Assuming
that you already have a broadband service, a router, and a Windows PC to run the
softphone, the cost will be minimal.
If
you already have a spare computer to dedicate to this task, then the cost is
almost nothing unless you need to buy an audio headset ($15.00 from Dick Smith)
for the softphone. If you do not
have a spare PC with the above specification, then you may be able to buy one
from your local swap meets for under $200.00, which may include a monitor.
Ensure that the PC has an Ethernet NIC for connecting to your home
network.
Your
only other initial cost will be the $20.00 or so activation fee to Oztell (or
other VSP of your choice), if you want the ability to make PSTN calls. If you
want to restrict all your calls to VOIP only, it may not cost you anything at
all.
Some
VSPs like Pennytel, Astratel, Spantalk etc will register you for SIP
communication for free provided that you do not need to make PSTN calls.
All
these “Major Expenses” will be recovered when you receive your monthly
Telstra or Optus phone bills :)
If
you are expecting the quality to be as good as your existing PSTN calls, you
will be somewhat disappointed, but if you will be happy with a quality that is
not quite but close to your existing PSTN calls and prepared with the whining by
the other half, the phone calls are not being as good while you are leaching off
the P2P, you might be in luck.
VoIP via
the Public Internet is very much dependant on a number of factors – available
bandwidth not withstanding, your usage habit of the internet and LAN traffic and
equipment quality, amongst others, also play very important roles.
For
further information please refer to the link below:
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/index.cfm?a=wiki&tag=VOIP_Quality