Setting up Voice over IP (VoIP) for success

VoIP is a service that uses the internet to make voice calls to any other phone number in the world, instead of your traditional landline connection. The term stands for “Voice Over Internet Protocol” or, in simple terms, a telephone service that works over the internet.

VoIP is one of the many ways to use your internet to communicate. For information on setting up VoIP, as well as Wi-Fi calling and video conferencing, click on our guide in the image below, and save it to your computer for reference.

Not all nbn™ services have access to the TC1 channel, and not all providers will use the TC1 channel for VoIP services. Talk to your provider first when making a decision about VoIP plans.

At time of writing, nbn™ Sky Muster™ Plus plans do not have access to the TC1 channel.

Common questions

Can I use my current phone number on the VoIP service?

Yes, but it will have to be “ported” across, which means it’s no longer associated with your landline.

If you plan to keep your landline as well as using VoIP, you’ll need a new phone number for either the VoIP service or the landline.

Can I get caller ID, MessageBank and other similar features on my VoIP service?

It depends on your service provider, and on the equipment you’re using.

In most cases yes, you’ll have all the same services as you’ve had on your landline, except for MessageBank.

MessageBank is owned and provided by Telstra. It works over VoIP, but only on an internet connection (including nbn) provided by Telstra.

It is not available on VoIP services provided by any other provider, including nbn.

What about satellite lag?

The dedicated TC1 channel, plus the use of dedicated VoIP equipment, does overcome the satellite lag to a certain extent. You may notice a slight delay when making the initial call, but the software then does its best to make the service as quick as possible.

How much data does a VoIP call use?

An active VoIP phone call uses between 30Mb and 80Mb of data per hour.

It varies depending on the “codec” (coder-decoder) that your service provider and equipment uses.

There are two codecs used in Australia:

  1. G.729. This is the most common, and a lower-quality codec. The TC1 channel can support up to four simultaneous calls at the same address using the G.729 codec. Each call uses about 30Mb of data per hour.
  2. G.711. This is a higher-quality codec. The TC1 channel can support one call at a time using this codec. Each call uses about 80Mb of data per hour.

VoIP equipment does use some data when not making actual phone calls, but it’s a very small amount.

VoIP calls are unmetered on nbn™ Sky Muster™ Plus plans. Note, however, that at time of writing, the TC1 channel is not available with Plus plans.

Do I have to use my service provider’s VoIP service?

No. There are third-party suppliers of VoIP services, generally to support business or complex phone setups. They’re called “Voice Service Providers”, or VSPs.

However, going through your service provider is generally the easiest option.

Discuss your requirements with your trusted technical advisor to make the best decision for your needs.

Can I make emergency calls on my VoIP?

Yes, but check that with your provider before ordering your service.