DECT handset that pairs directly with the router. Very stylish handset, fully feature stuff too.





Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies 

 

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

 




traderstu
334 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 113


  #969741 19-Jan-2014 20:43
Send private message

farcus:
traderstu: Fully featured 2Talk VoIP line = $6.90 per month and includes 2000 local minutes. Lots of options in this space. Is Telecom heading the same way as NZPost? Gone by lunch-time?


that's the 2talk10 plan which is actually $11.50 p/m and has been for a number of years.


That may be the cost of the first line but the topic is "second line pricing". I am on the 2talk10 plan. I have 4 extra lines and they cost $6 + GST each.

coffeebaron
6304 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3567

Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #969752 19-Jan-2014 21:39
Send private message

That may be the cost of the first line but the topic is "second line pricing".

I guess that's what a few people are meaning, sure have a POTs line if you want, but for a 2nd (3rd, 4th..) line; VoIP is really a no brainer.




Rural IT and Broadband support.

 

Broadband troubleshooting and master filter installs.
Starlink installer - one month free: https://www.starlink.com/?referral=RC-32845-88860-71 
Wi-Fi and networking
Cel-Fi supply and installer - boost your mobile phone coverage legally

 

Need help in Auckland, Waikato or BoP? Click my email button, or email me direct: [my user name] at geekzonemail dot com


MikeB4
MikeB4
18775 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 12766

ID Verified
Trusted
Subscriber

  #969758 19-Jan-2014 22:07
Send private message

richms:
timmmay: People still use PSTN phone lines?


Plenty do, old people mainly.

Even with unlimited calling plans on mobile phones for not much more than a landline and a few extra services which are free on mobiles (caller ID, voicemail, call waiting etc) they still want a phone that only works in one location. Bizzare eh?


Monitored Alarm systems need landlines




Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.


 
 
 

Want to support Geekzone and browse the site without the ads? Subscribe to Geekzone now (monthly, annual and lifetime options).
richms
29099 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10214

Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #969759 19-Jan-2014 22:16
Send private message

KiwiNZ:
Monitored Alarm systems need landlines


Cheap obsolete Monitored Alarm systems need landlines.




Richard rich.ms

MikeB4
MikeB4
18775 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 12766

ID Verified
Trusted
Subscriber

  #969764 19-Jan-2014 22:25
Send private message

richms:
KiwiNZ:
Monitored Alarm systems need landlines


Cheap obsolete Monitored Alarm systems need landlines.


Our system is neither obsolete nor cheap..... Try again




Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.


sbiddle
30853 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9996

Retired Mod
Trusted
Biddle Corp
Lifetime subscriber

  #969765 19-Jan-2014 22:27
Send private message

KiwiNZ:
richms:
timmmay: People still use PSTN phone lines?


Plenty do, old people mainly.

Even with unlimited calling plans on mobile phones for not much more than a landline and a few extra services which are free on mobiles (caller ID, voicemail, call waiting etc) they still want a phone that only works in one location. Bizzare eh?


Monitored Alarm systems need landlines


No they don't - and haven't done for quite some time.

Alarm systems from big name monitoring companies who are stuck in the 1980's with cheap alarm concentrators refusing to believe the world has long since moved to IP need landlines may need a landline, but this doesn't mean every alarm does.

For ~$150 you can convert pretty much any ContactID based alarm (the most commonly used alarm protocol) to IP. You will then just need an alarm company that support IP, and there are still some large players who don't support IP. For a number of years now GSM based monitoring has also been commonplace, both via ContactID over voice calls, CSD data, or now GPRS/3G data.

My recommendation for any alarm monitoring is AlarmNZ - quite simply because they understand the game and were dealing with IP before your average tech from bigger companies knew what IP even stood for.

Any alarm technician or company that says you need a landline for an alarm should be avoided.





MikeB4
MikeB4
18775 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 12766

ID Verified
Trusted
Subscriber

  #969766 19-Jan-2014 22:29
Send private message

sbiddle:
KiwiNZ:
richms:
timmmay: People still use PSTN phone lines?


Plenty do, old people mainly.

Even with unlimited calling plans on mobile phones for not much more than a landline and a few extra services which are free on mobiles (caller ID, voicemail, call waiting etc) they still want a phone that only works in one location. Bizzare eh?


Monitored Alarm systems need landlines


No they don't - and haven't done for quite some time.

Alarm systems from big name monitoring companies who are stuck in the 1980's with cheap alarm concentrators refusing to believe the world has long since moved to IP need landlines may need a landline, but this doesn't mean every alarm does.

For ~$150 you can convert pretty much any ContactID based alarm (the most commonly used alarm protocol) to IP. You will then just need an alarm company that support IP, and there are still some large players who don't support IP. For a number of years now GSM based monitoring has also been commonplace, both via ContactID over voice calls, CSD data, or now GPRS/3G data.

