Currently we are forwarding our number 01216676387 to backroom volunteer mobile phone number’s but this is costing us a lot of money (9p per minute for mobile) to actually forward the call on.
It also means backroom volunteers can’t call back on the same number and have to use their personal phone. Note that it is possible for backroom to turn off called ID on their mobiles so they don’t have to reveal their numbers to the people they are calling.
Using a SIP client
The other way of using the virtual SIP number is to login to it using what’s known as a SIP/VOIP app.
Benefits
- Doesn’t cost us to receive calls
- Multiple people can be logged in at one time
- We can call others using the number (but its not cheap)
Drawbacks
- Requires volunteers to install an app
- Requires volunteers to login and setup the app (though this is quite easy)
- Requires a decent internet connection
Unfortunately, the only one I have found that works on all platforms isn’t open source software. It’s called Zoiper and it is free as in cost. I’m looking into alternative open source solutions but this will have to do for now.
Using Zoiper
Download Zoiper
iOS/Android
-
Click “Agree & Continue”
-
Enter login details
Username is:
2673406e0@sipgate.co.uk
Password I will send to you via a secure means. -
Click skip
-
Click “Next”
-
Wait for settings to detect and then click “Finish”
-
On Android, allow app permission to use Do No Disturb mode
-
This is what it should look like when you’re setup
The app will require permissions to access files and make and manage calls. Note that you don’t need to give the app any other permissions to do backroom role.
Windows/Mac/Linux
-
Click “Continue as Free user”
-
Enter login details
Username is:
2673406e0@sipgate.co.uk
Password I will send to you via a secure means. -
Click Next and then Skip and then Next again
Next
Skip
Next
Then click the “x” next to account in top left
This is what is should look like on desktop when you are done.
Troubleshooting
Sipgate have a big troubleshooting guide but it is quite technical. First, you should try calling the test numbers listed here.
Call 10000 to see if your app has registered with Sipgate
Call 10005 to make an echo test call, follow the instructions to test your own audio.
Good audio quality for calls
- Make sure you have a decent stable internet connection
- You headphones with a mic if you can (e.g. iPhone headphones or other smartphone headphones usually have this).
