The first step (besides compileing Asterisk) was to pair my phone with my Asterisk server. This proved to be quite difficult. I am using Ubuntu Dapper for my OS. Here is my hcid.conf in case anyone had the same troubles I had. Once paired I started Asterisk. I used the mobile search command to find the Bluetooth Address and port for my phone. I then exited Asterisk, added my phone to mobile.conf and restarted Asterisk. Lo and behold, it worked. Asterisk was the “headset” for my phone.

My first task was to call my newly attached cell phone to see what happened. Now, when I did the install of Asterisk, I made no other changes than those changes made in mobile.conf. So when I called my cell phone, it started to ring. Asterisk then picked up and started the demo. I was unable to do much in it, because the phone I called from didn’t send the DTMF. Audio was quite good. As good as I expect from a cell phone. The next thing I tried was sending a call out through the cell phone from Asterisk. I setup a softphone on my computer, configured Asterisk to accept and then connected the softphone. I also setup an extension that would send a call out through the cell phone. The call went through and I was able to hear the other side (an IVR system). I was also able to send DTMF through. I had to push the buttons with a significant pause between numbers in order for the codes to be sent correctly (I understand that this can actually be tweaked) .

I also originated a call from the cell phone while it was connected to Asterisk. Asterisk and the phone disconnected and the call audio was directed through the cell phone’s speaker. Once the call was complete, Asterisk and the phone reconnected. I also took the phone far enough away so that it lost connection with Asterisk as to simulate taking the phone with me as I went to work, shopping or whatever. When the phone came back within range, it reconnected and Asterisk was once again in control.

I was unable to test how it would work with call waiting. I can say though that caller ID was sent through (or the number at least, but you don’t get more than that with cell phones). I can think of a couple useful reasons to connect your cell phone to Asterisk.

Time specific call screening: Use Asterisk to only allow certain numbers through when your minutes would be “Anytime” minutes and when your night and weekends started, allow all calls.

Connecting a standard phone: If you prefer to use a standard phone but only have a cell phone, you could use an ATA to connect the standard phone to Asterisk and route your calls to and from through your cell phone.

I’m sure there are other reasons to do it as well. It could be interesting in a business environment as well. One could route calls to the cellphone to the users desktop phone although this would require a small office environment.

The next thing I want to try is connecting a Bluetooth headset. This could prove to be a rather cheap method (in comparison to VoIP equipment) of connecting yourself to your Asterisk box to make those cheap long distance/international calls.