cbm
Premium
join:2000-05-05
Pottstown, PA
| Just my 2 cents worth
First, in response to Neftv... Yes, a Cisco based system can be a large expense, especially for non-profit. You quoted a price of #350 per phone. But that doesn't include the cost of the system and software to run it on. I think in this particular discussion we are talking more about the actual line types, not the phone system. You could utilize an IP based phone system even if you don't have VoIP.
I believe the real benifits of VoIP is where a business will use it between locations and routing of phone calls. We utilize that at several of our larger clients and it works extremly well. However, the 911 issue is something that must be addressed by the phone system vendor. As a general rule, that type of service is provided by a regular POTS line. Most companies will also use this for alarm lines and backup lines in case the digital (VoIP, T1, etc.) lines go down.
Now, onto the costs. I've been trying to find documentation on this. But I have heard the reason you are hearing legislators discussing this is because they are trying to apply taxes to VoIP. the way they may try this is to apply a VoIP tax to each device, such as a VoIP phone. If anyone knows of this, please let me know.
Thanks,
Mike |
