How to handle multiple sip providers with incoming calls

[bnelson]

Hi guys,
Got a stupid question.

We have 3 lines with our current sip provider. Currently if someone calls our main line and all 3 lines are being used, we wont receive the 4th call. I want to get a 2nd SIP provider, so that if our 3 lines are being used, a 4th incoming call would route that call to other sip trunk, so our phones would ring.

Is that possible? I tried to check manuals, but not sure what i would call that, so couldn't research it.

 

[Saqqara]

Why not increase the max calls on your existing sip provider

 

[bnelson]

We don't get a ton of calls where we need the 4th line. So adding a 4th or 5 line increases our monthly rate considerably. My other SIP provider charges based on usage, so if we only have a few calls on a 4th or 5th line, it would be pennies a month more.

 

[craigreilly]

what country?
who is primary provider?

 

[VoIPTools]

You can't have two different providers routing the same DID. That's the whole porting number thing. The carrier has to "own" the DID.

 

[cobaltit]

The OP doesn't need two providers routing the same DID. The OP just needs his primary provider to be able to forward 4+ calls to a number with the 2nd provider.

 

[Saqqara]

3cx can handle multiple sip providers.

You need to check if your current provider can redirect calls to the new provider if the lines are busy, engaged.

Also check if the call can be rerouted as your provider may count the redirected call as an extra sip line and push you over your 4 sip line limit . Each redirected call may count as two calls

At the end of the day, you may be better off increasing your current line limit

We can not answer this question, you need to speak to your provider and see what they can offer.

 

[YiannisH_3CX]

Hello @bnelson

I agree with @Saqqara on this one as this is something that must be done by the provider. Since the provider only allows 3 lines the forth call will never reach the PBX so there is nothing to do on the PBX side. You need to check if the provider can forward the forth call to a different number or increase your lines to 4.

 

[Marari]

Or change providers to someone who allows burstable trunks. I know of at least one that does.

 

[bnelson]

Thank you for all of your responses. I'll check to see is my primary SIP provider can send overflow to my other number.

 

[jimbo59]

Providers I talk to say the forth call will be dropped and they won't forward.

 

[VoIPTools]

Guys, if you ask the first provider to send calls to the 2nd provider he will be charged by both providers! Since the whole point is to save money, this is NOT a viable option. The only option is to get a burstable trunk or recognize that it's time to spend the money and expand the existing provider.