[linux] VoIP Provider Experience

[Joel Johnson]

I am moving to a new apartment and am planning on using a VoIP service instead of a POTS line. I am looking for people with experience (good and bad) with providers to share thoughts and recommendations. I am planning to use Asterisk (http://www.asterisk.org) as a SIP client to connect, and then run an ethernet DTA to the existing wiring (after disconnecting the line at demarc). 911 dialing is also not a high priority for me, as I have a cell phone), and I would prefer a month-to-month instead of year contract.

Here is what I have found, if anyone has comments about these, or others not listed, please comment:

     Vonage     - the most common, Asterisk support unclear (connect as
                     softphone?)
     BroadVoice - looks like a great solution, supports BYOD (bring your own
                     device), of which Asterisk is a generic SIP client,
                     HUGE downside, they don't currently have 206/360 area
                     codes available (support indicated they should by the end
                     of the year, but not to hold my breath)
     VoicePulse - 1 year contract for decent pricing, supports IAX (native
                     asterisk protocol), high ratings and reviews
     VoicePulse
       Connect  - interesting option, wholesale side of VP; also supports IAX,
                     $7.99 per month for a number, incoming free, 2.95 cents a
                     minute outgoing, 4 simultaneous incoming/outgoing calls
     packet8    - sounds great, but uses G.723 codec, which is proprietary
                     and so asterisk incompatible (with * 1.0.0)


My thought currently is to go with the Voicepulse Connect...

Joel