Easiest migration path to digital voice?

At some point this year or next I'm going to look at ditching the copper line I have coming in (in addition to FTTP (to support an alarm system) but want to keep the number and facility (going to link my DECT cordless phone to the DECT base in the Fritzbox 7530 that am using)

FTTP is with Zen (who am definitely going to stick with as it's been rock solid while I've been working from home and have had excellent service from them since 2014) but landline is currently with IDNet.

Was thinking that I should migrate the line to Zen prior to ordering digital voice through them so that they can handle the deactivation of the copper loop and migration of the number?

I'm assuming there's a charge for actually unhooking the copper when this happens?

How will your alarm work if and when the broadband goes down? Can it even work over broadband?

Or the electricity for longer than your presumed UPS lasts.

Edit: I see there are ways that don't rely on landline broadband, but I haven't researched them as it's not my problem.

Edited by pluralist (Sat 10-Jul-21 19:24:00)

In reply to a post by techguy:

Was thinking that I should migrate the line to Zen prior to ordering digital voice through them so that they can handle the deactivation of the copper loop and migration of the number?

It isn't necessary, porting the number to any VoIP provider will cease the line. The Zen digital voice option isn't that cheap compared to other VoIP providers.

I'm assuming there's a charge for actually unhooking the copper when this happens?

AFAIK there are only charges when ceasing broadband services provided over copper, not the voice service itself.

If you migrate the *phone number* to Zen, that in itself will automatically trigger a cease of the PSTN line (and any attached ADSL/VDSL service on it, if there is any). There's no need to migrate the copper line to Zen first. Obviously, make sure you're out of contract.

The alternative would be to migrate your phone number to a standalone VOIP provider, which would make you independent from Zen. That would make life easier if you ever decide to migrate away from Zen in the future - and probably cheaper, since Zen charge extra rental for voice on FTTP. But you've obviously thought about those considerations already.

As for a charge for ceasing the copper line: check your contract with IDNet. Normally I wouldn't expect a cease fee, but some providers do have them - I've seen fees around the £30 mark.

(I'm assuming this is an analogue voice-only service from IDNet? If it's voice+xDSL and you want to keep the xDSL, that would complicate things)

Ours (HKC) use a combo WiFi / 3G card or Ethernet / 3G card, so you always have connectivity. They also do an old fashioned land line interface. Battery in the alarm usually keeps it alive for up to 12 hours in the event of a power outage. Alarm uses a mobile app that you can interrogate, set/unset, check zone states, as well as perform all functions through a mimic of the physical panel & LCD display.

As mentioned above, transferring the copper/voice line will cease the service. There will only be a charge if you are not out of contract. The copper line stays in place, just unused.

I would recommend AAISP VoIP initially - not the cheapest out there, but not bad, and it's only a one month contract, so if you don't like it you can easily take your number elsewhere.
I have a AAISP VoIP number configured on my in-laws FritzBox 7530 with no problem (other than the mother in law not realising that she had to dial the area code!)

Thanks for all the replies.

Going to talk to the alarm company at some point when all the lockdown lifts.

I did do a test with A&A using the telephony feature on the router with a DECT handset and it worked perfectly.

The reason I'm looking at Zen is that at the time of writing they offer a 1000 minutes to anywhere deal for £7 a month and while nobody in the house would or could talk tor that long it would mean that all costs were covered.

Also thinking that in the event of issues Zen have full visibility so can fix the issue easily as opposed to getting into the old it's not us it's them situation though having dealt with both who are very pleasant and professional to deal with I think that situation is unlikely.

Thanks again all.

I was initially concerned about call costs on VoIP as I have had inclusive call packages previously, but even with normal use, I'm not getting anywhere near the cost of the inclusive calls package.

With regard to keeping VoIP and broadband together, VoIP is just another system using your internet connection, like your PC, TV or any other IoT devices. As you say, both Zen & AAISP are both good companies, although I haven't had any experience of Zen's VoIP offering.