said by christcorp :

It would have to be the same as existing voip providers. If I take my adapter with my on vacation to the in-laws, I need to go to my account section and change the address. (Yea, we all remember to do that).

As far as making 911 mandatory, that is my problem. When I first signed up for packet8, they had 911, but it was an option. An option you paid for if you wanted it. I am not complaining about the extra few dollars, per se. I am complaining that it has lead to more government involvement. That is why we now have the USF, Local 911 fees, some same taxes, etc... The more government involvement, the more regulation. The more regulation, the more resources a company has to use to comply. The more resources used, the less resources available for other innovations, customer service, tech support, etc... Yes, if money wasn't an issue, then the voip providers could do anything and everything perfectly. Then, we would be paying almost what POTS would have cost.

I have worked for the federal government. I have worked for state government. I have worked for private companies like Ma'Bell (Qwest), ClearChannel, etc... I know how companies are impacted by regulations. As redshift pointed out, people need to become responsible for themselves and their own actions. Nobody said you couldn't have 911 service if that's what you wanted. Some providers were, and would provide it. You could pay extra for it. Let the market dictate. If customers really wanted 911 services, the providers would give it to them. If they didn't like the quality of it, another provider would excel in it an make it one of their strong points. Competition works great. Government involvement SUCKS.

Talking about automobiles and those regulations aren't the same. Many of the regulations are wrong. While a car company needs to provide seat belts; in case the operator want them; should be mandated for safety purposes. Mandating that the user has to wear those seat belts is another thing and is wrong. Other than that, the other regulations with automobiles are required because your actions have a direct impact on other people. Your speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, etc... all impact other people. You not having 911 services is only affecting you and those under your direct control. (Your family). Later... Mike....

said by Maxo :

Yeah, I won't be ditching POTS anytime soon. I've been wanted to try out VOIP for a while but couldn't justify adding another bill just to try it out. This $15/yr was what I've been looking for.

said by christcorp :

No matter what you think of 911; what it should or shouldn't do for you; there is still the issue of reliability. That is something that NO VOIP PROVIDER can guarantee. With ma'Bell, you have a straight copper line end to end between you and the phone company, and then to the 911 trunk. That's as reliable as it gets. With voip, you have to "HOPE" that your ISP is up when you need 911. Hope that your network, router, modem, adapter, etc... hasn't locked up or acting weird when you need 911. There are so many variables.

said by Maxo :

I would be curious how e911 could possible work with Skype. If I have skype-out installed on my laptop and am roaming around, how would Skype know where to report my location?

said by claudeo :

Skype is definitely not a replacement for a "real" phone service.

said by redshift :

Also I'm not sure about the others on this forum but I 100% believe that skype is not a replacement for POTS, nor do I think that they market themselves as such.

There is no spyware or adware in Skype.

http://www.skype.com/download/adwarefree/

What is Adware?

Adware relates to software that has the primary commercial purpose of automatically delivering advertising messages to a user without informing the user and that is hard to turn off. Because you always have the ability to turn advertising messages off on the Skype software, we believe Skype is free of adware.

Often, I'd try to access my Skype phonebook while sitting right next to my computer and the Linksys USB base station. Rarely, but often enough to mention, the phone was unable to access my Skype account, which meant Skype couldn't be used at all. The CIT300 had some troubles syncing with my Skype buddy list, and would sometimes say the list was unavailable for a few seconds, even though moments earlier it worked fine. This occurred while I was sitting at my desk, as well as behind concrete walls. I wasn't able to pinpoint a specific reason for why this might have been happening.

With the introduction of the "Dual-Phone" family of Skype phones, it's now possible to have a cordless house phone that uses your standard telephone land-line and also connects wirelessly to a USB base station at your PC for Skype phone calls.

You need to sign in with your Skype Name to continue.... {and from the SkypeIn page:} We’re still beta testing SkypeIn, so purchase is only available after you sign in to your Account page.

No Emergency Calls
Skype is not a telephony replacement service and cannot be used for emergency dialing.

said by HardCoder :

I have found a problem though, as my email address has numbers in it and Skype does not like that when registering, so I used an alternative. Does anyone know a way around that?

said by 76766337 :

Ah yes kind sir, your reputation preceeds you. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Ocelot (Muppetmaster's protagonist)on the old forum which I joined on Sun 30-November 03. I am now known as Condor on the new forum as I was too lazy to change my name. If you could help me reclaim my identity that would be quite nice.

Thank you for coming to my aid as I battle for truth, justice and the Skype way. ;)

said by ZOverLord :

Well, I am a little Biased, I am a Skype moderator for all Skype Forums, a Skype beta tester, and a Skype developer partner, but I think it's important to provide the facts from the rumor ;-)

My Skype name is TheUberOverLord :P

said by nonymous :

Yes but they trust someone makes a mistake and then freeload. Thus free use to them . Great for them bad for the supernode user. So if all supernodes blocked? Would there be a survival chance for skype?
You are an investment banker. What other hidden talent are you alluding to in your post. Any real network experience? Phone experience?

said by nonymous :

Yes but they trust someone makes a mistake and then freeload. You are an investment banker. What other hidden talent are you alluding to in your post. Any real network experience? Phone experience?

said by 76766337 :

My goodness gracious sakes alive, Fermi Lab states as I quoted , "Use of Skype on systems attached to the Laboratory network is not prohibited per se" They go on to show in very simple terms how to make sure that you are natted and thus incapable of becoming a SuperNode. Fermi Lab would be a prime target to become a Skype SuperNode with their fast computers and high speed access to the Internet and yet.........even Fermi Lab does not have a problem with people using Skype on their network as long as they are behind a firewall. :D

Something tells me that I trust the decisions of those who administer the network at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Of course, I could be wrong but uh...I don't think so. :D

said by 76766337 :

Thank you ZOverLord. Great minds, think alike. :D

said by 76766337 :

Don't buy a headset as it is not necessary. Here is a great usb phone, the Ipevo free-1 »www.ipevo.com/

Here is a great speakerphone, The Polycom Communicator »www.amazon.com/Communicator-Grey···ctronics

Here is the best stand alone mic on the market, The MicFlex for both Windows and Mac »www.powermax.com/cgi-global/gene···s-135549

Enjoy

said by christcorp :

Don't presume I am natted. Many people, especially with dsl and for business use, have and use static IP addresses. Blocks of 5, 8, etc... Later... Mike...

said by 76766337 :

I just signed up @ $14.95 for unlimited calling in the US and Canada through January 1, 2008.

In addition to the plan, I also received a free gift of $3.00 in international Skype minutes as well as over $50 in coupons for
for various products including the new Polycom Communicator speaker phone for Skype.

The additional $3.00 of international Skype minutes was not advertised therefore, should you order, you may or may not receive same. Nice surprise.

said by christcorp :

I believe why ptrowski is referring to, is that Skype allocates users as "Supernodes" which are part of the transport system for getting a phone call from point A to B. In traditional voip, your call doesn't actively go to anyone else's connection. Also, Skype can lower it's connection speeds for voice transmissions to 40kb/ps. About half of the bandwidth of g.711.

Yes, they are encrypted, that isn't the problem. Using my computer and broadband connection as part of their backbone, is a problem. BUT, for many people, especially those who do Bit Torrent or any other type of distributed computing, it's pretty much the same thing and not a problem. Later... Mike....

said by ptrowski :

My problem with Skype is that it is a P2P application. I would not want my business calls to route through other peoples computers.

said by 76766337 :

Let's put things in perspective. Skype is probably the best VOIP provider available today, period. For a mere $14.95 you can purchase unlimited calling in the United States and Canada through the end of 2007.

said by christcorp :

Sorry, but it's NOT $14.95. It's $55. For most people, a phone isn't that useful if you can only dial out on it. Now, I have agreed at least 10 times that $55 is a great price for a phone. But, if this was going to be my one and only primary home phone, which my Voip is, then Skype isn't the answer. It doesn't allow me to connect the rest of the phones, jacks, fax, directv, etc... to it. For someone like bermuda who has already said that he will always have a pots line also, skype could be a great addition for long distance calls.

As far as using Skype when away on vacation or business, it is no different than any other softphone. My packet8 softphone is free. I don't use it, but it's free to call other packet8 numbers like home. Same exact deal as skype.

So, the final questions are: For a full time primary phone, or as a secondary line, do you want to use a "Softphone"? If not, do you want to spend a couple of hundred dollars to not use a softphone? Is it OK to have your PC on all the time? If the answer to these questions is "YES", then Skype is probably a very good alternative for you. If the answer to any of the questions above is "NO", then maybe Skype, or any softphone for that matter, probably isn't a good choice. Later... Mike...

said by 76766337 :

Currently, Skype is an adjunct VOIP service. You do not need a SkypeIn number unless you need a SkypeIn number.

Of course with the cost of a DID maybe $1.50, Skype can and probably will, when least expected, give away SkypeIn.

This is a war that Skype will easily win, RIP Vonage, ViaTalk, Packet8 and yes my beloved SunRocket. We must however wait before we play the violins for SunRocket. Lisa Hooks is a smart woman and I would not be surprised to see her cut a deal with Meg Whitman. Both of these women have spreadsheet minds, they play the ancient game of GO in their minds, while doing their nails. Most men on the other hand, can only foresee one move at a time on a checkerboard.

said by B :

So what do you acknowledge as its downsides or "imperfections"? You've already dismissed some: "Most of the complaints I've seen relate to Skype's protocol being proprietary and it not being SIP-compliant. Big deal." You haven't admitted that the hardware is ridiculously expensive at present, or to the danger of a single vendor or their questionable past, or admitted to any other specific faults, technological or otherwise, that I can see in this thread. I understand this is somehow an argument over the merits of Skype, but you haven't admitted a single failing!

said by B :

Re: WiFi phones, the problem is that there ARE no apples (ATA style adapters allowing use of normal phones) available from Skype. So I *AM* making an apples to apples comparison when I say that to outfit a home with 4 Skype phones will cost well over $300 (and that's assuming a base station in the mix so the phones aren't really attached -- $800 is more like it) and maybe $60-$80 with anything else.

said by B :

Sunrocket has definitely had outages and I can't speak to how reliable Skype and its various PSTN gateways in and out have been behaving. (But I do know if that Sunrocket becomes intolerable I have plenty of other places to go, and probably won't have to change a SINGLE piece of equipment, let alone all my phones, in order to do it.)

said by 76766337 :

It reminds me a little bit of the Watergate burglars, I can almost imagine that you also carry wires with alligator clips, 9 volt batteries and fm transmitters in your traveling arsenal.

said by 76766337 :

For a mere $14.95 you can purchase unlimited calling in the United States and Canada through the end of 2007.

said by B :

No, I'll readily admit Skype isn't perfect. But watching the amazing amount of FUD being spread does give a good laugh.

