New to FPL

[windsorftw]

Hi all, just stumbled on this wonderful site today.
As my username implies, I'm from Windsor, Ontario, and have a few questions concerning FPL.

I am currently a Cogeco customer, with 30MBs down, 10MBs up and a VOIP service as well.
I am wondering if I switch to FPL, will the service run just like Cogeco's VOIP? Meaning, I can use any regular telephone headset plugged into the ATA box and use it as I normally would?

And how would I go about buying an ATA from FPL? I don't see it in the 'store' dashboard anywhere...just the port my old # (which is awesome!) and purchase the ATA unlock key. I'm also considering buying the Obihai OBI110 if I can't get a pre-configured unit. Is that something that is recommended? Is it THAT big of a hassle to get set up and running? I am quite tech savvy so no worries there. I'm just wondering if I'm going to have to update the unit on a regular basis or if I set it up and tweak it once, then I'm good to go for a long long time?

Thanks for any advice, much appreciated!

[Jake]

Hi and welcome.
As long as you have an internet connection you should be good. Your speeds are far in excess of what is needed for VOIP.

You will be able to use any normal phone, or phone set plugged into an ATA just as though it was plugged into a normal Bell wall jack.

FPL does not sell ATAs any more. They now offer Fongo Home Phone (www.fongo.com) that will get you set up with a pre-configured ATA, but this service does come with a monthly fee. It is essentially the same under the hood, apart from the level of service you get.

From what I understand, the Obi is a very good choice, and very easy to set up. I have never actually done it, but there are guides around that basically say to go to Obi's online webpages, enter some basic information(like account number and password) and it configures your ATA for you.

So to get going on FPL you will need to set up an account, bought an ATA, and bought the unlock key.

There is always someone around here that can help if you get into trouble, or you can go the Home Phone route and get official support from Fongo, which isn't offered to unlock key users.

[windsorftw]

Thanks for the quick reply, Jake. I'm also looking at the other ATAs as well, just Obi came to mind when I was typing lol. Is there an ATA that is recommended as far as initial easy setup is concerned and isn't too costly? How do the Grandstream ATAs fair?

[Fongo Support]

Thanks for the quick reply, Jake. I'm also looking at the other ATAs as well, just Obi came to mind when I was typing lol. Is there an ATA that is recommended as far as initial easy setup is concerned and isn't too costly? How do the Grandstream ATAs fair?

Hi there,

OBI is very simple to setup- see below:

http://forum.fongo.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... lts#p61550

Thanks,

[windsorftw]

Thanks a bunch Fongo Support! Last question, just to make sure I'm 100% clear here before dropping cash and being dissapointed...
IF I go out and order this : http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.as ... 6833617001 (OBI100)
I'll be able to make crystal clear phone calls to almost anywhere in canada as listed on the Freephoneline.ca website? Or is there a newer, better quality/sound quality ATA out there that someone would recommend?
As far as I'm understanding, after doing my due diligence and homework, I buy the ATA above (or a similar one), and buy the key from FPL for $50 and then just set it up and I'm good to go, right?
I'm completely new to the whole idea of a cheaper phone company so please bear with me. Thanks for all the help thus far, it's making my decision to leave Cogeco phone much easier!

[Jake]

You won't have any problem with the quality of the sound.

Yes you will get free calls to all the free call cities. To call outside of those areas you will have to buy World Credits or use another solution.

And yes you are correct. Set up an account. Buy an ATA. Buy Unlock key ($50 +TAX). Set it up and make calls.

Don't worry about the questions, we were all new here once.