Internet Telephony: Completely Free Calls Worldwide Article Discussion Area

bighassan

:j

I told Orange that I wanted to transfer my (slow) Broadband connection to BT Internet and they immediately offered me a much faster service and a free "Livebox" which has a socket where you can plug in an ordinary telephone. They supply you with a new telephone number (additional to your normal phone number) and you can then call landlines in over 100 countries WITHOUT YOUR COMPUTER HAVING TO BE TURNED ON!

Here's some info from theirr website:

About Talk

Have you upgraded to Talk yet? You can make all your phone calls cheaper using our Talk service. All you need is the wireless Livebox modem.

Talk Anytime International
Our Broadband Unlimited package lets you chat away to UK landline numbers starting with 01 and 02, landlines in 100 countries, and other Talk customers. Just plug a normal telephone into your Livebox and you can make calls through your broadband connection without your computer being on. Talk whenever you want, 24/7.

Talk Anytime price/minute
UK landline numbers starting with 01 and 02 free
calls to 100 countries overseas free
other Talk customers free
Orange mobile (if you're an Orange pay monthly mobile customer) free
mobile 10p

Livebox FAQs
'Make calls using broadband' - what does that mean?
A new technology called VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) lets you make calls using broadband. It works by converting calls into data sent through your broadband connection.

Can I use Talk and get rid of my home phone line?
No. You need your home phone line to get broadband. Use Talk as a cheaper alternative or as a second line.


Do I need another phone to use the service?
Yes. You need a normal touch-tone phone to plug into your Livebox. You can also use a cordless phone.

What if I need to call the emergency services?
If you need to call emergency services, it's better to use your landline or a mobile. You can make the call via the Livebox but it will be made via your normal landline.

What if I need to make a phone call that lasts more than two hours?
There's a maximum call length of two hours. If you need to talk for more than two hours, simply hang up and redial the same number.

Why do I need a Livebox to use the service?
The phone calls made using the Talk service use your home broadband connection. The Livebox is our unique broadband modem that lets you link your computer without wires and connect a phone to it so you can make calls using your broadband connection rather than your usual phone line.

Can people call me on Talk?
Of course. We'll give you a phone number so people can call you. You'll also get voicemail for messages.

What do I need to get wireless?
You need a computer with Windows 98 or later, a CD-Rom drive and an Ethernet port. If you haven’t got a wireless-enabled computer, you’ll need a wireless adaptor. You can buy one from our online shop.

How do I know if my computer is wireless enabled?
To check if your computer is wireless enabled go to Start, then Control Panel and double-click on Network Connections. If your computer is wireless enabled you’ll see available wireless connections in your area.

Will any wireless adaptor work?
The Livebox works with all adaptors that carry the Wi-Fi industry standard mark.

How far can my computer be from my modem to get wireless?
You can use broadband from anywhere in your home and garden, up to 100m away from your Livebox. Concrete walls may affect your signal.

Does the Livebox work with Apple Macs?
Our wireless adaptor isn’t compatible with Apple Macs but you should be able to connect to the Livebox using your AirPort. We’re sorry, we don’t provide technical support if you're using your Livebox with an Apple computer.

Gurrier

wlcnetwork wrote:

I don't think anyone was informed, specifically, about the new connection charge. It's one of those things we're supposed to find out by regularly checking the Skype web pages or by making a call!

Wait, it gets even better. Skype seem to have been charging double connection charges since January 18th (when they introduced the connection fee). There is absolute mayhem on their forum - and of course Skype have said nothing!

computerwoman

Hi I used to use skype all the time until I discovered googletalk which is to me far better and completely free google-google but no google-landline, and I find the reception alot better.
cw

KTMcD

has anyone got any experience or views to share about the BT 'Total Broadband' system with 'home hub'? Knowing virtually nothing about the whole computer phone thing, I signed up for BT's Home Hub phone (£2.99 a month) when i upgraded my BT Broadband with them (to 5.5Mb). It hasn't actually arrived yet, so I could still cancel it, but apparently I get free evening and weekend calls. It attached to the modem (hub) which must be on, although the PC itself does not need to be on. I'm never very sure of BT - so am looking for some thumbs up or down?
thanks

wlcnetwork

I've only just logged into this forum and just seen your post, KTMcD. Did you ever get the info you wanted. If not, let me know and I'll happily share my experience. After persevering, I must say I'm now happy with the BT Total Broadband package.
Regards
Bill

KTMcD wrote: »

has anyone got any experience or views to share about the BT 'Total Broadband' system with 'home hub'? Knowing virtually nothing about the whole computer phone thing, I signed up for BT's Home Hub phone (£2.99 a month) when i upgraded my BT Broadband with them (to 5.5Mb). It hasn't actually arrived yet, so I could still cancel it, but apparently I get free evening and weekend calls. It attached to the modem (hub) which must be on, although the PC itself does not need to be on. I'm never very sure of BT - so am looking for some thumbs up or down?
thanks

jawa1

Can I do voip with virgin cable broadband?

stphnstevey

Whats Skype Mobile and is it any good?

wlcnetwork

As far as I can tell it appears to be Skype via a Pocket PC or Windows Mobile device which relies on the 3G mobile network or WiFi. Not something I can make use of and so I can't offer any more info. HTH.
Regards
Bill

stphnstevey wrote: »

Whats Skype Mobile and is it any good?

BexTech

jawa1 wrote: »

Can I do voip with virgin cable broadband?

You sure can.

I was VoIP only (no landline) for 2 years. a PAP2 ATA connected to my cable router and using Sipgate on one line and VoIPStunt on another.

The only reason I know have a phone line again (now Virgin Media) is Virgin offered me it for free with free evening and weekend calls and free install. So use Virgin Media for the free evening and weekend calls and VoIP for the others.

The sister services to VoIPStunt such as JustVoIP and VoIPDiscount may now offer slightly better prices to some destinations.

Most your free days last for 120 days, some 90 days, either way your credit isn't lost on the free days, it's yours to use on other calls and even after the 120 / 90 days you don't lose the credit, you can use it up, you just don't have anymore free days until you top up again.

shumon_70

www.myvoipprovider.com, i went to this website to see the lowest rate to call Bangladesh. It shown me www.tpad.com providing call to bangladesh for US$0.056/min. But when i went to the actual site it is saying US$0.08/min.