Hello everyone,
I am a longtime lurker that will have to re-adjust after the recent GV announcement. Not just my device but also those of relatives that I convinced to try the google/obi combination.
I'm hoping to get advice for two different setup possibilities, both involving Localphone for outgoing service but with different providers for inbound calls: A free option, and a paid option for e911 service and CNAM.
Of course, many users are already aware that these are possibly the cheapest options for what they provide. That might lead to requests for information about these combinations, so maybe this thread can serve as a resource. I understand little about DigitMaps and Obi configuration but could help with collating information and explaining to other novices. Really appreciate the help I received by reading posts from RonR and others on the forums, without which I could never have optimized my current configuration.
Note I make no claims about the superiority, quality or reliability of the providers I'm suggesting. The focus here is simply economy, and I'm just relaying what I've read. High volume users may find outbound per-call charges to be a disadvantage. Finally, this setup is for two-provider devices - it's possible there's an even cheaper option using more than two providers.
1. "FREE" CONFIGURATION = still pay for outbound, but cheapest I'm aware of:
* Inbound calls are handled through a combination of free DID from IPKall + free SIP account from Anveo.
Voxox is another provider that offers a "free phone number", but I don't know if their service could replace one of the above providers, as I'm confused about how exactly their service could be integrated.
* Outbound calls are handled by Localphone (1/2 cent per minute to USA, possibly the same rate for international calls if configured to use iNums)
2. PAID CONFIGURATION = cheapest that provides free inbound calls with outgoing 911 service (as well as CNAM for inbound calls):
* Inbound handled by Callcentric ($1.50/month for unlimited calls).
* Outbound calls are handled by Localphone (1/2 cent per minute to USA, possibly the same rate for international calls if configured to use iNums), except for calls to 911 which are handled by Callcentric.
So for those willing to assist, here are some DigitMap and configuration questions that apply to both of the above setups:
1. Optimized routing setup information for both configurations, e.g. routing outgoing calls to automatically use Localphone without having to enter two asterisks and a number.
2. International calls:
I read something that seemed to indicate that Localphone requires a particular format for international calls, so ideally the obi should be configured to translate those numbers when dialed to the accepted format.
Additionally, there is the option of using iNums. Since Localphone accepts this method, I assume these should always be used. If international numbers could be automatically converted to iNums in the obi, that would be ideal...otherwise, is there a template that can be used for programming speed dials?
3. "Filter" to prevent inbound calls from SIP scanners.
4. Speed dial templates for free outbound calls to other Localphone, Callcentric, and/or Obi users.
5. For paid configuration, 911 calls automatically routed to Callcentric.
6. Setting up outbound caller ID (ignore checkboxes in obi configuration and just use Localphone's method of confirming phone numbers?)
Probably left something important out that can be added if there's interest? Thanks to anyone willing to help.