My recommendation for any alarm monitoring is AlarmNZ - quite simply because they understand the game and were dealing with IP before your average tech from bigger companies knew what IP even stood for.

Any alarm technician or company that says you need a landline for an alarm should be avoided.






Disagree





Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.


richms
29099 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10214

Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #969767 19-Jan-2014 22:32
Send private message

I would actually go as far as saying that an alarm that dials out over a PSTN line when triggered isnt really monitored, it just has the ability to alert someone off site (hopefully so long as the line is intact).

Cut the phone line, trouble light will come on, rob the place and noone is the wiser till the alarm misses its middle of the night check in call.




Richard rich.ms

 
 
 

Support Geekzone with one-off or recurring donations Donate via PressPatron.
MikeB4
MikeB4
18775 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 12766

ID Verified
Trusted
Subscriber

  #969772 19-Jan-2014 22:44
Send private message

richms: I would actually go as far as saying that an alarm that dials out over a PSTN line when triggered isnt really monitored, it just has the ability to alert someone off site (hopefully so long as the line is intact).

Cut the phone line, trouble light will come on, rob the place and noone is the wiser till the alarm misses its middle of the night check in call.


Good grief.

I must be completely wrong mine is not monitored, it was installed 20 years ago by cowboys ......

Oh GZ thou art .....never mind




Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.


kyhwana2
2572 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 233


  #969773 19-Jan-2014 22:44
Send private message

KiwiNZ:
richms:
KiwiNZ:
Monitored Alarm systems need landlines


Cheap obsolete Monitored Alarm systems need landlines.


Our system is neither obsolete nor cheap..... Try again


Then i'd say you're being ripped off for something that's obsolete!

johnr
19282 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2526
Inactive user


  #969784 19-Jan-2014 23:47
Send private message

KiwiNZ:
sbiddle:
KiwiNZ:
richms:
timmmay: People still use PSTN phone lines?


Plenty do, old people mainly.

Even with unlimited calling plans on mobile phones for not much more than a landline and a few extra services which are free on mobiles (caller ID, voicemail, call waiting etc) they still want a phone that only works in one location. Bizzare eh?


Monitored Alarm systems need landlines


No they don't - and haven't done for quite some time.

Alarm systems from big name monitoring companies who are stuck in the 1980's with cheap alarm concentrators refusing to believe the world has long since moved to IP need landlines may need a landline, but this doesn't mean every alarm does.

For ~$150 you can convert pretty much any ContactID based alarm (the most commonly used alarm protocol) to IP. You will then just need an alarm company that support IP, and there are still some large players who don't support IP. For a number of years now GSM based monitoring has also been commonplace, both via ContactID over voice calls, CSD data, or now GPRS/3G data.

My recommendation for any alarm monitoring is AlarmNZ - quite simply because they understand the game and were dealing with IP before your average tech from bigger companies knew what IP even stood for.

Any alarm technician or company that says you need a landline for an alarm should be avoided.






Disagree



Why do you disagree?? I agree with Steve

MikeB4
MikeB4
18775 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 12766

ID Verified
Trusted
Subscriber

  #969813 20-Jan-2014 07:00
Send private message

johnr:
KiwiNZ:
sbiddle:
KiwiNZ:
richms:
timmmay: People still use PSTN phone lines?


Plenty do, old people mainly.

Even with unlimited calling plans on mobile phones for not much more than a landline and a few extra services which are free on mobiles (caller ID, voicemail, call waiting etc) they still want a phone that only works in one location. Bizzare eh?


Monitored Alarm systems need landlines


No they don't - and haven't done for quite some time.

Alarm systems from big name monitoring companies who are stuck in the 1980's with cheap alarm concentrators refusing to believe the world has long since moved to IP need landlines may need a landline, but this doesn't mean every alarm does.

For ~$150 you can convert pretty much any ContactID based alarm (the most commonly used alarm protocol) to IP. You will then just need an alarm company that support IP, and there are still some large players who don't support IP. For a number of years now GSM based monitoring has also been commonplace, both via ContactID over voice calls, CSD data, or now GPRS/3G data.

My recommendation for any alarm monitoring is AlarmNZ - quite simply because they understand the game and were dealing with IP before your average tech from bigger companies knew what IP even stood for.

Any alarm technician or company that says you need a landline for an alarm should be avoided.






Disagree



Why do you disagree?? I agree with Steve


I am pleased for you




Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.


1 | 2 | 3 | 4
View this topic in a long page with up to 500 replies per page Create new topic








Geekzone Live »

Try automatic live updates from Geekzone directly in your browser, without refreshing the page, with Geekzone Live now.



Are you subscribed to our RSS feed? You can download the latest headlines and summaries from our stories directly to your computer or smartphone by using a feed reader.