[sandun]

Hi,
I am new to VOIP. The only experience I have is using Skype along with VoSky Internet Phone Wizard. My current network setup at home is:

DSLModem -> LinkSysRouter -> 4PCs+Switch.
AT&T PhoneLine(wall outlet) -> VoSky -> Handset.
(The VoSky is connected to a PC running Skyp via USB.)

What interested my PhoneGnome box is its support for Skype (and that the connection to Skype software is via network i.e. do not have to have the Gnomebox physically close to the PC).

My primary reason for getting into VOIP is for international calling.

So my questions are:
1. Can Gnomebox be configured such that local in town USA) calls (eg xxx-xxxx), in state long distance (1-xxx-xxxx), long distance (1-xxx-xxx-xxxx) and toll free calls always go via my local telco (AT&T) (just as it would normally if I did not have voip/gnomebox).

2. Configure certain international numbers e.g 011-612 (Sydney,AU) or 011-44 (UK) go through one provider and while other 011 numbers go through an another VOIP service provider.

3. I have some family members on PennyTel (pennytel.com) - an AU VOIP company. They use the Linksys SP2 ATA. Can I call my friends/family on Pennytel for free? (e.g. if I need to and sign up with Pennytel, can I configure Gnomebox "directly call the SP2 ATA"). I used Pennytel as an example - there a few others on a couple of different networks.

4. Finally, for pay-as-you-go international calls (similar to SkypeOut), am I limited to service providers recommended by Gnomebox or can I choose my own provider.

5. Does gnomebox provide hop-on/hop-off (if thats the right term) features i.e. if I am work or on the road, I would like to, using my mobile phone, to call home (gnomebox) and then from there be able to dial a international number via a VOIP.


(I did search the forum for similar questions before posting - but did not find any. My appologies if these specific questions have been answered before).

Thanks,
sandun.

[PhoneGnome]

Questions answered one by one below.

Originally Posted by sandun

1. Can Gnomebox be configured such that local in town USA) calls (eg xxx-xxxx), in state long distance (1-xxx-xxxx), long distance (1-xxx-xxx-xxxx) and toll free calls always go via my local telco (AT&T) (just as it would normally if I did not have voip/gnomebox).

The short answer is yes, this is what happens if you just plug it in (i.e. it's the default behavior).

Originally Posted by sandun

2. Configure certain international numbers e.g 011-612 (Sydney,AU) or 011-44 (UK) go through one provider and while other 011 numbers go through an another VOIP service provider.

Yes, see: PhoneGnome - Blog

Originally Posted by sandun

3. I have some family members on PennyTel (pennytel.com) - an AU VOIP company. They use the Linksys SP2 ATA. Can I call my friends/family on Pennytel for free? (e.g. if I need to and sign up with Pennytel, can I configure Gnomebox "directly call the SP2 ATA"). I used Pennytel as an example - there a few others on a couple of different networks.

If you can send calls to Pennytel via SIP (or SIPbroker), then you can call them directly via IP using PhoneGnome. Not all VoIP providers support such calls/peering. Ask Pennytel. We know you can send calls to SIPphone/Gizmproject, FWD, SIPbroker and you can always place calls directly to any SIP address with PhoneGnome too. See: PhoneGnome - Open, Interoperable, Powerful

Originally Posted by sandun

4. Finally, for pay-as-you-go international calls (similar to SkypeOut), am I limited to service providers recommended by Gnomebox or can I choose my own provider.

You can use providers that support SIP termination. Customers use many providers. See: PhoneGnome :: ITSP Ratings

However, we only provide technical assistance for our affiliated providers - these providers have been tested and we know they work with PhoneGnome and we know they will support PhoneGnome customers. For any problems getting some other provider working, you'll have to contact that provider (you're paying them after all, they should help you).

Originally Posted by sandun

5. Does gnomebox provide hop-on/hop-off (if thats the right term) features i.e. if I am work or on the road, I would like to, using my mobile phone, to call home (gnomebox) and then from there be able to dial a international number via a VOIP.

It's part of the optional Powersuite package: $24.99 per year (roughly $2.08 per month). You can sign up for the 30 day free trial to try it out before you pay.

[sandun]

Thank you for the detailed and helpful responses. Got the answers I needed.

Some feedback - It would be nice if some of these (bulleted?) were easily available from phonegnome.com website (toplevel e.g. product features or FAQ) - not everyone looks at the blog. The Skype linkin is also an attractive feature for people who use both SIP and Skype.

Thanks again for your response.