Comfort without PSTN landlines?

[caravanboy]

I\'ve seen a news story today that in the UK they are planning to switch off PSTN landlines from 2025.   BBC News story

I know Comfort has a GSM backup option (although mine still has bugs/issues during AC power failures - but that\'s another thread) but will there be any new modules or way of Comfort still working over VOIP landlines in four years time?  Or is there already a way to support this?

[slychiu]

VOiP lines are not suited for Control by DTMF. This is because the technology is meant for voice which can tolerate delays in the signal frequenmcies. DTMF may not work well on these lines. GSM is still the better alternative

[caravanboy]

Okay, so it sounds like all UK-based Comfort solutions will have to add a GSM module in the next few years if they don\'t have one already, before PSTN is switched off.

If you get chance, slychiu, could you also take a look at my latest queries on the GSM AC failures thread (http://www.comfortforums.com/forum48/4900.html)?

[Krobar]

I have used a SIP line with my Comfort Alarm for over 5 years, it works well. I\'m using a Cisco 2port SIP phone adapter, this means you configure the Cisco SIP adapter to login to your SIP account and plug a network cable into your router, you can then just plug normal phone devices like the Comfort alarm into the SIP adapter. You will need a very small UPS for the SIP adapter and your router to ensure it works during power loss. A SIP account with proper phone number is much cheaper than a normal landline.

[caravanboy]

Thanks, krobar, that\'s very useful to know hat a SIP line might work.

[MCFH]

Reading this it would be great if a SIP client could be added to replace the POTS line

[slychiu]

SIP on an electronic module is not a common or economical solution as far as I know. If you have a SIP phone, perhaps there is a phone port for connecting an analog phone that you can use for Comfort? 

The GSM solution is more practical and cost effective. Personallly I find that SMS notifications are nmore convenient than dialout by voice phone. And you can use SMS to do most things like arm, disarm and control automation.

[MCFH]

I use the app today for most use cases and can see the point of GSM but, for example in the UK by end 2025 we won’t have analogue phones. The router manufacturers are doing integrated DECT or analogue phone ports. It will be interesting to see how they handle multiple devices - I am looking at door entry systems and replacing a Panasonic KX-TES824. Don’t use the house handsets for anything else!

Maybe we all can use a ATA