And your great 'cheapo ATA' works via WiFi and is mobile like a cell, right? :uhh:

Let's stick to an apples to apples comparison.

I notice you avoided my reliability point. What good is a $8 per month service if it is down more than it is up? Sunrocket in particular appears to suffer from routine outages and other service issues.

And I agree...

The Asterisk comments were directed at someone else. I apologize for the stereotyping :D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17463315 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 10:38:48 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17463020 B :

said by pabster :

When you compare apples to apples I believe Skype wins across the board.

For YOU, pabster, for YOU. It doesn't "win" at all for many other people, and it has little to do with any perceived zealotry on our part. If anything, as Mike has implied, it's you who appear blind to some of Skype's downsides or deficiencies.

We're supposed to be excited that a freakin' PHONE, on sale, is now "only $159" ? For every darned phone you want to use? When with any cheapo ATA and PAYGO service one can use as many $5 new or existing phones in as many permutations as one cares to purchase or otherwise deploy? (Note: I fully expect Skype to offer a competing ATA-like product at some point in the future.)

Regarding your "show me" challenge, $20 is nowhere near "as cheap as you can get" for ordinary VoIP service providers. Just looking at the near-monthly PUBLIC promotions run by Viatalk and Sunrocket, the price is about $8-$12 per month depending on how you count. Look at the free year promo right now on the front page of »viatalk.com/ . Heck, even the REGULAR rate is only $16 per month! And these are relatively big providers; there are plenty of other, often cheaper, choices. How many choices in Skype service providers do you have? One? Yes. One.

Skype appeals to you and the way you live and that's fine. But it's not for everyone.

By the way, I run neither Linux nor Asterisk. Stop pigeonholing and labeling people you've never met; it's an easy and vile form of prejudice and it's terribly unattractive.

To ZOVerlord,your earlier post makes no sense to me; how would you get your Skype PC or device connected at a friend or hotel without "asking for the AP password" or "carry your hardware"?? Magic? The ease and requirements for a SIP softphone versus a Skype soft phone are identical as far as I understand. (And I wouldn't go bragging about a fat 19 MB download; what the heck are they doing in there? SJPhone, for one, is 3 MB and change.) The difference seems to lie mainly in how less flexible the Skype platform currently is.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17463020 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 09:37:25 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17463016 Maxo : I just ordered it last night. I made a call to my step-father to ask him questions. It was great because my wife was on the phone for a bazillion hours (or maybe it was 30 minutes, dunno) and I needed to ask him a question. He did say I sounded like I was talking inside a barrel. I think that is probably a mixture of using my $20 webcam mic and using Embarq at night, which is having high latency and packet loss issues.
After my wife got off the phone I did some testing and found the latency to be about on par with cell phones, which is just under about half a second. Hopefully I'll be getting a decent headset soon.
--
"Padre, nobody said war was fun now bowl!" - Sherman T Potter

»www.cafepress.com/maxolasersquad

»maxolasersquad.com/

»maxolasersquad.com/network/ My DSL Network Guide

»myspace.com/mlsquad]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17463016 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 09:36:46 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17462663 redshift : I don't think that anyone is denying the fact that skype is definitely not a POTS killer. Far from it, right now it's not even practical yet to use as a 100% phone replacement. However it is definitely good enough to use as an adjuvant to POTS or as a back up to a voip provider. In that sense $15 (currently) for an entire year is good value.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17462663 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 08:07:14 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461963 christcorp : pabster, please don't put words in my mouth. I am not anti-skype. I also said that $55 a year is indeed a great deal for the service. Don't tell me what I think or mean, you have no idea what you are talking about.

To believe that Skype is the only voip service to end all is showing your bias against all others. That's no different that those who try and promote SunRocket as being the only logical choice; or Vonage. I have said hundreds of times, and I stand by it; NO one voip service is the right answer for everyone. Not Packet8, SunRocket, Vonage, or even Skype. This thread evolved into some people promoting the positives of Skype, while others expressed the negatives of Skype. If you can't recognize that Skype does have some negative attributes, just like every other voip provider, then that is where the problem lies.

Skype is just another phone service. If the use of it fits your needs, and you are happy with the quality, price, and service, then go for it. For those who don't want their computers on all the time, don't want to use headsets/mics or a cord connected. Who don't want to spend $200 to be able to bypass their computer. Who want a service that they can connect all of the jacks in their house to, and can connect their ancillary devices like fax, directv, answering machine, etc... to; then maybe Skype isn't such a good choice for them. Why can't that be understood? Later... Mike... ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461963 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 01:33:38 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461927 RockyBB :

said by ZOverLord :

Got a deal for ya....

Next time you are up watching those 2:30 am Infomercials, don't pull the Visa card out for the "$19.95 Cheese Straightener" put the card back, and you saved $5.00 that you can buy duck-tape for when your hardware cables get a short. Now, you have triple redundant VoIP ("assuming the duck-tape works when needed"), but your cheese in the fridge looks like hell :-(

Problem solved.

Less than one good case of beer, and your on your way to backup VoIP for a year ;-) Even if you get the DT's for this missing case of beer, you can tape yourself to the kitchen table and ride it out until the next day :P

I guess I'm too old to know what any of that means, but I'll bet someone out here thinks it's really funny.... :D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461927 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 01:19:34 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461871 pabster :

said by christcorp :

said by pabster :

So is $5 for Voicestick. Makes a great backup. And you have your choice, softphone OR SIP adapter. The bottome line is still; many people don't want to use a softphone and have to go through the hassle of it. The other alternative is to spend more than $200 to get a PC-Free version of skype. I will say that Skype is better priced and laid out than Yahoo or MSN, but it's still a PC phone.

I don't believe Skype's WiFi products can qualify as "PC Phone" as you truly DO NOT need a PC to use it. And Netgear's offering is only $159 (in fact IIRC Skype has a promo package with some other goodies thrown in for the $159 price right now as well.)

If you can live with having a PC on (or if you're a true geek like me who always has multiple PC's and they are ALWAYS on...) the other, cheaper, options are attractive as well. I picked up a pair of these Linksys cordless models for less than $50 each. Sure the dongle needs to hit a USB port somewhere but so what?

We should also talk reliability. Despite claims to the contrary, these forums and many others are full of complaints about VoIP providers. Packet8, Sunrocket, Vonage, et al. Many of them suffer regular downtime and other issues which seriously affect your quality of service. Skype doesn't seem to suffer from these issues.

While we're at it, let's not decieve too much. $15 is only so you can call out to a non skype call. If you want them to call you, it's another $40. Don't get me wrong, if you are going to make this your phone, and you really are going to use it for "Unlimited calling", and you don't mind using your computer with a headset/mic or usb phone, then $55 isn't a bad price at all. If you don't want to use the computer, then tack another $200 onto it for a wifi phone. Later... Mike...

$38 + $14.95 = $52.95 for UNLIMITED incoming/outgoing plus voice mail for an entire year.

Tack on $200. You have $253 spent. Of course, that $200 is not a recurring charge. To be fair.

Show me a VoIP service that can compete with the price. And I'm not talking some special 2 or 3 year extended contract "deal" someone on some forum managed to snag. I mean a publicly available rate any Tom can snag. I believe $20 a month is as cheap as you'll get, and I see people spending as much as $40 a month on VoIP. You do the math.

It's obvious you are anti-Skype, for whatever reason, and that's fine. But don't throw out wishy-washy excuses and straw men. When you compare apples to apples I believe Skype wins across the board.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461871 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 01:04:10 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461736 ZOverLord : Got a deal for ya....

Next time you are up watching those 2:30 am Infomercials, don't pull the Visa card out for the "$19.95 Cheese Straightener" put the card back, and you saved $5.00 that you can buy duck-tape for when your hardware cables get a short. Now, you have triple redundant VoIP ("assuming the duck-tape works when needed"), but your cheese in the fridge looks like hell :-(

Problem solved.

Less than one good case of beer, and your on your way to backup VoIP for a year ;-) Even if you get the DT's for this missing case of beer, you can tape yourself to the kitchen table and ride it out until the next day :P
--
Black, Grey and White Hats Unite here -> »testing.OnlyTheRightAnswers.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461736 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:26:42 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461645 christcorp :

said by pabster :

said by ZOverLord :

$14.95 can be spent on a bad lunch, so not sure what all this "If it Could, If it had, If it would" stuff is all about.

The answer is pretty simple. We're surrounded by a bunch of open source Linux nuts who preach about Asterisk and the wonders of their SIP boxes.:D

As others have noted, if nothing else, $15 a year for a backup phone is a steal.

So is $5 for Voicestick. Makes a great backup. And you have your choice, softphone OR SIP adapter. The bottome line is still; many people don't want to use a softphone and have to go through the hassle of it. The other alternative is to spend more than $200 to get a PC-Free version of skype. I will say that Skype is better priced and laid out than Yahoo or MSN, but it's still a PC phone.

While we're at it, let's not decieve too much. $15 is only so you can call out to a non skype call. If you want them to call you, it's another $40. Don't get me wrong, if you are going to make this your phone, and you really are going to use it for "Unlimited calling", and you don't mind using your computer with a headset/mic or usb phone, then $55 isn't a bad price at all. If you don't want to use the computer, then tack another $200 onto it for a wifi phone. Later... Mike...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461645 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:01:47 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461604 76766337 : Exactely! I think Christcorp would prefer a beam antenna as big as his house and a single sideband ham radio together with a linear amplifier. That way he can have a communications backup from his cabin in the wilds of Wyoming and can bounce signals off of the ionosphere. I am sure that he would find this approach far simpler than using Skype. :D
--
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461604 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 23:55:59 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461574 76766337 : This is what I am waiting for, the new Blackberry 8800 GSM model unlocked with WIFI. »www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/09/2···ry-8800/

Hopefully Skype will add a client for the Blackberry. What a perfect smart phone this would be for international travel. To the moon, Alice!
--
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461574 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 23:51:03 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461524 pabster :

said by ZOverLord :

$14.95 can be spent on a bad lunch, so not sure what all this "If it Could, If it had, If it would" stuff is all about.

The answer is pretty simple. We're surrounded by a bunch of open source Linux nuts who preach about Asterisk and the wonders of their SIP boxes.:D

As others have noted, if nothing else, $15 a year for a backup phone is a steal. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461524 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 23:39:48 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461515 76766337 : You got it baby! In addition, in your case you would not even have to install Skype on your friend's computer. Just bring Skype along on a USB stick and plug and play.

