2014-05-08

SIP2SIM

We know how powerful SIP2SIM is, and as well as working with home and business VoIP servers we are keen to make sure it works with public VoIP providers.

Today we sorted a slight issue with calls to a VoIP provider. We have a test system in place that allowed us to debug the problem for the customer and deploy a fix rapidly on to the live platform once confirmed and tested. It related to timing of sending an ACK after a 407 proxy auth error response. It has taken a bit of work to track down, but has been fixed.

What is slightly amusing is that this is a VoIP provider in Israel. This means someone walking around the UK has an Israeli number as their mobile phone number. Brilliant!

No problem with this at all - feel free to connect your SIP2SIM to any VoIP provider, and if you have any issues, talk to us and we'll work to resolve them.

It just amuses and amazes me what one can do these days, even when it is us doing it:-)

22 comments:

  1. I just wish I could get this as a normal mobile phone contract. It's cheaper than my pay as you go, and roams across all UK mobile networks. The only problem with it as far as I'm concerned is you need a VOIP server for it to work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Or connect to a VoIP service, like ours.

      Delete
    2. I hadn't realised using A&A's VOIP service was possible, all the advertising seemed to be discussing running my own VOIP server which I don't want to do. (Make my mobile dependent on my flaky broadband and subject to power cuts at my house? No thanks.)

      But I'd also need to be able to keep my existing 07 number (I think) and until the UK roaming is working it's a problem as my parents live in an O2 not spot so my phone wouldn't work when I stay with them.

      I'm also not keen on the lack of worldwide roaming, I regularly text people when I'm on holiday. Same reason I haven't gone for an A&A data SIM for my ipad.

      So this is a service I'm definitely keeping my eye on now I know I could use an A&A voip server, but not enough of the service is in place yet for me.

      Delete
    3. Obviously, where possible, we are making using A&A VoIP easy and integrating things like text messaging where we can. The service is designed so it can be used with any SIP VoIP service, and as per the original post a customer is using with an Israeli VoIP service even! Once we have the roaming SIMs (UK roaming and world wide) we'll update the information on the web site and I am sure I'll blog about it.

      Delete
  2. Is the UK cross-network roaming up and running now? I thought that was still "coming soon" and we were still O2-only!

    (That, the ability to port existing 07 numbers, and a nano-SIM option were the three shortcomings I saw; I plan to connect my current 07 number up to my Asterisk server and get a sip2sim card trimmed down soon.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whilst we have seen the UK roaming working, we have yet to agree pricing with the carrier, so coming soon still, sorry.

      Nano SIM is simply a matter of a cutter, and if you need we can cut SIMs before shipping. We also print a nano-SIM outline on the back.

      Porting in 07 numbers is a separate issue as SIP2SIM logically has no number. However, your own 07 delivered to your asterisk box that you then control and maybe send to a SIP2SIM is not allowed by OFCOM rules on 07 numbers. In fact, call diversion and voicemail and even O2's TuGo service are also banned but they seem to ignore those as they are a big provider (they refuse to answer questions on the matter), but they are strict on small providers like us on these rules, it seems.

      Delete
    2. No indication of timescale on that then? Will it involve a replacement SIM, or just a service update on the existing one?

      I did ask for a nano-SIM at the time I ordered (DB142T), but what arrived was distinctly non-nano. Not a problem for now, I'm leaving it in my backup handset until I get the rest in place anyway, but I'll need a nano one later.

      My Asterisk plan is to have a genuine SIM card in a suitable adapter - communicating over a genuine mobile phone network, and USB powered, hence "conveyed through the agency of Wireless Telegraphy to or from Apparatus designed or adapted to be capable of being used while in motion" as required. Thanks to iMessage, my use of actual SMS and voice calls is negligible anyway.

      Delete
    3. Ah, sorry, they should have cut it - you can use scissors :-)

      We'll replace SIMs for UK roaming once launched.

      Delete
  3. I'm currently enjoying using the SIP2SIM service with A&A VOIP and a standard geographical number. The only minor annoyance is that my bank's online service won't accept the number as my mobile number (has to start with 07) and conversations usually go like this:

    them: "Please give me your mobile number"
    me: "sure, 020 ..."
    them "no your MOBILE number"
    me: "sure, 020 ..."

    (rinse and repeat).

    Of course this has nothing to do with the service itself which is rather cool and merely confirms (if confirmation were needed) to my wife what a geek I am.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I am having the same argument with my bank, and not winning. I have pointed out that mobiles on a "geographic number" have been around for 20 years (Orange launched with London and Birmingham numbers as an option).

      My thought is "borrow" a phone, give that number, get service working, and then say "my mobile number is actually 01344 ... and I require you to update your records in accordance with the Data Protection Act"...

      Delete
    2. Using the Data Protection Acts sounds like a good idea and is an approach I hadn't considered. I've just spent my lunch-hour (actually half an hour) having a look at it. I've not had time to digest enough of it but, and I may be going senile, I can't find anything that says the data should be accurate!

      Surely it must be there and I've just not found it yet. Specifically I'm looking for some text that says something on the lines that data controllers must keep accurate records and make adjustments when informed by the data subject.

      Actually all this legalese is making my head spin, I'll probably have another look at the weekend.

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    3. I read the original back in '84, but I think it is one of the "principles". I'll take a look now.

      Delete
    4. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/29/part/I 4(4) Subject to section 27(1), it shall be the duty of a data controller to comply with the data protection principles in relation to all personal data with respect to which he is the data controller. Principle 4 in http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/29/schedule/1 states Personal data shall be accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date.

      Delete
    5. Brilliant! Thank-you.

      I can feel a letter coming on.

      Delete
    6. Hmmm, so when a company's website won't accept alan+yourcompanyname@ in the email field, I could put in a temporary address and then invoke the data protection act to get them to change it?

      Delete
  4. It's interesting that you say it's an Israeli service,
    I live in Israel, and a while ago I approached them to buy SIP2SIM from them and they said they were not selling and sending to Israel :(
    What can I do to get their service in Israel too?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, it is our (UK sold) SIP2SIM which was connected to an Israel VoIP provider!

      Delete
    2. Thanks!
      So can I actually purchase this service from you? (I've just opened an account with you)

      Delete
    3. SIP2SIM, yes, read what it does carefully. It would be very expensive to use in Israel though (roaming charges). You also need UK bank for Direct Debits.

      Delete
  5. What is expensive?
    Israel belongs to Zone 5
    How much is this p? Percent of euro?
    And do you know such service in Israel?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. p is pence (£0.01), and as I say, you'd need UK (£) bank account. I don't know if any such service in Israel, sorry.

      Delete
  6. Thanks!
    It really comes out expensive :(
    Too bad.....

    lots of success :)

    ReplyDelete

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