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IF YOUR OBI NEEDS UPDATES SEE HERE

See here for some good tutorials on setting up the Obi.

You can switch your current landline number into a Google Voice account to retain your phone number on a free Obi phone line.
To port your landline to GV:
  • Get ahold of an old Page Plus or Verizon cell phone that isn't being used. Port your existing landline to Page Plus for free through their website.
  • Fill out the port form and put in your landline number and the old PP cell phone's ESN or MEID number (from under the battery) and wait a couple of days for it to go through. You will know that the port is complete, when dialing your landline rings on the cell phone.
  • Once the account is active, buy $10 worth of minutes from PagePlus in order to receive the verification call from GV.
  • Now you can initiate the GV port. It's a good idea to open a new Gmail account. You can then setup all emails that come to that account (all the voicemails notifications) to be forwarded to your main Gmail account. Login to GV from the new account and port in your number. It will cost $20, and you will get an email when the port to GV is complete.
Using the above method will only have incoming Caller ID numbers, not names. If you want names as well, follow these steps:
  • Go to https://www.callcentric.com/, click Products, then click the yellow Get A Number button next to Free Phone Number.
  • Use the tool on the left to pick an area code, then order the number. It doesn’t have to be something memorable, because no one will ever have to dial it.
  • When it asks if you’re in US/Canada, either select Yes to use their E911 service, or No if you want to use something else. Callcentric setup is free, plus $1.50/mo if you want E911 services. See below for more details.
  • After you receive a confirmation email from Callcentric with your new account info, go to obitalk.com, and log into your Obi. Click SP2, scroll down to OBiTALK Compatible Service Providers, then click Next. Follow the prompts to link your Callcentric account. In the box that says Callcentric Number, enter the 1777 number you got in the email. Uncheck Primary Line for Outgoing Calls and 911.
  • Open Google Voice, go into Settings, and add a forwarding phone. Enter the real phone number you got in the email from Callcentric. Google will call it to confirm; it should ring on your Obi. Answer it and enter the code shown by GV.
  • Uncheck forward to Google Chat.
  • Log into your Callcentric account. Click Preferences. Under General, enable Caller ID with name (Inbound calls). (You can also change the maximum call duration, and unlist yourself from the directory).
or this for a $5 one time fee.
https://simonics.com/gw/?promo=nerdvittles


If you’re not using Callcentric, you have to set up SP3 in Obi settings to point to your E911 provider’s account.
E911 providers:
Callcentric$18/year ($1.50/mo) + $1.50 setup
Anveo$15/year
http://www.gv911.com/$12/year
http://www.bulkvs.com/e911.html$8.64/year ($0.72/mo)

If you want the SP2 to ring like the standard US ringtone:
go to obi expert config, then to voice service, select sp2, and change it to this:
X_ServProvProfile B
X_RingProfile   A
X_CodecProfile   A

You can add your CID http://www.listyourself.net/ListYourself/listing.jsp?ID=new
and check your CID http://who.scalling.com/411/

Author Topic: OBi Master Thread  (Read 451180 times)

Offline mlardi

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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1720 on: September 24, 2024, 08:08:38 AM »
Dear OBITalk User,

 

We are writing to inform you that the OBITalk.com portal, which you have used to configure your OBiHAI phone and/or ATA, is quickly approaching the end of its life, and will be officially shut down on Oct 31, 2024. After this date, the portal will no longer be accessible, and its services will no longer be available for use. Your device(s) should continue to operate but HP provides no guarantee of continual operation after October 31, 2024.

We encourage you to make any necessary adjustments or backups before the shutdown date. Below, we have written the top 3 frequently asked questions for your attention. We have also linked to a detailed FAQ for additional information.  If you are no longer utilizing your devices you may ignore this message with no further action necessary.

We understand that this may be an inconvenience, and we want to thank you for being a valued customer these past 14 years.

 

Q: Will I retain access to my device?

A: Yes, in most cases. While the OBiHAI devices were enhanced through their connection to the OBiTALK Service, the connection is not required for most configurations. You will continue to be able to locally configure your OBiHAI devices for as long as you own them and may continue to use and register it to other Cloud PBX providers.

