Are calls really free if used with Broadband?

Simmydog9

I have included the following link (http://www.firebox.com/index.html?dir=firebox&action=product&pid=1025)
http://www.firebox.com/index.html?dir=firebox&action=product&pid=1025 which appears to offer all calls to 'matched' users, effectively whatever charge is incurred is embodied within the Broadband charge tarif. Although there is an initial cost, it is peanuts when laid against usual call charges.
I do not really have the type of brain that could properly make a genuine and detailed comparison with the multitude of options available, but I'll bet one of the vast army of Martin's readers and followers has .... any takers?

aerostar

VOIP Voice Over Internet Protocol

Skype I believe uses its own data transmission type and may not be compatible with other systems/phones.

Before you spend money on a phone, you probably have all the items you need to try VOIP out free.
You need a mike and speakers, a headset is much better, (PC of course before any wag makes a comment)

Register with
http://www.call1899.co.uk/index2.php
this also gives you low cost calls from your normal phone, you have to register with a payment card credit/debit.(There is no obligation for you to use them for your normal telephone calls but their telephone call prices are very competetive.)

VOIP page
http://www.call1899.co.uk/voip.php

VOIP RATES
http://www.call1899.co.uk/voiprates.php

Software Download
http://www.call1899.co.uk/dlvoip.php

Download their software - install and have a play.

This software only allows outbound calls and the protocol is iax.

If you want inbound calls as well then goto http://www.sipgate.co.uk
and download the xtenlite program.

Download available here

http://builds.xten.net/download-public.php?download=1135

On the sipgate site Register for a UK number (free) - you do NOT need to buy credits or anything like that as yet.

Setup the default network as the 1899 settings,
technical info available here
http://www.call1899.co.uk/voip_extra.php

then setup proxy1 as the sipgate settings - this is a bit technical - there are other threads on MSE about this.

Once the settings have been done correctly, the program registers that you are available with both, so to dial a uk number you dial as normal, for incoming calls give your friends your sipgate telephone number and when they dial from an ordinary phone your computer will ring. Note if you have the headset connected and not wearing it you may not hear the ringing, so unplug the headset and plug in the speakers if you are expecting calls !

Like everything these are early days with VOIP, some people have problems, some do not.

For testing purposes you can get your computer to ring your own landline, before trying it out in the real world.

I had problems with audio echo and audio one way, it does depend on the sound card in the computer and how it is set up, plus if your broadband connection uses a router. I mostly resolved the problems. The best so far is using a Plantronics USB headset. Though do note that if you get the Plantronics one there is no software with it - yes W98SE and up will make it work with Microsoft drivers, but better results can be got by downloading Plantronics software on their website and installing it BEFORE you connect the headset.

Use
http://shopping.kelkoo.co.uk
and do a search for Plantronics USB headset or just Usb headset for suppliers.


One other advantage with VOIP if you have a laptop with wireless connection and have installed the software, if you take it on holiday - say to the US and get wireless access in the hotel or other places, you can ring the UK at UK voip rate - (currently free) as the system does not care where you are in the world.

gavinp

Are they really free ? It depends on whether your broadband is capped and/or if you are charged more if you use more.

I use VoIP Buster with a Metronet ADSL connection with a 1Gb inclusive cost but charged when using over this upto 6Gb then free.

We only use it to call Spain (as 18866/1899 are cheaper for UK landline calls if being charged for the download - free if not).

An hours call to a Spanish landline using the best quality voice codec (better than a normal call) uses about 70Mb an hour but only costs about 17p (including download cost and connection charge) as opposed to £1.23 using 1899.

Thanks

Gavin

Phonix

It saves you money if you use cable because you don't have to rent a phoneline from bt.