3CX outbound via cellular instead of VOIP

[3CX SOHO]

I have a small home office using 3CX, connected to a fibre network. We use a VOIP provider for outbound calls.

Since January I am on a new cellular call package whereby, I have unlimited outbound calls to all networks at a fixed price. This is a new number with a new sim card, so i will typically have to use a another phone or a dual sim phone. (I am not dependant on this new number)

I was wondering if I could connect a cellular phone or other device such a modem to the 3CX system in order that all outbound calls are directed via the new sim on the cellular network. This will save me a lot of money on the variable outgoing VOIP provider.

Primary outbound connection could then be the cellular phone, and VOIP provider could then be the secondary provider should primary be busy. Since the cellular number will be visible on clients phones, they will phone back on the cellular number. So i also want the cellular number connected to be used for incoming calls.

Can anyone please help, and indicate what steps i can use and what hardware I will require to this.

 

[Saqqara]

There are no supported Cellular modems, if anyone are using ones I am sure they will post in this thread.

Only issue I can see, if you are on a call and people ring you it will go the cellular provider voicemail system, as you can only have one call at any one time (you will probably not have a solution to hear the messages)

 

[3CX SOHO]

This is a very valid argument "Only issue I can see, if you are on a call and people ring you it will go the cellular provider voicemail system, as you can only have one call at any one time (you will probably not have a solution to hear the messages)"
I was thinking that since the calls are unlimited i could use call forwarding on the sim card and forward all incoming calls to the VOIP line. I did my own research, but lack the technical knowledge.

a IT salesman told to me of a "GSM FIXED WIRELESS TERMINAL" I did some research.The unit comes with an antenna. You insert a cellular sim card and connect the unit to your older type house phone. It appears as if the unit is still analogue, based on the old phone plug. I was also told of that Patton manufacture a Smartnode ISDN Voip gateway. If i connect this Patton Gateway to the GSM fixed wireless terminal, will it convert the signal from analogue to digital and solve the problem?

 

[countrycomp]

Portech make GSM modems that I have used with 3CX and other SIP systems. That connect as a trunk to 3CX and you then define the outbound rule to route calls. The term GSM is generic as they make models for different 3 & 4G networks and just require a SIM card inserted.

 

[eddv123]

Whilst on the subject of GSM, you could acquired yourself a 3CX "supported" GSM Gateway instead.

These can be provided by a company called beroNet. See the supported list below:
https://www.3cx.com/voip-gateways/

The current models support 2 x cards of 2 sims each.

 

[3CX SOHO]

Thank you for all the info. I have discussed it with the IT salesman. He has a used Paton Smartnode 4120 at a very reasonable price. It was previously used on a 3CX system linked to ISDN lines.

 

[eddv123]

Fantastic, Patton are normally my gateway of choice. They don't support a GSM variant however.

It is interesting to note that although the PBX supports templates for the Patton BRI variants for some reason they no longer exist on the supported list: https://www.3cx.com/voip-gateways/

 

[leejor]

Be certain that your mobile provider (SIM provider), offers the ability to configure the Call Forward Busy (CFB) and Call Forward no answer (CFN) options. Many if asked, will disable their voicemail service, and allow all calls to be forwarded to a number, but restrict the busy/no answer forwarding options.

 

[Andyshawn]

I just wanted to share a pretty cost effective solution that I currently use. It is called GOIP and you can read more hear.

https://www.voip-info.org/goip/

I have been using the 1 port GOIP for over 6 years now with my Elastix PBX and it continues to work like a charm. Since it is not supported by 3CX, I have not tried connecting it drectly, but it should work just the same.

I have a SIP trunk between my Elastix and 3CX, so if i need to make a call through my GSM Gateway(GOIP), then i simply route the call from 3CX over to Elasitx and out the GSM gateway.

 

[leejor]

Before investing in something using GSM (2G), check to see how much longer it will be available in your market. It's days are numbered.

https://1ot.mobi/blog/2g-and-3g-networks-are-shutting-down-globally
https://www.emnify.com/blog/global-2g-phase-out