how to use voip?

anniecave

Question from a non techie...

I want to be able to make calls to uk landlines over the internet, as I'm moving house and won't have a landline.

Can I just buy a usb voip phone (like over ebay) and use it with my wireless internet connection to make calls via sipgate? I'd assume I'd need to download some software. But other than that, is that all there is to it? If I have a good broadband connection and there aren't other people conflicting with me for bandwidth, will the call quality be ok?

luci

If you have a webcam you can use that or you can buy headphones with a mic from Argos for about £7.

paulofessex

We ditched our VM phone line in favour of Skype. We have the Europe subscription at £3.39 pm compared to the approx. £25 we used to pay VM. Luckly we signed up 2-3 years ago so the £3.39 covers the SkypeIN number too.
It really is worth investing in a Skype dual phone which plugs into the router so pc don't need to be on. Once up and running you forget your not using the landline.

PS....we have approx. 4 mobiles in the house so calling 999 if needed isn't an issue for us (you can't call 999 via Skype)

FIK

I would say there is very little point in buying a usb phone. To use usb phone you would needyour pc on. If you have laptop all you need is software. Most laptops have speakers and a mic. If its a desk top you might need a head set. like this one http://www.soundwise.co.uk/earphones/voip.shtml. A headset is also good for a little privacy.

If you have a laptop then you can download software and get phoning in minutes. All you need to consider is do you need a phone number to call you (voip in also called skypein or <vender> in ). Also what other services do they offer, answer machine etc. Shop around to get the best deal for you. You could have several VOIP accounts on one machine if you need.


When I put my dads phone on monitor he still talks into the handset. If you are like this then maybe the usb phone is good. He also can't manage to leave a message on an answer machine.

diable

You can also get Skype for your smartphone and use it that way when you are connected to your wireless router.

Blue_Max

If you buy an IP phone made by Siemens, it will plug into the back of your modem/router. And the phone will work even when the computer is switched off. Siemens are really quality produtcs. Good handle and a joy to use.
Alternative is to look for Topcom Butler 4012 or 4812 phones. They are USB so need the computer on. They are also DECT and have an amazing range. Battery last many days before needing to recharge from the base unit. They are discontinued and heavily discounted. We bought two for under £30. They are 'dual phones' so can also be used for making landline calls (PSTN). Just one key to switch over. Other inexpensive DECT models to look out for are:
Premier Noblesse VoIP (dual phone) and Tiptel 217 (VoIP only)

Whichever VoIP phone you get make sure that they are SIP phones. Many on the market work only with Skype, Vonage or some other company. So you get locked into using a single service provider.
A big list of SIP phones of all types can be seen at
http://www.voipbuster.com/es/hardware.html#sip wireless phones