 

Q: I am currently using OBiTALK for Google Voice home phone service, what services are available to continue to leverage my OBiHAI device?

A: While not directly affiliated with HP as a service offering from HP, many cloud SIP PBX providers provide the ability to configure and register your OBiHAI device allowing you to continue to maintain your home service.  These include but are not limited to, 8x8, Aveno, Dialpad, Microsoft, OneSuite, OnSIP, RingCentral, Zoom and many others offering single and multi-line SIP registrations.   

We recommended you reach out to these providers to find the service that meets your needs and supports your specific device hardware.

 

Q: Will I still be able to use my OBiHAI Device to contact 911 in case of an emergency?

A: While the changes to the OBiTALK Consumer Portal is not intended to have any impact to the daily operation of already configured devices, there is a risk that existing devices will become unregistered, either temporarily or permanently during this decommissioning process.   

Therefore, HP advises users to reach out to their Cloud PBX provider and E911 provider should they have concerns about their ability to dial 911 in an emergency. Additionally, HP recommends customers begin to seek alternative measures for requesting emergency services should the decommissioning impact your existing device.

 

Please note that this email address is not monitored and we will not be able to respond to any inquiries. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our support team forum here. [BG1]   More information about this change can be found here.

 

- OBITalk Team

Offline SearchGuy

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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1721 on: September 25, 2024, 12:50:33 PM »
If a device is already configured will is stop working once the portal is down?

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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1722 on: September 25, 2024, 01:14:02 PM »
If a device is already configured will is stop working once the portal is down?

Should. Since the portal was only for configuring it, and the actual connection is to Google.

(Though it may stop at any point if Google makes any changes).

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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1723 on: September 25, 2024, 01:15:19 PM »
Is there anything similar with a low monthly fee and unlimited minutes?
Workflowy. You won't know what you're missing until you try it.

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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1724 on: September 25, 2024, 01:19:48 PM »
I'm not using it instead of anything, so it's not really applicable to the Obi/Google Voice thing.

I mainly use it to register a VoIP phone and place outbound calls using a verified caller ID number (not a number that is with them). So my only cost is per minute (1 cent per minute).

For replacing Google Voice, it would start with $0.85 a month for the phone number, and then on top of that per minute for incoming and outgoing calls based on your usage.

IINM Anveo.com has a phone number for $0.50 per month on a timed plan (higher rates on plans that include minutes).

Zadarma is $2/month for a number, free incoming (including fax and SMS). Outbound rates (for international calling) are reasonable with Zadarma and with Anveo.

Back in the day when my kids were in summer camp in Canada, I set up a local Canadian number on Anveo, and used their free tool to set it up so they could press different options to reach myself or my wife (and IIRC I even set it up so they could reach my mother in EY). Both Anveo and Zadarma have IVR included for free (limited setup).
« Last Edit: September 25, 2024, 01:23:27 PM by ExGingi »
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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1725 on: September 25, 2024, 01:20:21 PM »
Is there anything similar with a low monthly fee and unlimited minutes?

I believe that the answer is no.

The closest would maybe be the supposed (it does charge "taxes and fees" which can add up to a good $4-6) free plan from Ooma https://www.ooma.com/home-phone-service/basic/

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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1726 on: September 25, 2024, 01:26:24 PM »
I believe that the answer is no.

The closest would maybe be the supposed (it does charge "taxes and fees" which can add up to a good $4-6) free plan from Ooma https://www.ooma.com/home-phone-service/basic/
Thanks!

Can you use it with google voice for incoming calls to the GV number, and have it show the GV number on caller id for outgoing calls?
Workflowy. You won't know what you're missing until you try it.

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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1727 on: September 25, 2024, 01:31:12 PM »
The information might be outdated, but it seems like MajicJack uses SIP and there are ways to figure out the credentials.

https://magicjackhacks.blogspot.com/2007/11/magicjack-sip-info.html
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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1728 on: September 25, 2024, 01:32:31 PM »
IINM Anveo.com has a phone number for $0.50 per month on a timed plan (higher rates on plans that include minutes).

