voIP in the USA AND in England !!
OK I am going to split this in to a few sections :
1.} What providers are there ( Both for USA and England with regards to voIP obviously ) and how much does each one cost ?
2.} What things do I need to use or have a voIP phone system ( I'm not sure what exactly to call it lol ) so basically I can call people cheaper then a regular phone call, especially people over seas !! ??? !! ??
3.} how much would it cost altogether taking into consideration buying the stuff I need in the first place and the monthly bill roughly just to give me an aprox figure per month ?
4.} If there are any other suggestions with regards to makes / models of what phone handsets or any other equipment that you know is good, please suggest them.
I hope I have not got too many questions in this one, if you want to leave some of the numbered items out that is fine but please let me know so I can ask this in a seperate question as I really want to know all of this stuff !
1.} What providers are there ( Both for USA and England with regards to voIP obviously ) and how much does each one cost ?
2.} What things do I need to use or have a voIP phone system ( I'm not sure what exactly to call it lol ) so basically I can call people cheaper then a regular phone call, especially people over seas !! ??? !! ??
3.} how much would it cost altogether taking into consideration buying the stuff I need in the first place and the monthly bill roughly just to give me an aprox figure per month ?
4.} If there are any other suggestions with regards to makes / models of what phone handsets or any other equipment that you know is good, please suggest them.
I hope I have not got too many questions in this one, if you want to leave some of the numbered items out that is fine but please let me know so I can ask this in a seperate question as I really want to know all of this stuff !
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ASKER
What equipment is need for voIP access ? Can you please list them :)
ASKER
ok well I am off to bed now, I will leave this question open for longer just to see if I get any other replys, either way you will def get points and a good grade considering you replied really fast with concise and good info leew !!
Thanks again to yourself and other experts for all the input and help I have had since I have been apart of this forum !
I really appreciate it !
Thanks again to yourself and other experts for all the input and help I have had since I have been apart of this forum !
I really appreciate it !
All I have for my Vonage system is a Cisco ATA-186 box. It's roughly the size of a 300 Page paperback novel. I plug my standard, plain old cordless phone and fax machine into it. Bang I have service. See:
http://www.vonage.com/no_flash/index.php
I did forget to mention, while you don't technically NEED a router, if you want anything else connected to your high speed internet connection, then you need a router. So RECOMMENDED equipment is as follows:
1. High Speed internet Connection with at least 128 Kb/sec upload capability; preferrably 256 or faster.
2. Cable/DSL Router
3. VoIP Device (contact the VoIP provider; they will either sell you one or tell you the ones compatible with their system)
4. Your existing telephone.
There are also other companies offering VoIP service; Vonage is probably the oldest, best known company (this is not to say they are old; but putting the technology into home use is a new practice only about 3 years old, give or take).
AT&T is offering service, SpeakEasy.net DSL is offering service, AT&T, I believe Verizon, a company called Packet8, my cable company, Cablevision, and probably two or three dozen others.
http://www.vonage.com/no_flash/index.php
I did forget to mention, while you don't technically NEED a router, if you want anything else connected to your high speed internet connection, then you need a router. So RECOMMENDED equipment is as follows:
1. High Speed internet Connection with at least 128 Kb/sec upload capability; preferrably 256 or faster.
2. Cable/DSL Router
3. VoIP Device (contact the VoIP provider; they will either sell you one or tell you the ones compatible with their system)
4. Your existing telephone.
There are also other companies offering VoIP service; Vonage is probably the oldest, best known company (this is not to say they are old; but putting the technology into home use is a new practice only about 3 years old, give or take).
AT&T is offering service, SpeakEasy.net DSL is offering service, AT&T, I believe Verizon, a company called Packet8, my cable company, Cablevision, and probably two or three dozen others.
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You've used both Vonage and AT&T?
I've been using Vonage since August of 2002 and have no problems with service, reliability, or pricing. Indeed, they've LOWERED their pricing TWICE since I joined.
I've been using Vonage since August of 2002 and have no problems with service, reliability, or pricing. Indeed, they've LOWERED their pricing TWICE since I joined.
leew,
that was based on my experience. it may be different for others, so I can't comment on that.
AT&T does stink though.
SHould note that I tested them all on a 3MBDown/512k up cable modem
that was based on my experience. it may be different for others, so I can't comment on that.
AT&T does stink though.
SHould note that I tested them all on a 3MBDown/512k up cable modem
AT&T I've read reviews has the BEST voice quality, but worst installation experience.
To be clear, I've only used Vonage and helped one person setup AT&T. (I'd agree with the review I read concerning installation; voice quality I can't say as I couldn't tell the difference).
Just wanted to know if you have PERSONALLY used all three? It's unusual, I'd think, for someone to try 3 different companies offering the same kind of telephony technology.
To be clear, I've only used Vonage and helped one person setup AT&T. (I'd agree with the review I read concerning installation; voice quality I can't say as I couldn't tell the difference).
Just wanted to know if you have PERSONALLY used all three? It's unusual, I'd think, for someone to try 3 different companies offering the same kind of telephony technology.
I've tried Vonage and now use Packet8. I helped a good friend setup AT&T and I have made calls from it while over. Seemed to be staticy and delayed. That person also had standard DSL, so who knows if that was it (even though my Packet8 worked fine over it when I plugged my adaptor in).
AC
AC
ASKER
Does it reduce the cost of international calls considerably using voIP ?? If so what would the difference be aprox ? I mean do they show the difference between prices on the voIP providers sites ?
That depends, what are you paying now and to what countries?
Best thing to do is check the rates - vonage has them published here:
http://www.vonage.com/intrates.php (if in the USA)
http://www.vonage.co.uk/intrates.php (if in the UK)
Where are you?
Best thing to do is check the rates - vonage has them published here:
http://www.vonage.com/intrates.php (if in the USA)
http://www.vonage.co.uk/intrates.php (if in the UK)
Where are you?
ASKER
UK , I am basically trying to find out what I need to get voIP to work and how much it would cost to call the USA from England and visa versa.
Look at the international rates listed in the link I posted - USA is £0.02 per minute.
ASKER
ok leew, thanks for all the help ! Been very much appreciated ! As you can tell from the grade ;) wink wink nudge nudge :D *GRINS*
ASKER