Is Digital Voice really VOIP

I am waiting for some settings from BT so that I can program my SNOM D765 handset with the new fibre number and it just occurred to me to make sure that Digital Voice is actually just their name for VOIP numbers?

I can't see why it wouldn't be, but then I am no technical wizard

Is it a BT Business connection, or BT Residential?

If it's residential, then no it's not your normal "VOIP".
i.e. you can't use your own device to connect to their SIP servers etc.

Thanks
It's supplied to a residential address but charged to a company account. I think I will need to check that point with BT.
SO, if residential, is the only solution to use BT equipment then?
Are they not meant ot publish the standards because of competition rules etc?

SO, if residential, is the only solution to use BT equipment then?

Unfortunately correct.

It's why a number of people have had FTTP installed alongside their existing connection, then migrated their landline number to a VOIP provider (like Sipgate etc.).

Are they not meant ot publish the standards because of competition rules etc?

At the moment, no. I'm also sure they can argue it on the basis of maintaining 'security' etc.
Also, given the sheer number of people who just happily use the provider's kit I suspect most people will just accept it (unfortunately).

Thanks again

last question. If it is residential and we change it to business, will we then get the correct settings so that we can continue with this existing kit?

Keeping fibre and fttc just didn't seem like a benefit cost wise and with the hassle that we have had, I am sure we are getting a sizeable refund on the account. It makes sense to sort this once and for all. Hopefully, I will have given up work by the time we need another change.

If it is residential and we change it to business, will we then get the correct settings so that we can continue with this existing kit?

Not sure to be honest. You'll need someone who has more experience with BT Business connections to comment.

I believe if it's BT Business broadband with Digital Phone line this is the same as BT Consumer's Digital Voice and therefore locked into the BT kit but you can use the Cloud Voice Express app.

Whereas if it's one of the more specific VoIP services BT Buisness offers such as BT Cloud Voice there's adapters available but you would need to use a specific Handset phone.


FYI the lock in for communication providers digital phone services seems to be a common thing and not just with BT. E.g Sky and Virgin Media seem to tell you to use their own router.

CplSmudge

Is is a VOIP service but in a ring fenced system. This enable it to meet all the security and Government requirements.

The Routers set up separate VLANs with dedicated bandwidth allocated when used, the core network runs as a segregated network to give the correct security spec, this gives a better QOS for the voice. As such only a BT ( same for Sky etc) router will support the BT service.

I believe they use the same call control as a mobile system which meets the standards for billing etc that they are mandated by OFCOM to meet.

Add-on VOIP suppliers do not have all these hoops to jump through and run to much lower levels of security and resilience ( That is why some lost service some weeks ago) It gets back to the old adage " You get what you pay for".

Most people are happy with a less structure system than the major operators ( until it fails)

Government Phone services have to meet 5 9s availability, and certain security standards, so major networks have to design to this.

In reply to a post by kitcat:

Is is a VOIP service but in a ring fenced system. This enable it to meet all the security and Government requirements.

It isn't.
It's a ring fenced system because BT want it to be. It's easier to support.
Nothing else to it.

BT don't have any additional security requirements they need to meet that other providers don't have to, including VOIP providers.

So are BT Digital Voice calls encrypted, perhaps using TLS and SRTP?