Phone

Setup a landline phone for home or business

Getting a VoIP Phone

A VoIP (Voice over IP) Phone lets you make phone calls through your internet connection, as an alternative to using a traditional landline. It’s a popular choice for both home and business users because it’s usually much cheaper, more flexible, and packed with useful calling features. Our customers can use VoIP with their existing internet connection, either through a dedicated VoIP phone or by using an ATA converter to connect their current wired or cordless handset.

In New Zealand, there are several VoIP providers to choose from, but we recommend 2Talk for the best reliability and range of options.

We can set up a 2talk VoIP phone for you - just get in touch with us.

Phone FAQ

Who can I call using VoIP?

With a VoIP phone you can call pretty much any number — landlines, mobiles, 0800 numbers, and most other services.

What does it cost?

One of the big reasons people switch to VoIP is the price. A typical home plan with 2talk starts at around $11.50 per month for one line, and often includes free local, national, and even international calling. Business plans start at about $40.00 per month (GST included) and usually cover up to five lines with similar free calling options.

You’ll need either a VoIP phone or an ATA converter to get set up — pricing starts from about $75.00 including GST.

There’s normally a one-off fee if you want to port your existing number over to VoIP. 2talk is prepaid, so payments are made by credit card.

Gisborne Net doesn’t add any VoIP surcharges — the only costs are from your VoIP provider.

Can I keep my existing phone number?

Yes — most VoIP providers let you port your current phone number for a small one-off fee. If you prefer, you can also get a brand-new local number. Businesses can even request additional local numbers for other regions.

Can I use FAX, POS, or alarm systems with VoIP?

In most cases, yes — as long as you’re using a suitable ATA converter. 2talk also offers a fax-to-email service so you can send and receive faxes digitally.

POS machines can work through an ATA too, but we recommend checking whether an IP-enabled POS unit is available, as these are faster and won’t interfere with phone calls.

If you have a monitored alarm, it’s best to check with your alarm provider before moving to VoIP.

Do VoIP phones support voicemail and call features?

Yes — providers like 2talk offer a full set of calling features including voicemail, call waiting, forwarding, hunting groups, and much more.

Do I need to notify Gisborne Net before switching to VoIP?

It’s a good idea to check with us first. Give us a call on (06) 867 6384 or email support@gisborne.net.nz and we can confirm that your broadband connection is suitable for reliable VoIP service.

Who provides VoIP services in New Zealand?

There are lots of VoIP providers in NZ — a quick search for “VoIP NZ” will show you the main ones. Our preferred provider is 2talk, who offer excellent options for both home and small-business users. Our network is optimised specifically for 2talk traffic.

Larger businesses might prefer telecom providers who offer guaranteed service levels, billing options, and virtual PBX solutions.

Who sells VoIP phones and ATA converters?

Gisborne Net can supply ATA converters for connecting standard phones to the internet. Most communications contractors also sell VoIP phones. Locally, you can find VoIP equipment at Highfield Solutions ((06) 867 7573 or support@highfields.co.nz).

Where can I learn more?

If you want more details about VoIP in New Zealand, these websites are a good starting point:

Important things to consider before switching to VoIP

If the power goes out, so will your VoIP phone.
If you need 24/7 phone access, consider keeping a traditional landline or installing a UPS to keep your VoIP hardware, microwave unit, and router running during power cuts.

If your internet goes down, your VoIP phone won’t work either.
Businesses that rely on constant phone service may want a backup landline in addition to VoIP.

Although Gisborne Net prioritises 2talk VoIP traffic, any network issue affecting your broadband connection may also affect your phone service until the issue is resolved.