What is the T-Voice app(NBN only)?

Question

If you're a Telstra customer on the NBN you can now turn your iPad or Android tablet into a home phone with the T-Voice app(NBN only)! The app is free to download and can be used to make and receive calls using your fixed voice service on the NBN, just like a normal handset. It's compatible with all Telstra T-Bundle® and T-Broadband™ on the NBN plans, and any calls you make will be charged at the same great value rates in your current call plan.
Key Features
- Super quick and easy set up process - get calling in seconds!
- Gain control over how your calls are handled with powerful features like call forward, call waiting and MessageBank
- Add and / or Synch contacts with your iPad or Android Tablet
- Make intercom calls between every handset, or T-Voice app, that is connected to your T-Gateway™
Some things to remember
- Compatible with Android 3.2.x / 4.x on the following tablets: Samsung Galaxy Tab v8.9, Samsung Galaxy Tab v10.1, Asusu Nexus 7, Asus EEEPad Transformer, Motorola Xoom v1, Motorola Xoom v2, Sony 9” Tablet, Telstra Touch Tablet.
- Compatible with iOS 5.x / 6.x on iPad versions 1, 2 and 3 only
- The app will NOT work with iPhone or iPod Touch
- Requires a compatible T-Bundle or T-Broadband on the NBN plan connected to a T-Gateway
- Only available to customers with Telstra services on the NBN in Australia
- While the app itself is free to download it will count towards your data usage and any calls made will be rated in accordance with the underlying voice charges in your T-Bundle or T-Broadband plan.
How does the T-Voice app (NBN only) work?
The T-Voice app connects to your T-Gateway over Wi-Fi, and connects to the underlying fixed voice service on the NBN allowing you to make and receive calls as if it were any other telephone handset.
Does the T-Voice app offer High Definition calling?
The T-Voice app on the T-Voice Advanced service on the NBN is capable of a High Definition (HD) calling experience.  
The quality of your calling experience is dependent on a few factors:
Whether you are making a call to another HD capable handset
Wi-Fi distance: The T-Voice app connects to the T-Gateway over Wi-Fi.  The closer to the gateway, the better the calling experience.
Wi-Fi connection: If there are multiple connected devices or heavy data usage over your T-Gateway, the calling experience may be reduced.
Hardware: The quality of the device (microphone, speakers, processor etc) may impact the calling experience.
How do I make internal calls with the T-Voice app(NBN only)?
When you first set up the T-Voice app on your tablet, you’ll be asked to assign a number to the device.  This number can then be used to make and receive internal calls between devices in the home.  These calls are free and are made by calling the device number then pressing #.  For example 1#
Will the T-Voice app sync with my native device contacts?
Yes.  All your contacts on your tablets are automatically imported into the contacts list in the T-Voice application.
Can I use the T-Voice app over any internet connection?
No. The T-Voice app can only be used within range of your home T-Gateway Wi-Fi.
Can I make a Video call through my T-Voice app(NBN only)?
No. The T-Voice app does not support Video Calling.
Can I use the T-Voice app(NBN only) on my T-Hub / Windows Tablet, PC, Mac or Smartphone?
No. The T-Voice app is only available on the specified iPad and Android Tablets.
 

Answer 1

Thanks for taking the time to reply Lathania and I do understand this position. I am also certain that Telstra do have some appreciation for the risk of people like me changing providers because we cannot achieve what we want technically as opposed to supporting a vast quantity of people who probably don't have the skill or desire to set up their own soft phones (or even create their own personal PABX, scary right!). Competitors such as iiNet do allow such things and publish their SIP settings. I expect that Telstra may also feel they have 12 to 24 months to figure out their policy in this area as that is when people who signed up to the NBN will start to come off their contract period. I for one hope they will allow a little more flexibility with regard to how we utilise the NBN. Not just VOIP settings but router alternatives as well. I use pfsense but have to have it sitting behind the Telstra gateway because I cannot configure or replace the VOIP functionality so I don't get the best out of either product. There are a number of people asking the same questions in this forum and you can bet that for everyone that asks a question, there are another 10 or 20 wanting to do the same thing. Lets hope Telstra sees the value in not inhibiting these sort of users.