VoiP home use

[Greenstead]

Is anyone using VoiP at home to replace PSTN/POTS for all their calls in and out.

My requirements:
- Use VoiP via broadband router for outgoing and incoming voice calls.
- Make VoiP voice calls in the UK to PSTN users and PC users.
- Receive VoiP voice calls in the UK from PSTN users and PC users.
- Calls to be using standard telephone connected to VoiP unit, or VoiP phone with local cordless facility. i.e. I want a walk about cordless phone or headset.
- Cost to be less than PSTN rental and call costs. Preferably service on demand with no standing charge.

I have looked at some potential VoiP services but it all looks a bit pioneering to-date with either calling out only, or costly service charge, or 'available Q3 2004' etc. etc.
Rhinobell looked the most interesting but is call out only to-date.

Anyone doing it ??

[cszeto]

Been "doing it" for over a year and a half now. It's getting pretty hot in the US with multiple choices. It has its ups and downs.

[gospelmidi]

cszeto, let us know how it works and how you access VoIP.

VoIP uses Session Initiation Protocol, which RR doesn't provide.
I don't know how to get a SIP account running via RoadRunner.

These are some links to VoIP info:

http://www.xten.com/ and http://support.xten.net/ (excellent!)
http://www.freeworlddialup.com/
http://www.packet8.net/
http://www.vonage.com and http://www.vonage.com/learn_need.php
http://www.skype.com/
http://yabb.pulver.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi (very good)
http://192.246.69.231/jeff/personal/
http://www.voiponline.com/forums/forum.asp?forum_id=7&forum_title=VoIP+Topics
http://www.vonage-forum.com
http://p196.ezboard.com/fvoipfrm19.showMessage?topicID=1.topic
http://yate.null.ro (VoIP for Linux)
http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/voip
http://forums.practicallynetworked.com/index.php
http://drn.digitalriver.com/search.result.php?format=&SiteID=computerworld (downloads)
http://www.von.org/info.asp (current legal status of VoIP with the FCC and FBI)

[cszeto]

SIP is a protocol, not an account, so I do not understand the situation you are trying to describe. Maybe your ISP is blocking the ports required by SIP, but they typically have nothing to do with SIP in most cases. Any "accounts" will be between you and the VoIP service provider(s).

By the way, not all VoIP service providers are using SIP. I know of at least one that is still using H.323. Pretty big one too (company-wise)...

You have identified some pretty good links on VoIP, but your SIP information appears to be incorrect.

[Greenstead]

Time to resurrect this thread.

At the end of last week Skype launched their V1.0 voice product.
Whilst its not the aim to advertise specific services on the forum, this is such a ground breaking service that its worthy of mention.
Check them out at:
http://www.skype.com/

Free PC to PC voice and chat...nothing new there.
But also PC to phone worldwide for the cost of a local call. And it works. Maybe VoiP is not new for people in the USA, but for the rest of the world this is going to change the way they talk to people and the cost of it.

The networking implications ? Skype over bluetooth headset to your home network and anywhere in the world PC or phone. Ditto with Skype on a PDA.

Good luck to Skype.

[cszeto]

Ok... I'll bite... Where are these great rates listed? It seems to not be readily accessabile through their main web site...

[Greenstead]

Thanks cszeto

There are two options.
1. A global rate to everwhere = 0.017 Euros per minute
2. The local rate at the destination you are calling.
e.g. To the UK and US= 0.02 UK pounds per minutes (thats UK 2 pence per minute). China 0.022 UK pounds per minute.

Try here:
http://www.skype.com/skypeout/help.globalrate.html

[howdyeric]

http://www.hcs.com.sg/

Reduce Phone Bills Using Howdy's Unique IP Telephony Technology For Unlimited International Phone Calls Overseas. Use VoIP Technology For Your Mobile Phones And IP Phones For Cheaper Global Calls Now!

[cszeto]

Greenstead...

That link does not seem to be available through their main page and it looks the rates are only in UK Pounds... Somewhat confusing, since their recent press coverage did not indicate that they were canted only towards the UK.

[Greenstead]

I would like to hear from anyone who has used Howdy's Unique IP Telephony Technology.
What are the rates for IP to PSTN?

From my limited use of Skype it works and is clear voice over IP and IP to PSTN. It is very good.

Now what I am lacking is:
- A headset/dongle with the range to roam the house.
- A means to direct the PSTN incoming to the PC so it comes over bluetooth.
- And of course a means to dialout thro Skype whilst remote (in-house) from the PC.

[Greenstead]

I checked the Howdy service. Their IP to PSTN rates look good. They require a distributer in each country to provide the service. Currently there is not one in the UK so the service is not available here.