VOIP, Discussion, questions and answers

BexTech

You could ask on the VoIPBuster forums.

I have a number from several of these companies, though this was when they first offered numbers a couple of years back, there was no charge for them back then, just had to have some credit on the account.

3 are 0121 numbers, 1 is 0845 as at the time they originally only had them, yet a month or so later they added several local areas.

With Sipgate, if you are using the Xlite or other XTen program, you could try adjusting the settings, maybe only allow G711a codec, disable the others, adjust the echo cancellation etc.

I have no problems with Sipgate, though most my calls are now with VoIPstunt (incoming and outgoing), I do receive a fair amount of incoming calls, plus it's a good number. I do however use an ATA and DECT phones, so don't have to worry about the PC and software.

vinylmusic

BexTech wrote: »

You could ask on the VoIPBuster forums.

I have a number from several of these companies, though this was when they first offered numbers a couple of years back, there was no charge for them back then, just had to have some credit on the account.

3 are 0121 numbers, 1 is 0845 as at the time they originally only had them, yet a month or so later they added several local areas.

With Sipgate, if you are using the Xlite or other XTen program, you could try adjusting the settings, maybe only allow G711a codec, disable the others, adjust the echo cancellation etc.

I have no problems with Sipgate, though most my calls are now with VoIPstunt (incoming and outgoing), I do receive a fair amount of incoming calls, plus it's a good number. I do however use an ATA and DECT phones, so don't have to worry about the PC and software.

Thanks for your reply
I have x-lite
I tried to go into the settings and the only way I found to bring anything up was to right click over the x-lite
The only real option is Audio tuning wizard which is pretty basic
I did all that but didnt get much improvement.
Do you know another way?

BexTech

I've only really used an older version 2 of Xlite, tried a later version but only briefly. Though it's been quite some time I've used them, as I use hardware now.

( https://www.bextech.co.uk/sw/xliteV2.exe )

There's a menu button next to the phone book and clear button.

You could disable all the codecs apart from G711a.
In audio settings, silence settings, set transmit silence to yes.
You could experiment with increasing the jitter buffer slightly, maybe 120, 150 etc.

BigDonut

Hi All,

I've beenusing VOIP for a while now with excellent results and always the cheapest rates thanks to this site:D

I was chatting about it at work and people there liked the idea and wanted to try it out.

However, they would like software for more than one user but have it all billed from the same account.

I can't seem to find any sip-based VOIP providers that offer this.
Skype do offer the service but I'd rather not use them if possible.

Does anyone know of any multiple user accounts by VOIP providers?

Thanks in advance

Saeed

I have been using VoIP for a while and it has saved me quite a bit. I have bought a few Netgear TA612V which come with 2 months of free 01/02 calls, and a free incoming number. I have used them for 2 months and them sold them on. The only problem now is that I have got rid of my BT line and need a permanent VoIP number. With each TA612V you get a different incoming number and I think the incoming number which they provide for free is "attached" to the device although I am not 100% sure of this. Does anyone know how I can use one of these numbers on a different device (I also have a PAP2) or from where I can get a free incoming number number that I can program into different VoIP devices.

reggieq

I just downloaded voipcheap from the 1899 website. It seems to operate in the same way as jajah, in that no special equipment is requires. It promises free calls of 1 min duration for longer calls a fee is required.There is no mntion of the number being called also being signed up. Does anyone here use this system and do you know what the minimum fee is. It appears to last for 120 days. I don't suppose it includes non geographic numbers! All information gratefully received, please keep it simple.

BexTech

I use sister service VoIPStunt this gives calls to UK for free.

With VoIPStunt you just pay €10 (Ten Euro) + 19% VAT and then you get 300 mins per week of free calls to the free destinations for 120 days.

The €10 isn't lost on paying for the free calls, you can use that credit on chargeable calls.

After 120 days the credit doesn't run out, you can either top up again or simply pay for the calls that were free at a low rate out of your credit.

Other people sign up to VoIPDiscount another of their services as there are a few more destinations free.

These companies have been going much longer that new upstart jajah.

The reason why I use VoIPStunt still instead of one of their other services was when I joined up around 2.5 years ago or more, they issued me with a local number, so I don't want to change.

I don't use the software either I have an Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA) this allows me to hook up my regular corded and DECT phones and make and receive calls without the need of the PC being on.

reggieq

How does the ATA work and how much is it and where do you get it. Does this mean that you don't have to initiate the call from your pc ? Do you have to have one for each phone in the house? Do you know whether this systems work in France ? I'm afraid I'm very ignorant about he subject as you can see. At present I use 18185 for most of my daytime calls I have BT option1 with free evening and weekend uk landline calls so I need to see whether I spend more than 10Euros in 120 days !!
Thanks for your help.

BexTech

If you have a router then the ATA plugs into a spare port on the router.

If you don't have a router than some ATAs come with router facilities, though require an ethernet based modem, cable broadband supply ethernet modems, most ADSL providers either supply a ethernet based adsl modem and router combi, or just a USB adsl modem.

Prices vary, ones like the Linsys PAP2 can be bought of eBay for a reasonable price (though ensure it's generic unlocked).

Some ATAs allow the device to be connected to the good old PSTN (POTS) so you can take calls from both VoIP or the old landline.

The ATAs usually have a REN of 5, so you can connect up several phones.

Yes, this means you can make and receive calls without the PC, you simply pick up the phone and dial the number, with devices like the Linksys / Sipura range you can set them up so they mimic the regular landline, dial local calls without the need of the full dialling code etc.

Yes, the VoIP system works virtually worldwide (some countries like China try and block VoIP traffic), this means you can make and receive calls on a UK phone number no matter where you are.


You just need to work out how many daytime calls you make.

VoIP works out much cheaper for me as I have cable broadband, this doesn't require a phone line, so I save the £11 per month it costs for a landline.

AP

Gabrielleuk wrote: »

Raketu - www.raketu.com/en/index.php

I am currently using voipdiscount, one of the Betamax products and need to add some credit soon. I came across Raketu. The site specifies it offers "unlimited calls" and "free" calls to 42 countries. "Free" means you have to add credit to your account.

Is anyone using this service? Any comments on the "unlimited calls"? Does it mean as many calls as you want or you can have a conversation of over an hour with someone? What is the voice quality like?
Thanks.

The 'free' countries have all suddenly disappeared without warning! I got caught out this morning trying to ring Hong Kong before realising that I was getting charged $0.019 per minute. So I hung up after just under 7 minutes and re-dial from my mobile using Noodle 07700 number. My balance on Raketu has gone down to $9.817 after this call.