Need a USB stick check out Buy.com as they have offered several 1 Gig sticks this month which are effectively free after rebates and the Google checkout discount.
--
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461515 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 23:38:03 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461456 ctylor : I am not a big Skype fanboy but putting it in perspective, $15 USD/year for unlimited calls to Canada and the US via a softphone is a pretty good deal no matter how you slice it. I'd be willing to pay a fair bit MORE than this if this was a SIP provider that I can use my existing ATA equipment with. Still, even tethered to a computer and microphone/headphones/USB phone, I think $15 a year (if you buy in January) is a good price.

Yeah I understand the complaints, and I don't think this is a good option for phone-line replacement, but I do think this is a good option for a backup/secondary outbound calling provider (for us North Americans) or for people who need an unlimited long distance solution and don't want to pay Vonage or even packet8 like fees.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461456 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 23:25:12 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461439 christcorp : You bring up some good points, but the sip method is not a problem. For most people, the Skype/Computer method is more of a problem.

You asked:"What do you do when you are at a friends house, in a hotel room, or away from home, but yet have access to a computer ("That's Not yours") and you want to make a call, set up a SIP connection? Ask for the AP Password? Carry your Hardware?"

SIP Answer: My hardware is about the size of 2 packs of cigarettes. I plug an ethernet cable to their router, and I'm done. Nothing else to do. I can ask them if I can borrow a phone to plug into it, or the phone I bring is a cheap $5 phone the size of a cell phone with a cord on it. Total setup time 30-60 seconds. If I'm at a hotel, they usually have wireless which you don't need an AP password for. The additional wireless adapter I bring on business trips isn't much bigger than the "2 Packs cigarette" adapter. Total setup time 30-60 seconds.

Skype Answer: Bring your laptop with you and boot it up. Connect the SAME wired ethernet cord to your friend's router. Wait for PC to finish booting. Load the software. Connect your headset or usb phone. Log in. Procede. Total time 3-5 minutes. Same applies in the motel. Of course, you can always ask your friend. "DO YOU MIND IF I INSTALL SOME SOFTWARE ON YOUR COMPUTER TO MAKE A CALL". Yea, that will go over just great. If you are smart, you will have Skype installed on a Jump Drive so that won't be an issue. If you are at a motel, the procedure is the same.

To tell you the truth, when I go to a friend's house, I WON'T inconvenience them with such a silly request. If I need to call someone that badly, I will use my cell phone. The SIP method is faster and easier to connect when you need it. Skype is definitely cheaper, but that isn't everything to most people. Plus, a large portion of SIP voip providers offer softphones for little or no money. Packet8, vonage, etc... I can do with that EXACTLY the same as your Skype. But, being my house is on the same network, those calls are also free. Later... Mike....
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461439 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 23:21:44 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461382 vinnie97 :

said by ZOverLord :

$14.95 can be spent on a bad lunch

OT: That's one serious lunch (way more than I'd be willing to pay). :o

Anyway, tried Skype over the PC for the first time today...got a fair bit of artifacting, dropouts and echos on the test recording/playback call. I'm pretty sure my Belkin Pre-N's dodgy firewall/QoS implementation is to blame...but even with bypassing the router and connecting the DSL modem directly to the PC, I noticed similar (but less) problems. I suppose using a pair of Koss headphones as a MIC could be part of my problem? I don't have a proper PC mic (that I know of) or headset, so I suppose that could make a difference.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461382 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 23:08:08 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461317 ZOverLord : Personally,

$14.95 is CHEAP to be able to use ANY Windows/Linux/Mac computer located in the U.S or Canada, using a Skype name to call anywhere in the U.S. or Canada for a year.

So, you can love it, hate it, come up with 1,000 or more excuses why it SUCKS, but in life, these days, it seems there are few deals like this anymore.

$14.95 for a year ("as of End of Jan 2007") seems like a pretty good VoIP backup plan. It requires, worse case, a headset. Can be used on any computer that runs Windows/Linux/Mac that you are allowed to install it on.

What do you do when you are at a friends house, in a hotel room, or away from home, but yet have access to a computer ("That's Not yours") and you want to make a call, set up a SIP connection? Ask for the AP Password? Carry your Hardware?

It's a 19 Meg download, installs in seconds on a broadband connections, and you got Dial tone!

Wanna Pimp Your Skype Ride, plenty of hardware, is every Pimp Your Ride combination supported currently, no.

$14.95 can be spent on a bad lunch, so not sure what all this "If it Could, If it had, If it would" stuff is all about.
--
Black, Grey and White Hats Unite here -> »testing.OnlyTheRightAnswers.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17461317 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 22:57:26 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459468 redshift : B,

I did read Wild Goose's post and it seemed to me that when he referred to adapters he was clearing referring to the fact that skype until know required a pc to use it. These phones, are basically adapters, granted they have built in phones, but their overall cost is similar to what you may pay with a voip provider.

Some people go out and buy fancy 5.8 Ghz digital phones, and when combined with the cost of an ATA work out to be similar to what the current price of this device is. Granted the 5.8Ghz phones are obviously more versatile in their application, but for someone who needs/wants a dedicated skype connection these are reasonable, and do not require you to be tethered to your computer.

Secondly though technically they are not available in the US I'm sure that online ordering is something familiar to most of us, after all that's how the rest of their world gets their stuff when it's not available in their country, but is available in the US.
--
"So this is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459468 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 17:36:57 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459420 76766337 : How would you plan to see your Skype contact list etc. on an old Uniden cordless phone or on a old desk phone? Phones are cheap, replace them and move on with your life.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459420 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 17:29:42 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459332 redshift : The reason is quite simple, skype makes a lot of their revenue via the softphone, and if they develop standalone ATAs there would be nothing that would keep people tied to the softphone.
--
"So this is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459332 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 17:13:52 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459294 B :

said by 76766337 :

Oh come on redshift is correct. What difference does it make? Who would want to use Skype on an old pair of cordless phones connected to a $50 ATA.

Uh, everyone who has a phone in their home? The "difference it makes" is having to replace NOTHING in your home versus having to replace EVERYTHING in your home.

The question for me is why the Skype ATA doesn't exist yet. There's gotta be a marketing, advertising, spying, revenue, or possibly even technological angle I'm not quite getting.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459294 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 17:04:01 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459173 76766337 : Oh come on redshift is correct. What difference does it make? Who would want to use Skype on an old pair of cordless phones connected to a $50 ATA. Nobody cares. The new Skype DECT phones have a built in Skype proprietary ATA. They are relative expensive because they are new and in short supply. That will change very quickly.

Redshift is a smart guy, I believe that he has participated on the Skype forum for a long time. I would suggest that you avail yourself of his wisdom and experience. :D
--
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459173 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:46:17 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459143 76766337 : Here is a link for a stor on the new Skype MS SmartPhone software. »msmobiles.com/news.php/5851.html

What I am waiting for is Skype on a WI-FI equipped Blackberry Pearl, sounds yummy.

Skype for MS SMARTPHONE released !
December 12, 2006 [MS Smartphone]
This is the best news story of year 2006 for Windows Mobile! Not only Skype has adapted mobile client to run with Pocket PC phones powered by energy-saving 200 MHz processors, but most importantly Skype has released mobile client for MS Smartphone, the smaller Windows Mobile platform for touch screen -less devices! We have tested it and it works perfectly, including making voice calls over Internet (screen shots from MS Smartphone edition, not from Pocket PC version):
--
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459143 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:40:08 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459113 B :

said by redshift :

Did you even bother reading the thread? There are two new standalone (can you say directly into your router!) ATA like devices coming out. THESE DO NOT REQUIRE A COMPUTER!. One is from Philips and the other is from RTX.

Besides the fact that these aren't even for sale in the US yet, they STILL don't do what every ordinary $50 ATA does -- let you use your existing phones, and ALL your existing phones.

You apparently didn't "bother reading" Wild Goose's post -- his or her point was NOT to have to buy obscure expensive devices such as these very phones (NOT adapters) you're talking about -- "Show me just one Skype adapter that does NOT use a USB connection, AND does NOT require that a computer running Windows be operating, and I may retract some of my above comments." The two new, non-US devices aren't "adapters" -- they're dedicated phone systems.

So Skype continues to fail (somewhat puzzlingly) to impress some of us.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459113 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:35:24 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459111 76766337 : Again you are correct. I think it was his back hand way of saying that Skype would not work with a SIP ATA. The open sourced SIP "Dream" has vanished, Skype has devoured it. Smack, smack, tastes good.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459111 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:34:53 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459096 redshift : I'm not sure about the US, but in the rest of the world from what I've seen and read they are quite popular. May countries that do not block voip seem to have their own sip based providers, and these phones can be had reasonably cheap on GSM cell phone plans all over the world.
--
"So this is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459096 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:32:39 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459076 76766337 :

said by redshift :

Not to go too far off topic, but this sort of ability (wifi phones) has been available with sip for far longer than with skype. UTStarcom phones, and now the Nokia e60,61 N80,81 etc all support sip wifi. There are also other standalone phones like the linksys.

Very very true.....however.....they were not successful......because very few people care about using SIP providers......everyone was waiting for phones which utilized Skype. That is why the new Skype WI-FI phones are a hot retail item.
--
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459076 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:30:25 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459056 redshift : Did you even bother reading the thread? There are two new standalone (can you say directly into your router!) ATA like devices coming out. THESE DO NOT REQUIRE A COMPUTER!. One is from Philips and the other is from RTX.
--
"So this is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459056 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:27:30 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459009 ptrowski :

said by pabster :

How much does it cost for the PC to run it on?

Same issue in theory you run into with Skype.
As for the configuration, you're on you own. ;)
--
"A religious war is like children fighting over who has the strongest imaginary friend."

Have you been touched by his noodly appendage? »www.venganza.org/index.htm]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459009 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:20:36 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459002 redshift : Not to go too far off topic, but this sort of ability (wifi phones) has been available with sip for far longer than with skype. UTStarcom phones, and now the Nokia e60,61 N80,81 etc all support sip wifi. There are also other standalone phones like the linksys.
--
"So this is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17459002 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:19:10 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458945 blacksurfer : Will people outside of the U.S. and Canada be able to call the U.S. and Canada for the $15 unlimited plan?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458945 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:07:52 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458874 B :

said by bbarrera :

While I understand your position I don't agree with it. On business trips I bring a laptop and cellphone (usb charger) and tiny headset, everything needed to communicate with the world. My cellphone is my vmail hub, all calls (office, cell and Skype) not picked up in a couple of rings are forwarded to cellphone vmail. I don't want or need a VoIP provider that adds unnecessary baggage (the small PAP2 and wireless bridge you mentioned). Another great thing is Skype works on Windows, Mac OSX and Linux.

But there is no excess baggage. The only reason Mike has it is because he chooses not to use one of the dozens available soft phones -- the ones that work just like Skype does on your laptop! And of course SIP softphone clients are available for at least as many platforms as Skype, and in open source form to boot for customization, security, and investment protection.

