I realize this forum is intended for OBi support, but I trust the long-time contributors and time is tight right now as I'll explain.
My in-laws are transitioning from home to hospital to rehab (now) to assisted living. It's very traumatic to them and to us. Lots of balls in the area, finding assisted living that fits the timeframe, moving stuff, etc. At their home they had a landline for incoming calls and local calls with a number they'd like to keep, and a cell for outgoing long distance they they used, but didn't like due to size, etc. They make less than a call a day.
In their new environment they will only have wifi internet, and I have no idea of the speed. Nor do I wish to try to configure a wireless OBi solution that may, or may not work in Assisted Living. They don't use computers and never will.
I've come up with several options that I'd like ripped apart. The goals are EASE OF IMPLEMENTATION, KEEPING THEIR LANDLINE NUMBER ACTIVE and EASE OF USE, and then COST SAVINGS.
I bought a XLink BTTN for $40 (ordered a BT, they shipped at BTTN). This device hooks to a cellphone by Bluetooth. You plug a regular phone into it, and that regular phone now can make and receive calls. They put the cell next to the device, with Bluetooth on, and it's connected. I've tested it and it works great. I've tested walking away and walking back, and it reconnects just fine. Using the cell is not a problem for minutes, in fact it's free to call any Verizon cell number or any "favorite numbers", and I can change them as I see fit.
Therefore, not hooking up any landline. Saves $500 or so a year. They don't need 911, they have call buttons to push for the people at assisted living.
Option 1:
Port landline to cell, losing cell number. Losing the number doesn't matter, and now all their home calls go to the cell, which they can answer on the regular phone that's hooked to the XLink. IF they take the cell with them, their old fashioned answering machine won't work (connected to the XLink), and someone in the room (if only 1 left) has no phone to use. However, they are no longer driving, and we'll be taking them to things, so they don't need to take the cell phone. Downside - their old home number is now a cell number, so if we ever dump that line the number goes away. Downside, I can see who they call and who calls them, but can't block anyone.
Option 2:
Port landline to a VoIP provider, and then forward it to the cell. Keeps that number AND keeps the cell number. If the cell is ever dumped, still have the old landline number. Upside - can forward the landline to that cell or to anywhere else in the future. Upside - should be able to block calls from unwanted parties (solicitors) as they come in and are identified. And can block calls without callerid. Downside - cost? Downside - added complexity. Downside - SIP scanners (don't think so, because I'm only forwarding the former landline number, no?) Downside, outgoing calls will show to people as the cell number instead of their home number, but that's the way it's been for years as all long distance went via the cell (and it's number is blocked).
I could port to Google Voice for option #2, but don't want dropped calls that I sometimes get and I don't know if it's the OBi or GV. I want a seamless experience for them. I have no other VoIP experience.
Thoughts? Missed options?
Thank you in advance for your help.