excellent! Different strokes for different folks. I should have clarified that I too have setup my own Asterisk server which is my primary phone system for business and home use. I simply had enough of the incumbent providers and their practices regarding the SOHO user. For individual users they are fine but don't provide what I need by a long shot.

So with my own PBX I have phone numbers for my local area and a few remote locations that need to call me, they call a local number no matter where I physically am without any roaming or long distance charges. I then add extensions for my family and friends near and far. With a video capable phone, NIT, or softphone they can do video chat over SIP, even my aging mother can handle it and loves talking to the grandkids. All of this costs me no more than one cell phone number. But I did have to learn a few things and maintain it. For the huge savings and increased functionality I'm willing to put up with the initial headaches. The headaches are only one time but I use it long term.