It's great that you've worked Skype into your life so well but I don't see any particular advantage. You're still going to be paying for your outbound and inbound PSTN calls, and you have no more conveniences or advantages than you would with a flexible SIP provider (unlike mine who doesn't officially even support soft phones).

-- B

Edit to concede that there's no equivalent to to achieve Skype-to-Skype calls to your existing Skype-using contacts, and that's an advantage of Skype -- but precisely BECAUSE they refuse to interoperate with the rest of the world! It's AIM against the world all over again.

--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458874 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 15:55:36 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458807 bbarrera :

said by christcorp :

I think the main thing being debated if Skype is up to Par with other voip providers and services, and as such a viable option.

Well from my perspective that is not debatable, Skype is relied upon by businesses just like POTS and VoIP.

Honestly it seems your argument is less "up to Par" and more "I want to replace POTS with VoIP that uses ATA to hookup my POTS compatible phones." You've taken a reasonable position about requirements as it is (relatively) simple to use and setup ATA based VoIP phones. Mind you my parents aren't comfortable plugging anything into a router so they will stick with POTS. My business phone is delivered over Surewest fiber and even simpler, the installer just connected the home gateway box on the side of the house to my existing phone wiring, of course I can't take it with me like traditional VoIP but that is why I have a cellphone for US calls and Skype for International biz calls (free, they have Skype).

I think we can all agree Skype doesn't meet your requirements at this time although it is clearly moving in that direction.

While I understand your position I don't agree with it. On business trips I bring a laptop and cellphone (usb charger) and tiny headset, everything needed to communicate with the world. My cellphone is my vmail hub, all calls (office, cell and Skype) not picked up in a couple of rings are forwarded to cellphone vmail. I don't want or need a VoIP provider that adds unnecessary baggage (the small PAP2 and wireless bridge you mentioned). Another great thing is Skype works on Windows, Mac OSX and Linux. Sometimes I travel with my MacBook Pro and it has integrated camera which allows for video chats with the wife and kids from just about anywhere in the world I get a decent broadband connection (90% of hotels I stay in).

I make calls from Skype to POTS phones and sound quality is much better than cellphone and similar to POTS.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458807 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 15:44:57 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458695 pabster : How much does it cost for the PC to run it on?

And how much am I going to shell out to pay someone to actually configure it? :D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458695 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 15:26:12 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458682 76766337 : For your perusal. New Skype Video WI-FI phone coming from Philips.

»img187.imageshack.us/img187/5364···evc0.jpg]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458682 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 15:22:16 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458675 B : Well said, Wild Goose. I agree with everything except the "CD quality" dismissal -- sometimes you WANT to hear that mouse doing its business, and any increase in quality or sense of being-there is a good thing.

What's weird is that there aren't any such ATA-analogous adapters -- if they can do it in a standalone no-PC-required handset like the Netgear WiFi handset, why not an ATA-workalike (that we all know would really just be a small PC or PDA mated to an FXS port) too?

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458675 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 15:21:25 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458400 christcorp : Not saying anything about it's usefulness. I believe that is a given by all people. I think the main thing being debated if Skype is up to Par with other voip providers and services, and as such a viable option. On vacations, business trips, etc... probably any type of softphone would be a good thing to have. Or, as I do, bring a small PAP2 and wireless bridge so I can still get voip without my PC. That seems to be the debate. Skype is somewhat better than a traditional softphone because with money, you can get a Wifi version. Again, I do this with PAP2. On a broader scope, beyond the occasional business trip or vacation, I still don't see Skype as a better alternative to traditional voip like vonage, packet8, sunrocket, viatalk, etc.... Later... Mike....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458400 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 14:30:00 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458390 Wild Goose : I will just say that I am among those that hates the idea of needing to have the computer on to use the phone. My experience has been that computers are not that reliable - for example, I have an external USB drive and if I turn it on the whole computer freezes up for about 3-4 seconds. And then there's the question of what happens if the computer crashes in the middle of a call.

Some people have made the FALSE claim that there are hardware adapters that work independently of the computer. These people would have you believe that they are the rough equivalent of a Linksys PAP-2 or a Sipura device. But they are not. There is a HUGE difference - every single one of them requires a USB port connection! There is not a single one that directly connects to a router. Now, say it with me kids, what do we need to have turned on to have a working USB port? Yes, that's right, a COMPUTER. And not just ANY computer will do. If you look in the technical specifications for these devices, you will always read something like "Minimum System Requirements: Windows® XP SP2 or Windows 2000 SP4, Skype™ Software Version 1.1.079 or Higher, 25MB Hard Disk Space, CD-ROM Drive, USB Port (1.10)" (those are for the D-Link device but other units have similar requirements). How many of the things on that list do I need to have for any VoIP provider that uses a hardware ATA? Exactly zero. If I have a Linux computer, or no operating computer at all, I can still use service from one of those commercial VoIP companies we talk about here.

Some people obviously have different standards - that is fine and bless you all. But, I want a telephone to look and work like a telephone. I don't want to have to fiddle with volume levels or mess with some software client when I want to make a call, I want to pick up the phone and dial. I do not want to have to turn a computer on first, or wait for it to finish a virus scan or defrag or whatever it may be doing that's eating CPU cycles like crazy. And I most assuredly do not want to pay for an external device that in the end is still dependent on a computer in order to function - if I need to have the computer on, I might as well use the infernal softphone client, and that isn't going to happen!

And I don't care if the connection is CD quality in 5.1 audio - in fact I don't want that, who needs to hear a mouse relieving itself in the next room when you are trying to communicate information? Granted I wouldn't mind a little better audio quality, but not if it makes it harder to place a phone call or demands that the computer be turned on, running a specific piece of software, and have the audio set just so.

Show me just one Skype adapter that does NOT use a USB connection, AND does NOT require that a computer running Windows be operating, and I may retract some of my above comments. But for me, Skype is of absolutely zero interest - I didn't use it when it was totally free and I'm not going to use it now!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458390 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 14:28:23 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458385 ptrowski :

said by pabster :

I don't see anyone handing out free SIP boxes.

How much does it cost to download Asterisk? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458385 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 14:25:10 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458320 macaholic : low quality or not... it saved my bacon in Europe when my cell phone did not work... it well worth the cost just for emergency situations and then some..

Ben
--
"You don't subject minority rights to a referendum." Justice Minister Irwin Cotler of Canada]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458320 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 14:13:49 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458143 76766337 : There you go, I could not have said it better myself. ;)

If you check the "Let Skype adjust my sound devices settings" under tools/options/sound devices in Skype then you should be problem free.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458143 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 13:42:36 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458093 76766337 : Skype is not (yet) currently designed to replace old style legacy VOIP service such as Vonage, SunRocket, ViaTalk or Packet8. Skype is an adjunct service.

Would I purchase one of the new Non-PC based DECT Skype phones for $200, or course not. These phones are just being introduced into the market, there will be improvements and with competition the price will drop.

For the time being I am perfectly satisfied with SunRocket, it is cheap as dirt and convenient.

Would I purchase a dedicated Skype WI-FI phone for $200? Of course not. Again, these phones are just being introduced and they do not have browser authentication which limits their use. In addition the price of the phones will drop like a rock and at some point in the future they will be sold in bubble packs in Supermarket checkout lanes as semi-disposable phones with included SkypeOut minutes.

I do have Skype installed on a Pocket PC which I rarely use to make PSTN calls (I use my cell phone) while in the United States. Traveling outside of the United States is another matter and I frequently use Skype so as to make and receive PSTN calls from my Pocket PC.

Currently, I am in front of my PC at home. Would I use Skype to make a PSTN call, maybe, maybe not, it depends. I have an Herman Miller Aeron chair and I am constantly changing sitting positions depending upon my mood. If I am leaning back in my chair with my feet resting on my desk, I may use Skype to make a PSTN call simply because I don't feel like changing positions and reaching for the phone so as to make a call. The quality is the same and the cost is negligible so I am indifferent. On the other hand if I were planning a conference call with several people I would almost always use Skype due to the convenience. In addition if I am speaking with someone over the PSTN and we both have Skype, we will frequently hang up and switch to Skype simply for the improved fidelity and convenience.

Many people have the silly idea that they must use a headset with Skype, not so! Simply let Skype adjust your audio devices and you will have zero feedback. I currently have my microphone positioned literally 6 inches from my right speaker and there is no echo. In addition, I can and have literally walked 40 feet away from my microphone and speakers and continued in conversation, the sensitivity of the microphone while using Skype is simply amazing.

Skype is very different animal with a very unique economic model. It's benefits are not obvious until you use it. Try it Mikey, you will like it. ;)
--
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17458093 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 13:32:15 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457832 Maxo : I try to keep mine off to conserve electricity.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457832 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 12:37:11 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457818 elios : i dont see what the big deal about having your PC on is i never turn mine off

calls sound fine to me and its dirt cheap compared to a pots line

if i want to send files ill use IRC

and all it takes is a bit a QoS on your router to keep other stuff on your network from choking it out]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457818 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 12:35:05 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457774 bbarrera :

said by christcorp :

Now, there are definitely some major advantages to Skype. If you are single, or want an auxillary phone, have the PC on all the time and it doesn't bother you, etc... Then Skype seems like a very good choice.

I work for a global company with over 1600 people. Over half use Skype on a weekly basis. Everyone in the company is issued a Lenovo Thinkpad and even with laptop's builtin mic the sound quality is superior to regular telephones -- even when making calls to the UK, Germany, India, China, Japan, etc. Full disclosure, if you are in a room with an echo then you need a headset or must position yourself near the laptop mic (I pack a small headset for use with cellphone). Our company has significantly cut telecom expenses without any new equipment or providers. Its easy to see why some businesses are jumping on Skype, integrated IM/phone/video, superior sound quality, and free in-network calls.

In my mind Skype complements telephones (traditional and VoIP), at this time it is not a phone replacement unless you are tech savvy.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457774 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 12:27:50 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457761 Agrajag : Like most things of this type, Skype is hardly flawless. People keep asking why one might not find it to be the best quality. At times I've had great conversations with it. At other times it's been hit-and-miss. I call Germany often with it and talk to guys at work with it. We like it but I've certainly had better POTS calls as well.

Additionally, have you ever tried talking to someone and sending a file to them via Skype's feature to do that? Best of luck. It's usually terrible. The smallest file takes forever to send and meanwhile the quality of the call drops way off. Also, on many calls, if the person you're talking to runs any application that involves some overhead, the call goes to hell. Granted you don't do that with VoIP but it's just another item in the list.

