Existing phone numbers can be ported to most VOIP suppliers. I moved to Mytel using their hosted PBX service earlier this year taking all my Telstra numbers with me. The actual cut over took a few more days than planned, but it was definitely worth it. Saving significant money each month, even considering a reasonable upfront hardware cost.
The process was a little daunting to begin with! Where to start, what to ask for, how to actually make it happen.
The process I used was:
- Add a new internet connection that was to become a separate VOIP network (this provides good call quality for my office of 2-4 people)
- Have the VOIP provider setup the in-dial numbers
- Ordered and installed the VOIP hardware (router and handsets)
- My supplier setup the call flow amongst a couple of extensions in different states
- Use the VOIP for outgoing calls for a week or two checking the quality
- Transfer the Telstra numbers once really happy with systems
- Spend 5 hours on hold with Telstra terminating services
