VOIP etc > Voice Over IP - VOIP > VOIP Tech Chat > [Other] Nettalk reliability in Canada?

reply to dsl2u

Re: [Other] Nettalk reliability in Canada?

What about using per minute rates for incoming (if you don't get many incoming calls) and Voxox for outgoing (unlimited) as they allow you to send any caller ID number you want to the receiver? That way you're always using the same number. Its not good when you call someone from a number you don't want a return call to. You can just call them back on the outgoing line freeing up your incoming line for more calls. Most VOIP services have call waiting but it gives you much more control if you can hear both lines at the same time. You can't hear the other line when you use call waiting. The key to this all working is mic going to both lines but being able to mute it to either so you control where your voice is going.

I don't understand why people bother with outgoing minutes. They are free with so many companies as well as Gmail.

All we should be concerned with are incoming minutes. If you tend to have lots of short calls under a minute, then a company like Voip.ms is great as they bill in 6 second increments. And at about a penny per minute, that means incredibly low monthly costs. If you have lots of calls then get an unlimited package for about $5-10 a month depending on the provider.

The key to this working is to be able to control the number your outgoing provider is sending to the receiver. If anyone knows of another company besides Voxox that allows this (besides perhaps Google Voice) please let us know. Its an invaluable feature.

Also, its mighty nice to be on a separate outgoing line and be able to walk away for a while (say if you're on hold for a long time) and not worry if you'll miss some faint, call waiting beep when someone calls you. That's why businesses always have separate outgoing lines and incoming lines.

When you think of the features you need, always designate them as outgoing or incoming in nature. This will help clarify things for people new to this.

reply to PX Eliezer
Regarding Anveo I have a few questions as their website is not so informative.

Do they really charge $2 a month for unlimited incoming calling for a Canadian number? Why would anyone get a $1 per/minute account if for a dollar they can get unlimited?

They mention Floating Channels. Is that another term for call waiting? If so, why wouldn't they just say Call Waiting or explain that? The unlimited plan has no Floating Channels whereas the per/minute plan does.

Do you need a credit in your account to try out the service to make outgoing calls?

Is the minimum credit $10? It looks like it when you are taken to the Payment page and you can choose either Paypal or Google Checkout.
How's the voice quality compared to a good provider like Voip.ms?

reply to dsl2u

reply to dsl2u

I understand your hesitancy in letting Gmail record all your calls and its valid. But there are numerous other companies that are offering free outgoing calling to people in the US and Canada. The key is finding a company that lets its users (like Voxox) control what number is displayed when making that call.

> Someone else will have to explain their calling plans, they are too complex for my poor brain.

Exactly my point. Their website is a mess. But don't let that stop you from enjoying their services. It looks like they beat other VOIP companies soundly by offering unlimited incoming calling for just $2. Who can come close to that? Their support, while just chat based (don't think they have phone support), was excellent when I recently communicated with them. As long as you can type you're OK. It was down for a while today; not sure what their uptime percentage is. It costs $10 to join as that is their minimum payment but if you don't like anything you can cancel within 24 hours. You use it with a computer based softphone like Xlite or you can buy an unlocked ATA for very little on a place like Ebay (like about $20). Not sure if the type of ATA you choose influences things much. Others experienced with using a few of them could offer their opinions here. If you want flexibility in the home and want to use things like cordless phones you'll need an ATA. Otherwise a bluetooth headset will give you mobility in the room with the computer.

reply to dsl2u

reply to PX Eliezer