Asterisk with Multiple MagicJacks to simulate a PRI ???

[shampoomonkey]

Hello,

So heres the scoop. My boss is not thrilled at the idea of paying 300-400 dollars a month for 23 phone connections. We are in a call center type environment and need a decent number of lines with the ability to expand.

Heres what I need to be able to do:

-They are primarily outbound lines and calls must be initiated through a Codian MSE8000. It is SIP capable and can easily register to an * server.
-Outbound calls must appear to be coming from the same number, I imagine spoofing.
-Inbound calls to one number, must be able to be routed to another number in case the line called is busy. The inbound number has to be the same as the spoofed number.

I believe its possible to use multiple magicjacks with an * server for what we need, but I wanted to make sure there isn't anything I am missing. Can anyone foresee a problem with a setup like this? Has it been done before (excluding the codian)?

I will post on an * forum as well.

Thanks everyone!

Robert

[oldtimercurt]

Good luck with your idea. Don't think it would be too long before you bump up against the "50 different numbers/day" unofficial limit that has been talked about on these forums.

I think that if review some of the postings you'll find that MJ is not intended for use in or willingly tolerated in a call center environment.

OTC

[shampoomonkey]

Thanks OTC,

I was just now finding posts about the limitations in a call center environment.

Do you have any recommendations for alternative cheap VoIP providers? I hear Voxox is good, but much more difficult to get working with *

Many thanks,

Robert

[sabresfan]

Thanks OTC,

I was just now finding posts about the limitations in a call center environment.

Do you have any recommendations for alternative cheap VoIP providers? I hear Voxox is good, but much more difficult to get working with *

Many thanks,

Robert

Your best bet is to go with a reliable voip provider that actually supports businesses. It won't take very long for any provider to see that your making an excessive amount of calls. I would look into any of the top rated voip companies as most will likely offer some sort of a plan for businesses. One provider that might work is http://www.8x8.com/BusinessSolutions/ByProduct.aspx good luck.

[genxweb]

Not taking in effect the limitation of number of calls. (though I probably get around that many calls in out a day with no issues yet.)

1. You can not spoof a magic jack number
2. You can use custom contexts so that returned calls to a miss called will show as the same number they originally dialed on their side.
3. You can use ring group and agents to help with inbound lines being busy. Problem is once you start re routing calls to groups you may loose the ability to call out as the same number called in as, do to mj lack of spoofing.

I have done setups like this for several people so far each is extremely happy with it.

[shampoomonkey]

Thanks, I really appreciate everyones input! Our call volume is expected to be rather large, so Majic Jack isn't for us. Although, I think I might set something up at my house just to play around with it! haha

FYI:

I shopped around for a few SIP Trunk providers.

8x8 was probably the best for what we will be doing. With low cost of 1.5 cents per min and 20,000 incoming minutes free... .6 cents/min after. Unlimited channels. 1 yr contract

Bandwidth.com offered a competive deal for 179/mo you get 5 trunks (1 channel per trunk). Each trunk comes with 3000 min in/out. 1 yr contract.

Paetec, apparently doesn't offer service in northern louisiana... odd concept to me for a SIP Trunk...

Junction Networks was 2.9 cents/min in and out with a 9.95 /trunk /mo fee. 1 channel per trunk. No contract.

A PRI through my Telephone provider would be 600/mo with 2.9 cents/min long distance.

Thanks again, hope this helps someone!