Good Phone Service via the Computer

Rosemarie44

Hi Techies,

I need some advice please. I don't have a landline at the moment so I'm looking for an excellent phone service that I can use via my computer:

- where the call rates are very low (or free) but the quality of the service is good/crystal clear. I will be calling landlines and mobiles

- get a phone number that will show on the other person's phone that I'm calling

- voicemail so that callers can leave a message (ideally I'd like to be able to record my own message) but this is not crucial

I do have a mobile with unlimited calls to landlines but the problem is that the reception is very temperamental where I live and it's frustrating getting cut off when in the middle of an important conversation.

Your help would be much appreciated.

Rosemarie44

Lifeforms

How do you get internet as this will be what it will come from, also who is your mobile provider, as they may be able to offer to (sell) you a device to allow for much better reception in your house, therefore would mean you didn't need a service.

Rosemarie44

Thanks for responding. I am living in rented accommodation that has wifi (I don't know the provider). My mobile contract is with T-Mobile. What would you suggest please?

Gunstar

Skype is good, free skype to skype and has some cheaper monthly plans: http://www.skype.com/en/rates/

Oh and You can get your own phone number too: http://www.skype.com/en/features/online-number/

Lifeforms

http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-4683

This is their version of a signal booster, but it's limited to basically a single house according to their regulations, however, conveniently you could buy one for £450 if/when it's in stock!

Have you considered changing to a better network area for your place?

Skypes been mentioned, and they have calling plans, with a number and such like, but works over the internet, so you could probably do with making sure it'll be ok to use as a calling option on the wifi as it's not your own contract. Basically voice to voice calls wouldn't take up much bandwidth/usage. With this option you can get a specific handset for it as well, so could use it as a phone. Be aware computer and internet must be on all the time for it to work, as well as it is not available in times of emergency, ie power cuts etc.

Rosemarie44

Thanks guys! I do use skype occasionally but wanted to check whether there were any other comparable services.

Mikebellows

Have a look at Viber...

http://www.viber.com/

Get your friends to join also - Free calls over wifi.