Working from abroad

How can I work from my holiday home?

I've been asked for more information on working for a UK company from abroad.

I know that some UK companies don't like the idea of their employees working outside of the UK. However with a bit of work those people with a holiday home in the sun can look as if they are in the UK.

The first step is to get broadband installed. Now this can be difficult especially when you don't speak the language. If your in Spain you really are in luck. Telefonica has a web site in English at http://www.telefonicainenglish.com/ There are also lots of broadband suppliers that work in English. Pick up a local English Language newspaper and you will find lots of adverts.

For those off the beaten track it can be very difficult to get broadband but don't despair there are now satellite broadband services. They can be more expensive so shop around. Try your favourite web search engine and do a search. Take a look at http://www.avcbroadband.com/ if your in Europe.

That takes care of connecting to the internet. Now the telephony, you need to look as if your in the UK so VoIP looks like an ideal solution. You can get yourself a UK number but be contacted anywhere in the world. If you have a phone line in the UK provided by your employer and you don't want to have to give them a different number (gives the game away doesn't it) then get call diversion activated on the line. Divert all calls to your VoIP number. As its going to be a local UK call its not going to be very expensive. If you supply your own line and number then its no problem.

There are lots of VoIP companies including Skype, which everyone knows about. However, for providing a UK number and allowing you to dial normal landlines they may not be the cheapest. Shop around and look for companies that use the SIP standard and preferably open standards. I like the Gizmo Project at http://www.gizmoproject.com/ Also look at http://www.google.com/talk and for great advice look at http://www.voip.org.uk/

All you need is the VoIP software and a headset and away you go. If you intend to do this on a regular basis then think about a USB connected handset which looks and works like a phone. Don't forget friends and family can now also call you for the cost of a local UK call and they don't have to pay for an international call.

Now you have got fast broadband access, a UK telephone number and you can be anywhere in the world. With cheap flights you could also get back home for meetings at a very reasonable cost - so what's stopping you?