Zadarma is $2/month for a number, free incoming (including fax and SMS). Outbound rates (for international calling) are reasonable with Zadarma and with Anveo.

Anveo.com is also $2 for the free incoming.

Zadarma's outbound rates are "from $0.02/min" which is double than Anveo.com and voip.ms.

(BTW, voip.ms doesn't seem to have an issue - like GV - or charge more for calls to the rural area-codes used for some hotlines, but Anveo.com does seem to charge more per minute for those.)

Anveo has a good guide on using Obihai devices with other SIP providers, this can be useful for using a different provider as well, https://anveo.com/voice/obitalk-shutdown-google-voice
« Last Edit: September 25, 2024, 01:39:53 PM by Yisroel Tech »

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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1730 on: September 25, 2024, 01:36:17 PM »
Thanks!

Can you use it with google voice for incoming calls to the GV number, and have it show the GV number on caller id for outgoing calls?

I have not seen that they should offer anything like that.

(BTW, for context on the per-minute vs unlimited. Paying for Ooma $5 would be like paying 1 cent for 500 minutes with the others. So it's only worth going with something like that if you're using more than 500 minutes a month. And also count in to the cost the device...)

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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1731 on: September 25, 2024, 01:39:32 PM »
I have not seen that they should offer anything like that.

(BTW, for context on the per-minute vs unlimited. Paying for Ooma $5 would be like paying 1 cent for 500 minutes with the others. So it's only worth going with something like that if you're using more than 500 minutes a month. And also count in to the cost the device...)
Kids listening to hotlines etc... can probably get through 500 minutes in a week :D
Workflowy. You won't know what you're missing until you try it.

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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1732 on: September 25, 2024, 01:40:14 PM »
So would it make sense to port a GV number to Ooma?
Workflowy. You won't know what you're missing until you try it.

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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1733 on: September 25, 2024, 01:43:38 PM »
There's also OOMA which only charges monthly regulatory fees/taxes in addition to one time device payment. Lowest fees seem to be in NV at around $5.98/month
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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1734 on: September 25, 2024, 01:52:18 PM »
Anveo.com is also $2 for the free incoming.

Zadarma's outbound rates are "from $0.02/min" which is double than Anveo.com and voip.ms.

(BTW, voip.ms doesn't seem to have an issue - like GV - or charge more for calls to the rural area-codes used for some hotlines, but Anveo.com does seem to charge more per minute for those.)

Anveo has a good guide on using Obihai devices with other SIP providers, this can be useful for using a different provider as well, https://anveo.com/voice/obitalk-shutdown-google-voice

TBH, I've never used Anveo or Zadarma for domestic calls. Only for international (I have a virtual Israeli mobile number on Zadarma, where I receive calls and SMS) or for calls back from camps.
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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1735 on: September 25, 2024, 01:53:09 PM »
There's also OOMA which only charges monthly regulatory fees/taxes in addition to one time device payment. Lowest fees seem to be in NV at around $5.98/month
Includes e911 service and unlimited US and Ooma-Ooma calls.
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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1736 on: September 25, 2024, 01:54:56 PM »
Zadarma's outbound rates are "from $0.02/min" which is double than Anveo.com and voip.ms.
Zadarma US calling rates.

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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1737 on: September 25, 2024, 02:03:09 PM »
For outgoing calls you can use one of Dellmont's VOIP services that works best for you.

The Obi adapter can be configured to use different accounts for different numbers. You would still need something for incoming calls, but for that you could get Zadarma or any other service that gives you free incoming calls with a number.

https://voip-comparison.com/?ll=0&ll=1&mb=0&mb=1&sms=0&sms=1&nonEu=0&nonEu=1&country%5B%5D=236

https://www.voipkredi.com/page.php?page=betamax-dellmont
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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1738 on: September 25, 2024, 02:05:03 PM »
Blackjack ends up being cheaper then Ooma, no?
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Re: OBi Master Thread
« Reply #1739 on: September 25, 2024, 02:06:51 PM »
Blackjack ends up being cheaper then Ooma, no?

Seems like it. $44/yr (any tax on top of that?) vs $72/yr.
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