Voip provider who will allow multiple incoming calls?

Hi,

I am setting up a PBX box for our company.

We have one or more central numbers that we need to point to a SIP provider so that we can connect to it via the PBX server.

Whilst we can use multiple SIP providers for outgoing calls, we also need to find a provider that will allow multiple concurrent incoming calls.

I do not want a situation where callers get the engaged tone simply because another person is already in conversation.

Most providers do not either mention how many calls one can have so have to assume 1 or 2 and I can't find anyone that mentions a higher figure.

These must exist otherwise how do companies use VOIP as their prime voice service?

Many thanks for any help.

Welcome to Voipuser forums.

What kind of PBX are you setting up? You will probably purchase DIDs for incoming calls and most DID providers do allow multiple concurrent incoming calls. For example, one that mentions a higher number is
http://www.les.net/products/product_ipdidcanada.php is only one that I am aware of but there are many others available.

Hi,

Thanks.

We are using Voipnow, which is based off the Asterisk system.

We are UK based if that helps.

I am fairly new to full blown VOIP, although have been using it for a while with a single VOIP phone and half a dozen VOIP providers.

We have a main DID number for our company as well as several UK regional numbers and a couple of USA numbers.

These need to be pointed to either a SIP or IAX account.

What I see is the following....

1) Set up the various channels on the server for each SIP provider.

2) Map our main DID to one of the SIP providers that will allow multiple incoming calls.

3) Route outgoing calls to one of our current SIP providers, dependant on the number called and whether we have capacity on that provider as to the number of concurrent calls.

We will probably be answering calls via an IVR on the box.

It would make like easier if we could just map numbers direct to the box - but I do not think this is possible.

If you are using "Asterisk" or can change to another flavour of Aterisk then you should be able to point your DID at the box. I think I have read somewhere (?) that an Asterisk box can manage 16 concurrent incoming calls. Does your DID provider allow multiple incoming? The provider on the link I gave, I think specializes in serving Asterisk. I assume that others do.
It would probably be worth talking to your DID provider. Meanwhile, perhaps some of the Asterisk experts on the forum will be able to help more than I can.

dibsmft :

If you are using "Asterisk" or can change to another flavour of Aterisk then you should be able to point your DID at the box. I think I have read somewhere (?) that an Asterisk box can manage 16 concurrent incoming calls.

Oh Boy, I sincerely hope it handles more than that!

But going back to the original question, you will need to shop around.

Many providers out there limit the number of simulatneous calls (bandwidth = $$$).

To be honest that's one of the reasons we setup our own service for our customers, to get around that exact issue.

Regards

middletn :

Oh Boy, I sincerely hope it handles more than that!

I would be surprised if it can't handle more than that and it is rather a sweeping statement as it would depend on many things. This was referring to concurrent PRI channels.

dibsmft :

middletn : Oh Boy, I sincerely hope it handles more than that! I would be surprised if it can't handle more than that and it is rather a sweeping statement as it would depend on many things. This was referring to concurrent PRI channels.

If Asterisk is limited to 16 concurrent calls, then move on and go with FreeSwitch.