Again, I posted this not as a Skype fan or a critic but as a fan of any kind of competition. I would like to see phone technology finally evolve far more from where it's been for seemingly ever. The more people in the space pushing the envelope, and the price, the better even if some of those solutions aren't 100% apples-to-apples comparisons.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457761 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 12:25:50 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457729 christcorp : Here's a really good link for those wanting more info on Skype. Some good reading. Pros and Cons. Later... Mike....
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457729 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 12:20:25 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457286 B :

said by pabster :

said by B :

said by pabster :

In addition, the non sequitur itself is arguably false as many VoIP providers do in fact hand out nominally "free" (bundled) or loaned SIP boxes with their paid service.

Ah, so you've proven my point, again. The "free" SIP adapter isn't really free, now is it? The cheapest regular VOIP service I could get would still cost 3X what Skype will for a year, and I think we both know which one wins on reliability.

Really? 3 times the cost?? You wrote earlier that "full service" with Skype would run you about $6 per month. My current Sunrocket contract is about $7 per month ($7.29) for 2 years. And I have none of the many, many limits a Skype user has to endure. As to reliability, I'll take the reliability of my old corded phones any day over the kind of stuff you have to use with Skype. There's exactly one funky device between my old phone setup and my new one, and can add as many phones as I like for nearly ZERO cost. (Also, there's no "again"; as far as I recall that was my first post in this thread. If your "point" was that Skype hardware costs were comparable to SIP hardware costs, you certainly have NOT made it, even assuming no bundling. SIP: $50 adapter + $5-$20 per phone. Skype: $1,000 PC + $200 per phone.)

A funky handset? The Linksys CIT200 looks just like a modern cordless phone. In fact, most people don't even notice it is not.

The WiFi phones are awesome, BTW. In a heavily WiFi covered area (large cities, for example) these can easily replace a cell phone for a fraction of the cost.

The point about the Skype-specific phones is that your choices are very limited, costly, and/or tethered.

Yes, that roaming ability of the WiFi phone sound interesting, assuming one has a casual attitude about using other people's access points and wireless networks without permission. If not, then coverage is awfully limited and/or expensive. (And frankly a PDA or PDA phone, running either a Skype or SIP soft client, seems like a MUCH more flexible solution for this sort of leeching.)

It's interesting to hear you and others say Skype is "superior" VoIP. While I understood that in-network Skype calls were always quite good, from the posts in this forum it had seemed that SkypeOut's quality was iffy at best, let alone "superior" to anything, and particularly bad since the free service was announced. And the PSTN is what it's all about...

Anyhow, continued good luck with Skype.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457286 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 10:45:32 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457224 christcorp : Well, to start off with Skype in a way to make it somewhat equal to a normal SIP based voip system, where a PC isn't required, would cost approximately $250 to get started. That includes the phone and a year of Skype out/in service. After that, it would be about $70 a year for the service. (Assuming the prices stay about where they are).

Without the PC being on, wiring the house up for multiple phones isn't an option. Being able to adapt it to the many other POTS simulation needs like fax, directv, etc... is also not an option. (Again, without the PC portion involved).

Now, there are definitely some major advantages to Skype. If you are single, or want an auxillary phone, have the PC on all the time and it doesn't bother you, etc... Then Skype seems like a very good choice. If you were a college student living on campus where Wi-Fi is very available, the Skype Wifi would definitely be a great cell phone replacement. You could wonder all over camput and many of the local resturantes without issues. Definitely a plus. Even at $250, that's 6 months of cell service. However, it's not like you can get rid of the cell phone. People do go outside of campus and such, and the skype phone isn't going to be able to replace a cell phone totally.

So, if the PC isn't an issue for you, the Skype definitely appears to be a great choice. $30 for a decent USB phone and $53 for a year's worth of phone service. Can't beat that. If however the PC is an issue, then $250 for the first year isn't such a good thing. I realize that most of us pay that much for traditional voip, but there are many more advantages to traditional voip. "Most" adapters are reusable with another provider. Multiple phones/jacks/extra devices like fax/etc... are capable. So, dollar for dollar, the start up cost of Skype (PC FREE VERSION) and traditional VOIP is close to the same. It's just a matter of which one can offer you what you want. e.g. expandability, portability, 911, reliability, trust, etc... Excellent pro/con debate without fighting. Too cool. Later... Mike...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457224 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 10:28:55 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457129 pabster :

said by B :

said by pabster :

In addition, the non sequitur itself is arguably false as many VoIP providers do in fact hand out nominally "free" (bundled) or loaned SIP boxes with their paid service.

Ah, so you've proven my point, again. The "free" SIP adapter isn't really free, now is it? The cheapest regular VOIP service I could get would still cost 3X what Skype will for a year, and I think we both know which one wins on reliability.

Uh, so it does require that your PC be on or that you have a funky handset that amounts to a PDA? And this for EVERY handset you wish to use at home? As far as I can tell the Linksys Skype phone product you have IS very much tethered to a PC, but the Netgear product is not.

A funky handset? The Linksys CIT200 looks just like a modern cordless phone. In fact, most people don't even notice it is not.

The WiFi phones are awesome, BTW. In a heavily WiFi covered area (large cities, for example) these can easily replace a cell phone for a fraction of the cost.

I don't understand how such ridiculously fragile and expensive requirements can be compared to the ease with which any SIP adapter can be added to any telco-wired home in the world and make use of EXISTING or newly purchased traditional corded or cordless phone and accessories from thousands of manufacturers, all using an open and interoperable (where they let it) protocol, and one not reliant upon a single, benevolent dictator of a service, not to mention one with a history of innovation in spyware.

I'm going to assume you're one of the open-source junkies I referenced earlier. If it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside to use a SIP adapter, go right ahead. I'll put the reliability of Skype up against a SIP-based system any day.

As noted earlier, Skype seems to appeal to the same kind of willfully ignorant people that AOL did.

If getting superior VoIP for a fraction of the cost makes me "willfully ignorant", so be it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457129 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 10:11:09 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457083 B :

said by pabster :

Most of the complaints I've seen relate to Skype's protocol being proprietary and it not being SIP-compliant. Big deal. I don't see anyone handing out free SIP boxes.

There's no logical flow in that paragraph. "Proprietary" implies neither "free of cost" nor "for pay". The closed, proprietary software and closed, proprietary protocol means that not only don't you know what their software is doing on your computer or other device, you also don't know (and can't know) what it's transmitting or to where it's transmitting it and how secure it is from abuse by Skype or other parties. In addition, the non sequitur itself is arguably false as many VoIP providers do in fact hand out nominally "free" (bundled) or loaned SIP boxes with their paid service.

Skype doesn't tether you to a PC any more than your telco tethers you to your house to use your POTS line.

Uh, so it does require that your PC be on or that you have a funky handset that amounts to a PDA? And this for EVERY handset you wish to use at home? As far as I can tell the Linksys Skype phone product you have IS very much tethered to a PC, but the Netgear product is not.

I don't understand how such ridiculously fragile and expensive requirements can be compared to the ease with which any SIP adapter can be added to any telco-wired home in the world and make use of EXISTING or newly purchased traditional corded or cordless phone and accessories from thousands of manufacturers, all using an open and interoperable (where they let it) protocol, and one not reliant upon a single, benevolent dictator of a service, not to mention one with a history of innovation in spyware. As noted earlier, Skype seems to appeal to the same kind of willfully ignorant people that AOL did.

-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17457083 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 10:01:07 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456979 pabster : Your argument still holds no weight.

You have to "buy" something to use ANY VoIP service. Period. Whether that comes in the form of a higher monthly rate (many are paying $29.95 plus per month) or some other form.

Most of the complaints I've seen relate to Skype's protocol being proprietary and it not being SIP-compliant. Big deal. I don't see anyone handing out free SIP boxes.

Skype doesn't tether you to a PC any more than your telco tethers you to your house to use your POTS line.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456979 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 09:34:51 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456954 christcorp :

said by redshift :

LOL...

no offense but if you post religiously on a forum, have time to test out voipo you surely have a little bit of time to test out skype! I am really curious now what you will think of it.

You are correct. In theory, there is no reason in the world I shouldn't be able to find time to try it. Maybe after the beginning of the year. As pointed out so much better than me by others, there are still too many drawbacks to Skype that it definitely lowers my motivation to try it. I don't want a PC based phone. I don't want to pay $160-$250 for a Non-PC based phone. I don't want a non-PC based system that only allows 1 phone to be used. I think these are common points echoed by many other people. It is very possible that Skype has a very good quality sound. That's not always enough for people to want to use it. Also, outside of this thread, there's a lot of people who do use Skype that don't think so highly of it. I guess I just need to find the motivation to want to try it. Having to try it out with a headset and mic is not very motivating. I gave up on that technology years ago. We'll see what the future has in store. Later... Mike....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456954 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 09:28:54 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456899 ptrowski :

said by Nate425 :

And you obviously don't read very well.

I said I don't want a skype add on...Let me break that down for you..make it easier to understand maybe. I don't want to buy anything extra to use skype.

It wasn't an argument, I clearly said it was an opinion...you sir, need to "get a clue".

LOL Nate425!
That's my whole point with Skype. Tried it once, sounded good but I really don't want to purchase yet another phone just to use it away from the house.
--
"A religious war is like children fighting over who has the strongest imaginary friend."

Have you been touched by his noodly appendage? »www.venganza.org/index.htm]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456899 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 09:14:45 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456892 kyramilan : I'd Hate to see Vonage's Stock Price in a few hours and days. On Amazon.com, you can get the Linksys Skype Phone for $59 and the Wi-Fi phone for $159. Just using the callout feature is pretty awesome.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456892 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 09:12:13 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456877 Nate425 : And you obviously don't read very well.

I said I don't want a skype add on...Let me break that down for you..make it easier to understand maybe. I don't want to buy anything extra to use skype.

It wasn't an argument, I clearly said it was an opinion...you sir, need to "get a clue".]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456877 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 09:07:47 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456833 pabster : Get a clue.

I use Skype Wi-Fi phone as well as Linksys Skype Phone. Both allow me to use Skype WITHOUT A PC. I use it all the time, I am NOT TETHERED to a PC. Your argument makes no sense.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456833 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 08:55:56 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456812 Nate425 :

said by pabster :

That is less than $70 (under $6 a month) for full service.

Only my opinion here, but I'd much rather pay the $30 more (during a buy one get one year free deal) and not be tethered to the computer or to a skype add on , plus everything else that has already been mentioned.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456812 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 08:48:52 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456590 pabster :

said by christcorp :

I guess there's some folks who still are die-hard fans of Skype and swear by it. Then again, there's some people who believe that AOL dial-up/broadband and their email/IM service is the greatest thing since sliced bread. "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do". LOL!!! Later... Mike....

Um, Ok. Show me another service that provides anything close to Skype for a price anywhere close. I won't be holding my breath...

