This is very simple. Instead of using traditional analogue BT lines, we utilise Voice Over IP (VOIP), which means that phonecalls are sent digitally across the internet. The quality is as good if not better than standard phone lines, and call tariffs are a lot lower. All you need to do is subscribe to the hosted phone service and ThinkGrid will send you a phone handset that you simply plug into your broadband router or switch . The phone is pre-configured and, like a traditional phone, has a normal phone number associated with it (i.e. 020 777 7777).

ThinkGrid do not directly provide this, but you can purchase yourself or through a partner

Yes - each system is pre-configured, so you just plug your phone into your ADSL router or office network switch and we do the rest. You can configure the more advanced features yourself using our easy-to-use control panel.

Yes, your numbers can be reached by any phone device - mobile, landline, VOIP, analogue - and by anyone calling from abroad.

Calls over VOIP are cheaper than using BT. For examples click here to see our call tariffs.

Your VOIP phones are reliant on your being able to connect to the internet, but if you're concerned that your internet service is unreliable, there are measures that can be taken to prevent downtime. For example, you can set up a second internet connection (ADSL, SDSL, DSL or other) that will automatically be used if your main connection goes down.

No - in fact everything about the experience is identical to using a traditional phone system. In its early days, VOIP did have lower audio quality than traditional landlines, but customers were prepared to accept a minor loss of quality in exchange for lower call charges. Today, the lower call charges remain but the audio issues have long since been resolved, and the audio quality is equal to or better than that of a normal landline.

No - both the phones and the system itself are pre-configured by us. You just need to plug the phones into your ADSL router or office network switch and we do the rest. If you need some additional assistance our partners are on hand or we can provide you with some helpful advice.

Yes, but only to the extent that you want to. In terms of management, our model is based on allowing you to be as hands-on or as hands-off as you choose. Either way, our easy-to-use control panels come with IVR builders and other wizards to make management simple and your life easier.

Once you're set up, additional users can be added to your hosted VOIP almost immediately. In practical terms, the only delay in getting a new user set up is likely to be the time it takes for your pre-configured phone to be delivered to you.

Yes. If you decide you want to do this, a quick call to one of our advisors and to your existing service provider should suffice, along with a process called 'porting'. What's more, should you ever move, you can take your VOIP numbers with you as they're no longer fixed to a specific geographic location.

Not at all. You can call landlines, mobiles, other VOIP phones and abroad exactly as with a normal phone, all with lower call rates than traditional landlines.