Cheap ATA?

[laurent]

I'm in Montreal, and I'd like to know what options do I have to get an ATA. I know FPL sells one for 50$ + shipping (which turns out to be a lot). Does anyone know of a good deal on those devices right now? Perhaps an adapter from another provider that is SIP compatible? Used units maybe?

[bridonca]

You can get a PAP2 for $30 on Ebay in China. That is about as low as you can get.

You are taking your chances buying another ATA though. They could be locked to another carrier, they could be badly made, some have been known to catch fire!

Saying that, I did get my PAP2 from China for $30, works well, and still no smoke and flames after 9 months use! If I was new to VOIP though, $50 for a configured, supported and tested ATA would be the smarter choice. Cheaper means more work, more hassle.

[laurent]

catch fire? Youch!

As it turns out, I found a "store" in Montreal that sells the Grandstream 286 for 35$, or the Grandstream 502 (2 lines) for 45$. Got the latter.

Just finished setting it up and testing it, works great!

[bridonca]

That Grandsteam HT-502 is one sweet ATA! With the HT-502, Grandstream even goes through the trouble of being compatible with the old style rotary phones! I have a few Grandsteam products, and I have nothing but good things to say about them. Excellent choice!

[laurent]

Wow, nothing like a good technology clash where you plug your rotary phone TO THE INTERNET! Must have a warm feeling when making calls with this... "Hi! I'm calling you... form the future!"