$30 a year for unlimited outbound is a steal. And the current $14.95 is a hell of a deal. So what SkypeIn is another $38 a year. That is less than $70 (under $6 a month) for full service. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456590 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 07:40:53 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456069 MJimLay : I just installed this on my SmartPhone... I thought it would be interesting. Sure enough, I love it and I made a call using EDGE and it sounds just like a regular cellular call! I was amazed!

However, The program barely installed on my phone because of the limited space, and it didn't run well, the calls were choppy and I could access menu's as they were very slow. Lots of CPU Usage I guess.

Plus, It was coming out of the speaker phone which I didn't like. If it came out of the regular ear piece it wouldn't have been bad.
--
The Only Flex Baud Rate!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456069 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 02:14:36 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456053 redshift : LOL...

no offense but if you post religiously on a forum, have time to test out voipo you surely have a little bit of time to test out skype! I am really curious now what you will think of it.
--
"So this is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456053 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 02:10:54 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456049 christcorp : Yea, it's definitely different away from here. Having lived and worked in 14 countries, Wyoming definitely seems more layed back. Later... Mike....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456049 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 02:09:21 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456031 RockyBB : It's a whole other world, outside Wyoming. Keep your eyes open for all the dudes by the pool with laptops, with softphones, using Skype! Enjoy your holiday!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456031 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 02:02:39 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456016 christcorp : Sorry brother, just don't have the time. Matter of fact, I haven't even finished up the asterisk server I was setting up just for fun. At least I decided to put everything on hold for a bit. I'm leaving the end of next week on a cruise down to Mexico and Belize. No internet, no phones, no work, nothing for 10 days. It should be fun. Christmas day diving the coral reef. Oh well, it's been almost 4 years since I've had a real vacation. (Meaning one NOT to go and visit family). Getting burned out I guess. Too much fun. LOL!!! Later... Mike.... ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17456016 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 01:54:46 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455988 RockyBB : aww, c'mon Mikey. it's still free for a few more weeks. you've got the stuff. download and try a few calls and let us know... You might be like the Mikey in the old Life cereal commercial -- if you try it, you might like it!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455988 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 01:45:21 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455969 CBLMorphis : I have been using Skype for about a year now, and can ensure you its been great.

In some cases better then my POTS line.

I have never been disconnected, loss of quality, and everytime I call someone its very clear.

Thinking about getting in on this one. :)
--
Like My DSL!!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455969 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 01:41:24 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455953 christcorp : You are correct Rocky. If I had the time, Skype might be something fun to look into. As I mentioned, I have had a lot of experience with some of the other similar technologies like Dialpad and other softphones. Any form of Softphone is just not something I really want to get into. Probably because I have no need for such a thing. But who knows, maybe some day. Then again, maybe someday Skype will make a free standing system that is expandable and doesn't cost over $200. Until then, a PC version just isn't in my plans. Later... Mike...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455953 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 01:37:04 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455940 christcorp : I guess it's a matter of perspective. I consider a phone system that relies on your PC being utilized as less advanced and less useful than a self contained system with it's own processor power.

You do have a tendancy of reading what you want into people's posts. No where did I say I would never use it. Matter of fact, the post prior to your misguided assumptions, I specifically stated that when Skype evolves past it's dependency method and high cost alternatives, that it would be something I would look into.

The most important thing about this thread is that for some people, Skype is a great option. My question for you is; Skype is obviously not the greatest thing since sliced bread. If it was, and you love it so much, then why do you continue to have such a passion for SunRocket? I've always said that no one provider, skype included, can be all things to all people. Skype isn't of use to me, so it doesn't matter if you tell me that it's "HD Quality Voice". Even if it were true, that is irrelevent. Skype doesn't fit my needs. Just like SunRocket doesn't fit my needs. Just like Packet8 doesn't fit George's needs. And the list goes on.

Please, enjoy your Skype. Those who love AOL, I hope they enjoy it. I use to be big into "Ham Radios". There are still those who believe that if there's ever a world wide disaster, that they as ham radio operators will be the world's salvation. That's great too. Maybe some older technologies need to be kept for some rare future use. The point is; everyone has their likes and what fits their life. Currently, skype isn't it for me. Maybe when it changes, but not now. Later... Mike...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455940 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 01:33:04 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455901 RockyBB :

said by 76766337 :

You remind me of my grandfather.

that's not fair and you know it. christcorp didn't say others shouldn't use Skype -- just that it wasn't for him. And he gave rational reasons, instead of stoopid comments like "it sucks." It's too bad, though, as I would like to know his unbiased (though now there might be a negative bias) evaluation of the sound quality relative to the other VOIP providers that he has.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455901 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 01:23:20 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455682 76766337 : You remind me of my grandfather. He was the President of a small bank and in 1959 I asked him if he planned to buy a copier from Haloid Xerox. His answer was, "Never! As long as people can use carbon paper they will never use a copying machine". The rest is history.

Skype has been around for a long time, millions of people throughout the world use it on a daily basis. One day, you too, will throw out your carbon paper.

P.S. SkypeOut has been available for 2 and a half years.

--
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455682 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:22:29 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455631 christcorp : Yes, but there in lies the perception. I am very familiar with pots and also as a video junkie, the phenomenon known as HD. For many people, HD television/movie/dvd means absolutely nothing. They've watched it, mentioned how great it looks, yet don't care whether they have it or not. They are just as satisfied with their 19" television and SD video. They know HD is better, but they don't care. Matter of fact, there have been a lot of articles recently where HD isn't being received as well by the masses as many had hoped.

I believe the same is going to happen with telephone. MOST people don't spend hours a day on the telephone. The average phone call is under 10 minutes. Many of those calls are non-recreational. They are for the purpose of exchanging information. People don't care as much about fidelity as you want to believe. As long as the phone is dependable, affordable, and the information between callers is easily understood, the average person will be happy.

Skype may have a lot of users, but how active those users are is debatible. Many are in network users. Until recently, skypeIn and skypeOut wasn't quite available. I wouldn't say that skype currently is a major threat of competition to other voip providers, ma'bell, or cable phone services. Maybe someday. When skype becomes completely free standing, without any pc requirements, and can be done without spending hundreds of dollars for a non PC phone, then maybe they will be something I would look at.

The fidelity issue is a non issue. While I definitely enjoy HD television over SD, I don't care about a higher quality sounding call. I couldn't give a hoot. Packet8, VoipO, Voicestick, and even Wengo have more than enough voice quality to satisfy any call I make. They are all better then cell phones and are very close to equaling any pots line. VoipO is very close. Reliability, dependability, and service are more important to me. Definitely as long as a PC is required; No, I'm not going to spend $200 on a Skype phone; then Skype is definitely not an option for me. Not worth the trouble. Later.... Mike....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455631 Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:10:20 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455369 76766337 : These are brand new phones, competition will rapidly bring down the price.

What you are missing is the quality component of Skype. Skype is not like using Vonage, SunRocket, ViaTalk or Packet8. Skype is Wideband VOIP or HD voice. It is as if you are speaking with someone in the same room. Once you experience the quality you will be spoiled.

Here is a link, »www.voip-info.org/wiki/view/Wideband+VoIP
--
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455369 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 23:20:17 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455088 Maxo : Your latency will have a lot to do with your ISP. If you have high latency with your ISP, you will have high latency with your voip. YMMV.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455088 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 22:36:48 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455038 christcorp : Well, it looks like Skype definitely has it's following. From the links and info you all posted, it's still not a good option for some people. From what is posted, in order to connect it to my house wiring, the PC is required. Not the right answer.

To not have to use a PC, the answer is to use a cordless phone that according to one of the links, isn't available yet. Both links put the price of these phones at well over $200 USD. (160 euro).

Again, it appears as has been pointed out by many people, that the advantages to Skype exists in what it was originally designed for. To work in conjunction with your PC. To use more than 1 phone requires the PC. The not use a PC means only 1 phone, at a price of over $200. There is definitely some advantages for some people here, but I prefer an ATA. Using all the jacks in my house. Having true portability to take it with me. No requiring my computer to be on. Totally user configurable. etc... Skype is probably very good for some folks. Definitely not me. Later... Mike...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17455038 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 22:30:44 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17454406 Yippz Voip : Now if they would just add SkypeIn with CANADIAN numbers, I'd be hooked -- in fact, if you look at the SkypeIn forum literally every post is about wanting Canadian numbers.

Not sure what's involved and I am sure they're working on it -- but if they want to score us Vonage folks they'll need to add inbound Canadian numbers.

We're waiting... :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17454406 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 21:00:35 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17454187 redshift : I don't think the one second delay is normal at all. I had to use skype while overseas to call some family and there wasn't any delay that I noticed.
--
"So this is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17454187 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 20:32:31 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453864 76766337 : No there is not a neutral ATA since Skype does not use SIP (although it does use SIP to connect to the PSTN). There are ATA type deceives which you can currently purchase which will allow you to use legacy phones however they require a connection via the USB port and thus your computer would have to remain on.

Skype works great on wireless pocket PC's and is now being rolled out for Windows Mobile phones. Here is a link »www.skype.com/download/skype/mobile/

In Europe Hutchison Whampoa Limited is rolling out unlimited mobile broadband plans with support for Skype »xseries.three.com/features_skype_demo.shtml

What makes Skype better? For me it would be the incredible call quality for Skype to Skype calling (Skype to the PSTN is comparable to SunRocket, Vonage et al.), plus the flexibility of using Skype either on a computer, a mobile pocket pc and now on WI-FI equipted mobile phones and 3G phones.

I hate clutter and like to run my life according to KISS. What I would really really like would be a WI-FI enabled Blackberry like the Blackberry Pearl with the ability to run Skype for both IM and voice. For me Skype is perfect for international travel as it allows you receive calls from the PSTN with SkypeIn (which includes free voice mail - plus you can purchase multiple SkypeIn numbers at different locations around the world, depending on your needs). You can also make calls back to the US or major countries for roughly 2.1 cents per minute. In addition Skype is great for conference calls with participants using Skype or the PSTN. I am really not interested in video(except for family)however Skype also supports video.

Whenever possible, I use Skype for Skype to Skype calls. The reason being that the quality is far superior to the PSTN, wireless cell phones or any VOIP provider such as Vonage, SunRocket, Packet8 et al.
--
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453864 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 19:37:58 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453772 ZOverLord :

said by nonymous :

"Call quality is fine, the most noticeable issue is 1 second delay, which isn't so bad but if the person on the other end has a poor quality cell phone connection it becomes difficult."

Is this normal for anyone else? I do get a slight very slight delay on my voip with another provider. Enough so I stop talking over others and finishing their sentence. ;) But one second or very noticeable would be a deal breaker for me unless it was occasional use only.
Plus is the unlimited really unlimited?

You sure about that delay time? Under tools, options, advance on the Skype Client you can set display technical information, it shows many things. Never seen 1 second delay time. I have/use many other tools that show the technical information is valid as well.

