IP, PBX, Voip, call forwarding local to ld? novice 1

[nighttraindb]

Hello everyone, I am a real novice to IP PBX however from the little scanning I have done it appears this MAY be the answer I am looking for and was hoping someone could give me a little more insight.

I am looking to give a roughly 10 people that will be calling from payphones **individual** local phone numbers that are then forwarded via voip (or something similar) to a longdistance number of their choosing. Now the trick is I want it to be automatic (no pin numbers or voice stating your call is being forwarded). I also want to be able to change what number their phone number is forwarded to at will.

Can I do this with a home computer, broadband connection? I would be willing to get a T1 connection if neccessary... I am just trying to determine if this is doable and what the cost factor would be.

This design is for a homeless shelter, I am interested in providing a way for them to use the payphone their and contact their families with as little expense as possible. And realize that Voip might just be the answer.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[OzzieGeorge]

The voip in this solution is a side issue. it is how the call is routed and doesn't impact on the validity of the solution. Yes you can set up a range of indialable numbers and set call forwards on each extension to whatever number you want it to go to. The thing is you will pay for any charges incurred by the forwarded call You would then have to work out the cheapest way of getting the call to it's destination which may or may not utilise Voip. I suppose the question is what voip solution do you have in mind?

 

[nighttraindb]

Hello OzzieGeroge first, Thank You for letting me know this is possible. I am considering Voip due to the fact that I already use them "Vonage". Now, I would not neccarily use Vonage most likely price shop... Just figured there had to be a CHEAP outgoing call voip service...

So, this being said I now have 2 more questions?

1. Do you know of any cheap VOIP services... preferably unlimited ld?

2. Do you know what the ideal pbx software would be? Would Asterisk (open source) be able to accomplish this task fairly easily?

Again, thank you and I apologize for the 20 questions...

 

[OzzieGeorge]

Whilst I can't speak for Asterisk (this is an NEC forum after all) I would be suprised if it couldn't. As for the Voip service I am in OZ so can't say much about services in your part of the world.

 

[rotters]

Why don't you just give them 800 numbers? Some carriers will allow you to go on line to change where the 800 numbers ring to. You dont need any equipment at all for this.

 

[bjsvec]

Not to steal your kind idea or anything.. but Google already offers this service to those in need with their Grand Central product. Maybe you can refer your clients to this program?

http://www.grandcentral.com/about/projectcare/

If you still want to do it yourself I can sell you 800 numbers (or local numbers) with voice mail for a low monthly rate.

http://www.allt1quotes.com

 

[bjsvec]

I just reread your post and I think all you really need to satisfy your requirements is a simple pre paid calling card. You could buy $5 - $10 cards and hand them out to people.

Paying $300 - $600 per month for a T1 will *not* be the cheapest way to do this.

You might also try a service like Jajah. It would need to be configured on the internet, but then can be used from any phone (or the internet). I don't think they expire minutes.

http://www.allt1quotes.com

 

[nighttraindb]

BJSVEC I am kind of new to this forum however I am definately interested in speaking with you further regarding buying local numbers...

Please write me at darnellbarber2@gmail.com

Thanks