Can I keep my BT voice number (altnet without voice line)?

With more and more altnets being rolled out this is probably something many people are thinking about but I am considering an altnet provider that only provides an Internet connection but I do not want to lose my existing landline number (with BT - the FTTC can obviously go however).

Can I get my altnet provider setup and then migrate my voice number to a cheap VOIP service somehow?

If this is possible how would you go about doing this and are there any suggestions for companies to look at with the cheapest possible way of keep my existing number?

The altnet has great prices but if I need to continue to pay £20+/month for line rental there is no point in moving.

Thanks

Can I get my altnet provider setup and then migrate my voice number to a cheap VOIP service somehow?

Yes in that order, to ensure that by porting the number you don’t inadvertently cease the underlying service your existing FTTC is running.

There is a choice of many SIP/VoIP providers. Many of us choose Sipgate (specifically the Sipgate Basic service) as they are cheap, no frills but provide good service. Basic has zero ongoing monthly fees, and relatively cheap call charges. Or just use them for inbound calls and use any inclusive mobile calling minutes on your mobile package.

The one off porting fee you pay someone like Sipgate to port an existing landline number to them is around £35 (it’s been quite a few years since I’ve done it, so prices may have moved)

Edited by Pheasant (Sun 20-Jun-21 20:36:28)

In reply to a post by think26872:

With more and more altnets being rolled out this is probably something many people are thinking about but I am considering an altnet provider that only provides an Internet connection but I do not want to lose my existing landline number (with BT - the FTTC can obviously go however).

Can I get my altnet provider setup and then migrate my voice number to a cheap VOIP service somehow?

Yes.

The way you go about it is exactly as you described:
- get your new FTTP service installed (*don't* cancel with BT)
- take a service with a VOIP provider, with a temporary number, and test it works
- get the VOIP provider to migrate your phone number

The act of migrating the phone number will automatically cease the BT landline, together with any associated broadband service on that line.

Low-cost providers to look at: sipgate, yay.com, voipfone.

Sipgate Basic has a zero monthly fee, so if you make outgoing calls using your inclusive package on your mobile phone, then just a one-time £10 top-up is all you need.

Easy to chose a VOIP provider your self.

I like VoIPify https://www.voipify.net/pricing/ who will port your number for £15

As others have said, easy to do. I use AAISP but there's plenty of other providers. Look at call rates and the cost of incoming numbers to work out what's best for you. Don't get swayed by bundled minutes - work out if you'd really ever use them all. Also bear in mind that you don't have to use the same provider for outbound calls as inbound if you've got the right setup.

A word of caution based on previous experience of Sipgate (many years ago but it is worth mentioning) - I ported my BT landline number to them nearly ten years ago but back in 2014 they looked to be close to closing the Basic service so I ported the number again to AAISP as I didn't want to lose it. In the end Sipgate decided to retain the Basic service afterall, so all would have been OK but I decided that being with a provider that charged for the service might be a bit safer.

Thanks everyone for suggestions.

As I rarely use the landline I think Sipgate Basic is probably the best price as there is no ongoing charges.

Voipify does look good however especially the call charges but as I so infrequently phone anyone paying a monthly fee of £3 even though the porting is only £15 vs Sipgate £30 (after 5 months of £3 fees it is the same price of Sipgate).

In that case AAISP is worth considering as well: £15 to port in, £1.20 per month ongoing charge.

Cost works out roughly the same over two years (assuming you add a £10 credit to your Sipgate account as well as £30 porting charge). After that it will cost £14.40 per year; but they have an *extremely* high reputation for technical know-how and quality of service.

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