Once you set this check box, during a call move your mouse over the contact Icon in the call window, and stats are updated in real time.
--
Black, Grey and White Hats Unite here -> »testing.OnlyTheRightAnswers.com

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453772 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 19:21:45 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453681 nonymous : "Call quality is fine, the most noticeable issue is 1 second delay, which isn't so bad but if the person on the other end has a poor quality cell phone connection it becomes difficult."

Is this normal for anyone else? I do get a slight very slight delay on my voip with another provider. Enough so I stop talking over others and finishing their sentence. ;) But one second or very noticeable would be a deal breaker for me unless it was occasional use only.
Plus is the unlimited really unlimited? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453681 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 19:06:04 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453557 76766337 :

said by hawaiidude :

Hi, could you please point in the direction of the DECT phone you mentioned? I looked up the info on the Linksys model, but it apparently requires a connection to a PC via USB. I'm looking for a stand alone ATA-type device that doesn't utilize wi-fi. Thanks.

Sure no problem. Here is a link for the Philips VoIP841 »share.skype.com/sites/skypegear/···voi.html

Here is a link for the DUALphone 3088 for Skype »dualphone.net/DUALphone_3088_for···789.aspx

These phones are just hitting the market and are available in Europe. Look for the them in the U.S. by early January.
--
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453557 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 18:43:47 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453513 anon :

said by ZOverLord :

said by christcorp :

I already admitted earlier that there are some hardware add on's for skype. I also mentioned that I like my phones. Is there a neutral ATA that I can plug a regular phone into? i.e. pap2 type of system. Number 3: above is a very big thing to me. This way I can wire my whole house wiring to my voip. Also, if I go on a business trip, I suppose a wireless skype directly picking up the wifi would be convenient. That I do think is good.

I don't get into in network type calling. 99.9% of all my calls are going to be to POTS or Cellular phones. I think Skype really benefits from In-Network type calling. But, if Skype can be totally run independently, plugging into a router or wireless WIFI, then that is definitely decent. A neutral ATA to wire into an entire house would definitely make it worth a look at. Then again, it would be just like any other voip service. SO, it comes back down to do you like Vonage, SunRocket, Packet8, viatalk, etc... What is it that makes Skype different than a normal VOip system? Later... Mike....

»www.dlink.com/products/?pid=466

D-LINK DPH-50U Has been around for some time, one of many, can drive your house, max 5 phones ("Requires Computer"). You can even run this one as a system service so it is in the background for all users on one computers, survives logoff/logon.

Many others listed here as well ("That don't require computers"):

»us.accessories.skype.com/direct/···come.jsp

DECT Phones:

»search.yahoo.com/search?p=Skype+···ei=UTF-8

Google/Yahoo is your friend :p

Lol. those skype without computer stuff are way expensive. And those hardware are bound by SKYPE. I don't want to buy any hardware which have to use by "ONLY ONE" service. i rather get a ATA and go with the company i like and i can switch to any company i like. BTW, skype international rates SUCKS!!. it is almost double price of voipbuster in most places in the world. The NA plan price is unbeatable. But if you want to make international calls. you are paying BIG to skype. In fact, if you see voipbuster rates, it is not that bad. right now it has 120 free period to MANY other country including CA and USA. If you do not take much, like average usage, i think 30 EURO will enough run you a year of voipbuster service. 30 euro = 9 months free + 3 months per min pay. But of voipbuster, you got a real cheap international rates and also free calls to MANY MANY countries. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453513 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 18:37:09 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453356 ZOverLord :

said by christcorp :

I already admitted earlier that there are some hardware add on's for skype. I also mentioned that I like my phones. Is there a neutral ATA that I can plug a regular phone into? i.e. pap2 type of system. Number 3: above is a very big thing to me. This way I can wire my whole house wiring to my voip. Also, if I go on a business trip, I suppose a wireless skype directly picking up the wifi would be convenient. That I do think is good.

I don't get into in network type calling. 99.9% of all my calls are going to be to POTS or Cellular phones. I think Skype really benefits from In-Network type calling. But, if Skype can be totally run independently, plugging into a router or wireless WIFI, then that is definitely decent. A neutral ATA to wire into an entire house would definitely make it worth a look at. Then again, it would be just like any other voip service. SO, it comes back down to do you like Vonage, SunRocket, Packet8, viatalk, etc... What is it that makes Skype different than a normal VOip system? Later... Mike....

»www.dlink.com/products/?pid=466

D-LINK DPH-50U Has been around for some time, one of many, can drive your house, max 5 phones ("Requires Computer"). You can even run this one as a system service so it is in the background for all users on one computers, survives logoff/logon.

Many others listed here as well ("That don't require computers"):

»us.accessories.skype.com/direct/···come.jsp

DECT Phones:

»search.yahoo.com/search?p=Skype+···ei=UTF-8

Google/Yahoo is your friend :p
--
Black, Grey and White Hats Unite here -> »testing.OnlyTheRightAnswers.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453356 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 18:11:01 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453326 blacksurfer : $1.25 per month and it works with the usb adapter on your regular phone. I'm sold!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453326 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 18:04:22 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453320 anon : Hi, could you please point in the direction of the DECT phone you mentioned? I looked up the info on the Linksys model, but it apparently requires a connection to a PC via USB. I'm looking for a stand alone ATA-type device that doesn't utilize wi-fi. Thanks.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453320 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 18:03:24 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453312 christcorp : I already admitted earlier that there are some hardware add on's for skype. I also mentioned that I like my phones. Is there a neutral ATA that I can plug a regular phone into? i.e. pap2 type of system. Number 3: above is a very big thing to me. This way I can wire my whole house wiring to my voip. Also, if I go on a business trip, I suppose a wireless skype directly picking up the wifi would be convenient. That I do think is good.

I don't get into in network type calling. 99.9% of all my calls are going to be to POTS or Cellular phones. I think Skype really benefits from In-Network type calling. But, if Skype can be totally run independently, plugging into a router or wireless WIFI, then that is definitely decent. A neutral ATA to wire into an entire house would definitely make it worth a look at. Then again, it would be just like any other voip service. SO, it comes back down to do you like Vonage, SunRocket, Packet8, viatalk, etc... What is it that makes Skype different than a normal VOip system? Later... Mike....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453312 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 18:01:53 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453183 76766337 : Skype is not reliant on your computer as there are many implementations of Skype which do not require a computer.

You do not have to leave your PC on to use skype.

You do not have to use a headset/mic combo with Skype, there are many many Skype phones both wireless and wired. In addition there are many speaker phones available for Skype including a very nice model from Polycom which weighs a few ounces. Even an ordinary mic and speakers works perfectly with zero feedback, you simply check the option, "Let Skype adjust my sound device settings".

Why do you believe that Skype is dependent upon a PC, it is not.
--
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453183 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 17:42:42 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453046 christcorp :

said by shamrin :

... Do you not like Skype because it is cheap, popular and easy to use...

/sch

Hmmm, if that isn't a loaded question. I already said that I didn't like/want skype for the same reason I don't want any type of softphone. I don't want a phone system that is reliant in any way to my computer(s). 1: Another point of failure 2: I don't always have the PC on. 3: I like using a "Real Phone", so I prefer an ATA that I can connect the phone of my choice to. 4: Since the days of Dialpad and other softphones, I will no longer use any type of headset/mic combo to act as a phone. (see 3:). 5: When I go on business trips and stay in motels, I can plug my ata directly into an ethernet jack if available, or I bring a wireless ethernet bridge. Also relatively small.

Doing this, both the adapter and bridge are very small and I can have a phone within seconds. I don't need my computer or anything else. I never said I didn't want to use Skype, I said I didn't want to use anything dependent on a PC. That's just me. I can satisfy telephone needs much easier and more efficiently. Obviously, if cost is everything, which it is to some people, then many of the Skype/Softphone type of solutions are a viable alternative. Later... Mike....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17453046 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 17:23:51 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452981 axus : I've been using SkypeIn for about a month now, it was kind of dicey in the beginning because my cable connection was unstable. Then I found out that having my wireless router too close to the cable modem was the problem. No joke! Since then its been very reliable. The free SkypeOut has been nice, I'll probably sign up for this $15 plan to replace that. Total $53/yr = $4.41 per month for nationwide calling. If the $30/yr plan had SkypeIn and SkypeOut, that would be hot.

Call quality is fine, the most noticeable issue is 1 second delay, which isn't so bad but if the person on the other end has a poor quality cell phone connection it becomes difficult. I leave the computer on all the time, no problem there, but I think that when it goes in power-save mode the phone won't ring. Sounds like a feature to me, if I start wanting phone calls at night I'll turn off power save.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452981 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 17:13:08 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452979 ZOverLord : I think another major point is at least till end of Jan 2007, the actual cost for an entire year is NOT $29.95 but it is $14.95 less than half of the topic price quoted.

From Skype:

»share.skype.com/sites/en/2006/12···mer.html

Which also might make a difference on if people think it's worth it.
--
Black, Grey and White Hats Unite here -> »testing.OnlyTheRightAnswers.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452979 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 17:12:31 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452898 redshift : There is another category of voip users who use regular voip where this deal may be advantageous. Quite a few of my friends only use voip with a local calling area as these plans are usually cheaper than those with calling plans of all of North America. They do have friends in other parts of North America but didn't think it was worth paying more per month just to call them. At an average call cost of about 0.02 you would only need to talk about 1,500 mins in a year to justify getting this over using your regular voip provider.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452898 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 17:00:07 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452822 shamrin : For the rest of us, it might be helpful if some of the experts here injected some actual facts into this "Skype sucks" thread. Do you not like Skype because it is cheap, popular and easy to use or do you see real quantifiable differences for normal users? I've used Vonage, Skype and a "proper" VOIP service here in the UK and to my experience Skype compares quite favourably.

/sch
--
I have no opinion, therefore I do not exist]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452822 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 16:49:21 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452663 woody7 : Been using it (paid)for about a year, and have had no problems. Bought an inexpensive headset/microphone, and works well. Seeing that I am sitting in front of a computer or laptop most of the day, using them to make calls is not a problem.Use my cellphone rest of the time.I am only tethered because of DSL. Calls most of the time are very good quality also. Turned my dad on to it and he uses it talk to relatives for hours. And for the "price" have no complaints.Will be getting one of the wireless skyphones to see how they work. :)
:) :)
--
BlooMe]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452663 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 16:24:46 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452582 elios : i like skype i use it mostly for PC to PC call (there free)
and thay sound better then real pots phone
as for PC to phone it sounds as good as a cell phone if not better

15 bucks for a year thats damn cheap and im not 'new' to VoIP im just a poor collage student 15 ir even 30 bucks for unlimited outbound is way cheaper for me to call home and what not then even a prepayed cell phone]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452582 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 16:12:45 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452541 Nate425 : Probably...I'm sure it's listed somewhere on the skype site...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452541 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 16:06:35 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452485 Maxo :

said by Nate425 :

Yes, you can. But you need a SkypeIn number to recieve calls.

