I would like to start a call center business. But before I do, I would like to know more about VoIP. As far as I know, VoIP to VoIP calls are free. So my question is how can I divert an incoming VoIP call to a landline or mobile phone? What type of hardware will I need and approximately what would the cost be?
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Kate Gerwig, Editorial Director
Using the new SIP technology you can route calls pretty much anywhere, including an email box if you desire. The key to using VoIP and regular phone service is a gateway. This box will determine what can go out over VoIP and what would go to the regular POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) network. As for the cost, that depends completely on the equipment you select. You should not let price be the only factor. You may want to read these articles from our sister site, SearchNetworking.com, on vendor selection and another on ROI and TCO. In some cases, your phone company may also provide these services, in which case they handle all of the call routing for you. In the case of diverting any phone number, you may want to set up a main incoming number that you can then set to ring your desk phone and, if no answer, your cell phone, and then your email box.
This was first published in November 2004