Is that part of the $14.95/year or is there an extra charge?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452485 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 15:57:59 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452463 Nate425 :

said by Maxo :

I am interested in getting this but I want to verify before I go spending $$.
I can make and receive calls with Skype? If I call LD within the US there is no additional charge?
Do they have software for Linux? »www.skype.com/download/skype/linux/

Yes, you can. But you need a SkypeIn number to recieve calls. And yes, you can make LD calls within the us/canada for no additional charge.

For the rest of the thread, I think while skype doesn't really serve a purpose for those of us with real voip, for the folks that still just have POTS and have no intention of getting real voip, this is a good way to get them in to the technology. Like the aol reference, it's baby steps, and eventually they may want to ditch the POTS and get regular voip, and will be comfortable with that because they've used skype successfully. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452463 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 15:54:33 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452361 Maxo : I am interested in getting this but I want to verify before I go spending $$.
I can make and receive calls with Skype? If I call LD within the US there is no additional charge?
Do they have software for Linux? »www.skype.com/download/skype/linux/]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452361 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 15:35:57 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452331 KrK : Man I'll bet they're burning up the lines to the F.C.C. right now... I can picture the scene.... Telco lobbists and lawyers, with a copy of USA Today in front of them, are on the phone...

"Declare Skype a Telephone provider now! I wanna see those federal line charges, 911 cost recovery fee, USF Slush Fund, Communications XTarrif Subsection B charge added to all their service plans effective immediately! Make it so! It's what we pay you guys for! We can't have low-priced competition undercutting our profits!.... Can't you just ban them by law like China?!?"
--
"Regulatory capitalism is when companies invest in lawyers, lobbyists, and politicians, instead of plant, people, and customer service." - former FCC Chairman William Kennard (A real FCC Chairman, unlike the current Corporate Spokesperson in the job!)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452331 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 15:32:14 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452201 76766337 : Skype is not just a computer based soft phone. There are are WI-FI Skype phones available. In addition Skype is available on the mobile pocket pc. Skype is also available on 3G cell phones as well as WI-FI enabled cell phones. Additionally, there are DECT Skype phones which simply plug into a router and do not require a PC.

With regard to AOL, it was not a "stepping stone for someone new to the internet and computers". The Internet existed for years prior to the advent of the Netscape browser and the ascent of the WWW. People used Archie, Gopher, Veronica and Jughead to access the Internet.

In 1995 there was a dearth of content on the WWW. AOL provided content as well as connectivity via the level playing field of dial-up modems. As the WWW gradually became enriched with content, the availability of broadband increased and the cost decreased, AOL then, and only then, began it's long road to economic irrelevancy.

In the early years of the WWW, AOL was a great value just as the WANG word processor was a great value prior to the advent of the first Apple computers and the IMB PC with WordStar.

Why do you feel that Skype is, "not the greatest quality"?
--
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17452201 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 15:13:06 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451479 christcorp : Well, my tongue and cheek was mostly sarcasm. While I have never used skype, I have used quite a few of the softphones over the years. There was a time when I thought Dialpad walked on water as the coolest thing. With the addition of telephone adapters, servers, and other hardware alternatives, I have lost all interest and use for any type of computer based softphone type of voip. Even packet8's free softphone I find useless. I have also found in my experience that no headset/mic combination can compete with a hardware ATA type of setup. But, for some people, especially those where they can't afford an ATA or don't want to deal with traditional VOIP contracts, Skype could be useful.

Now, I do know that Skype and others can be used with hardware type adapters so you can make calls with a more traditional form of telephone. That's better, but if I'm not mistaken, the PC is still involved. That, I don't like. There are way too many options available to not have to deal with the PC as part of the equation. For those always on business trips where a softphone is convenient, that's cool. I still prefer other alternatives to a softphone.

Anyway, as I mentioned, my recent post on Skype was more sarcasm than anything. Just as my sarcasm against AOL can be viewed by some users as incorrect because they really do believe AOL to be great. I admit that after Al Gore first invented the Internet, I had used AOL. I also recommended AOL to many friends and family. IMHO, AOL is a great stepping stone for someone new to the internet and computers. However, once you learn what broadband truly is and what the internet can do for you, people need to grow beyond AOL. Later... Mike...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451479 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 13:03:27 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451382 76766337 :

said by christcorp :

I guess there's some folks who still are die-hard fans of Skype and swear by it. Then again, there's some people who believe that AOL dial-up/broadband and their email/IM service is the greatest thing since sliced bread. "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do". LOL!!! Later... Mike....

Then, if you add the average fees used for 911, tax, fees, etc.... you could be looking at close to $100 a year. Not counting if you wanted to get away from the softphone version and go with an adapter.

Still definitely a great price for phone service, albeit a softphone and not the greatest quality. Mind you, my comments are pure speculation. I didn't read the article.

I think for the majority of people who are serious about having a phone, and are willing some minor compromises to use voip, that the traditional voip providers like Vonage, Packet8, Viatalk, SunRocket, etc... don't have anything to worry about from Skype as a competitor. Later.... mike.....

What is the analogy between Skype and AOL dial-up? Why would you feel that Skype is, "not the greatest quality"?
--
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451382 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 12:48:41 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451351 tj008 : Skype has been a life saver on a few occasions this year when I had no access to a phone. Used my laptop and placed the free skypeOut call.

For those that do not have a redundancy in their voip network, skype would be an inexpensive addition.

Maybe Santa will bring me that new Netgear or Belkin wifi phone now. hmmmmm. I'll slip in a few more cookies and maybe keep his milk on ice this year. :D


--
Cable. Voip cos: Paid- SunRocket, ViaTalk; Free- FWD, SIPphone, VoiceStick, FreeDigits.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451351 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 12:42:18 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451344 76766337 :

said by Agrajag :

Yes, it's Skype and we know it's low quality but GEEEEEEZ, $29.95 a YEAR?!?! This MUST have some impact on all phone service providers across the spectrum from POTS providers to VoIP providers.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not switching or anything but just glad to see the free market doing its thing.

Please be so kind as to explain why Skype is low quality?
--
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451344 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 12:40:54 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451295 RockyBB : you're a bit cranky today, Mike. As the defacto comparer of various services, I would have predicted that, of all people, you would be jumping on Skype, if only from the curiosity angle. For one, I would eagerly anticipate your comparison of Skype with your P8, VOIPo, and CowboyVOIP (or whatever else you've got up there in Wyoming).

Personally, a few months ago I burned a CompUSA gift card on a USB headset/mic with the purpose of trying Skype, but never got around to installing it on my overworked PC. I've also been unsure of the "node" angle of it using my PC for resources, but the new version is said to be able to toggle that off.

Whether we like it or not, Skype has become a BFD (P8 doesn't get breathless notices in USA Today) with a huge global market penetration, which will only get bigger with the Ebay connection.

I would value your opinion of the service from a real trial -- not the elitest and unknowing condemnation of a service targeted to the unwashed masses...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451295 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 12:30:57 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451280 mazilo :

said by christcorp :

I guess there's some folks who still are die-hard fans of Skype and swear by it. Then again, there's some people who believe that AOL dial-up/broadband and their email/IM service is the greatest thing since sliced bread. "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do". LOL!!! Later... Mike....

Amen. I am glad I am not one of those! ;)
--
Mazi (UK Non-Geo Phone: +44-703-194-2574)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451280 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 12:27:06 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451148 christcorp : I guess there's some folks who still are die-hard fans of Skype and swear by it. Then again, there's some people who believe that AOL dial-up/broadband and their email/IM service is the greatest thing since sliced bread. "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do". LOL!!! Later... Mike....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451148 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 12:01:41 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451145 ZOverLord :

said by Quattrohead :

Receive calls from phones with SkypeIn
(comes with free Skype Voicemail)
Buy 3 months - $ 12
Buy 12 months - $ 38

Count me in :D-------pause--------NOT!!!!!!

Some people Do NOT need/want a phone number which is what SkypeIn is, this has nothing to do with the 2007 rates for calling outbound.
--
Black, Grey and White Hats Unite here -> »testing.OnlyTheRightAnswers.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451145 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 12:00:21 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451135 ZOverLord : Here are the Official Rates:

The price is $14.95 if you buy before end of January 2007. From February, the price will be $29.95.

»share.skype.com/sites/en/2006/12···mer.html
--
Black, Grey and White Hats Unite here -> »testing.OnlyTheRightAnswers.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451135 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 11:58:07 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451012 Quattrohead : Receive calls from phones with SkypeIn
(comes with free Skype Voicemail)
Buy 3 months - $ 12
Buy 12 months - $ 38

Count me in :D-------pause--------NOT!!!!!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17451012 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 11:34:49 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17450541 jengu : The front page of website says that it is $14.95/year unlimited until January 31.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17450541 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 10:04:52 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17449260 christcorp : have to be honest, I haven't read the article. But, imagine some of the hidden costs. i.e. the $29.95 offer for unlimited calls to wireless and landline phones. hmmmm, OK that takes care of the Skype OUT portion. Now, If you want to receive calls with a DID, then image if that's another $29.95. Then, if you add the average fees used for 911, tax, fees, etc.... you could be looking at close to $100 a year. Not counting if you wanted to get away from the softphone version and go with an adapter.

Still definitely a great price for phone service, albeit a softphone and not the greatest quality. Mind you, my comments are pure speculation. I didn't read the article. The $29.95 a year could include a DID inbound, voicemail, 911, 30 features, etc...

I think for the majority of people who are serious about having a phone, and are willing some minor compromises to use voip, that the traditional voip providers like Vonage, Packet8, Viatalk, SunRocket, etc... don't have anything to worry about from Skype as a competitor. Later.... mike..... ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17449260 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 00:46:32 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17449230 Agrajag : From USA Today:

Skype, which helped make free PC-to-PC calling a global phenomenon, will announce Wednesday a $29.95-a-year service offering unlimited calls to wireless and traditional landline phones.

Skype's Unlimited Calling subscription moves the company toward the mainstream of phone services and poses a significant challenge on price to many VoIP services — short for Voice over Internet Protocol — that can cost $300 to $400 per year.

-----------------

Yes, it's Skype and we know it's low quality but GEEEEEEZ, $29.95 a YEAR?!?! This MUST have some impact on all phone service providers across the spectrum from POTS providers to VoIP providers.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not switching or anything but just glad to see the free market doing its thing.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17449230 Wed, 13 Dec 2006 00:37:50 EDT