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Agrajag
join:2005-04-04
Cherry Hill, NJ
1 edit | Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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.
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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. | |
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christcorp
Premium
join:2001-05-21
Cheyenne, WY
 ·Bresnan Online
 ·VOIPo
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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..... | |
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jengu
join:2002-04-26
Lake Placid, NY | The front page of website says that it is $14.95/year unlimited until January 31. | |
| | Quattrohead
join:2005-02-09 | Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls Receive calls from phones with SkypeIn
(comes with free Skype Voicemail)
Buy 3 months - $ 12
Buy 12 months - $ 38
Count me in  -------pause--------NOT!!!!!! | |
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ZOverLord
Premium
join:2003-10-20
Minneapolis, MN
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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 -------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.
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Black, Grey and White Hats Unite here -> »testing.OnlyTheRightAnswers.com | |
| | | | mazilo
From Mazilo
Premium
join:2002-05-30
Lilburn, GA
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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! 
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Mazi (UK Non-Geo Phone: +44-703-194-2574) | |
| | 
RockyBB
Premium
join:2005-01-31
Longmont, CO
| 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... | |
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christcorp
Premium
join:2001-05-21
Cheyenne, WY
·Bresnan Online
·VOIPo
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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... | |
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76766337
join:2004-09-26
Riverside, IL
|  Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls
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. | |
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76766337
join:2004-09-26
Riverside, IL
| 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"?
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What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. | |
| | pabster
join:2001-12-09
Waterloo, IA
·Mediacom
| 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. | |
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Nate425
Premium
join:2005-02-03
Charlottesville, VA
clubs:
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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. | |
| | | | pabster
join:2001-12-09
Waterloo, IA | Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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. | |
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Nate425
Premium
join:2005-02-03
Charlottesville, VA
clubs:
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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". | |
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ptrowski
Got Helix?
Premium
join:2005-03-14
Putnam, CT
clubs:
·VOIPo
·Metrocast Communic..
 ·AT&T DSL Service
·ViaTalk
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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.
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"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 | |
| | | | | | | GTFan
join:2004-12-03
4 edits | Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls I've read through this whole thread and I STILL cannot find a valid reason why the Skype protocol is not widely available on all of the common ATAs, thus allowing me to use my own phones with the service. They get their money from use of the service (like any provider), not the protocol. So why haven't they paid Linksys to include support for it on the PAP2? Linksys is selling Skype phones now, so this makes no sense to me.
I will not pay more money for special phones or to have a PC running 24x7 just so I can use Skype in and out. | |
| | | | | | | | B
Premium,MVM
join:2000-10-28
2 edits | Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls Yeah, it didn't make sense to me either, as to why they don't already have an ATA-work-alike. redshift said earlier they get "revenue" from the softphone, but I thought it was ad-free so I didn't understand, unless they were selling demographics or spying or something. Then I found...
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.
Well, actually adware is... software that displays ads, so apparently Skype's softphone is adware. I didn't realize. I thought they were trying to get as far as possible from their Kazaa spyware roots by shunning ads. (Clearly I haven't used Skype and by now have less incentive to do so than ever.  ) It does explain some of the bloat; those rotating ad spyware engines don't come lightly. Do the hardware phones display ads in the interface as well?
-- B
--
In a realm outside causality and function | |
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76766337
join:2004-09-26
Riverside, IL |  Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls
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redshift
Premium
join:2004-03-23
Beverly Hills, CA
| Couple of things,
When I said revenue, I meant that their software is ad free, but it is how they bundle on their extra services that do make them money. They need the software to exist otherwise they loose the alternate forms of revenue that are all based on the software.
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. It is primarily a way for people to communicate p2p for free, as well as taking advantage of low priced long distance in a relatively non intimidating manner.
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"So this is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause." | |
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Maxo
Your tax dollars at work.
Premium,VIP
join:2002-11-04
Tallahassee, FL
clubs:
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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. When I signed up it specifically stated it was not meant to be used as a replacement for regular telephone service. | |
| | | | | | pabster
join:2001-12-09
Waterloo, IA
·Mediacom
| 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. | |
| | | | | | | B
Premium,MVM
join:2000-10-28
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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 | |
| | | | | | | | pabster
join:2001-12-09
Waterloo, IA
·Mediacom
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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. | |
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christcorp
Premium
join:2001-05-21
Cheyenne, WY
·Bresnan Online
·VOIPo
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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... | |
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bbarrera
Premium,MVM
join:2000-10-23
Sacramento, CA
clubs:
·SureWest Internet
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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. | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | B
Premium,MVM
join:2000-10-28
1 edit | 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
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In a realm outside causality and function | |
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redshift
Premium
join:2004-03-23
Beverly Hills, CA
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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.
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"So this is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause." | |
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76766337
join:2004-09-26
Riverside, IL
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited callssaid 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. | |
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redshift
Premium
join:2004-03-23
Beverly Hills, CA
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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.
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"So this is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause." | |
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76766337
join:2004-09-26
Riverside, IL
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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):
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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. | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | pabster
join:2001-12-09
Waterloo, IA | Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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? | |
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kyramilan
join:2006-11-26
Pensacola, FL | 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. | |
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76766337
join:2004-09-26
Riverside, IL
| 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?
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What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. | |
| | macaholic
Premium
join:2003-08-31
Jackson Heights, NY
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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
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"You don't subject minority rights to a referendum." Justice Minister Irwin Cotler of Canada | |
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christcorp
Premium
join:2001-05-21
Cheyenne, WY
·Bresnan Online
·VOIPo
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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.... | |
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bbarrera
Premium,MVM
join:2000-10-23
Sacramento, CA
clubs:
·SureWest Internet
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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. | |
| | | | | B
Premium,MVM
join:2000-10-28
1 edit | Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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.
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In a realm outside causality and function | |
| | | | | | blacksurfer
join:2002-07-14
Sherman Oaks, CA | Unlimited from other countries to the U.S.? Will people outside of the U.S. and Canada be able to call the U.S. and Canada for the $15 unlimited plan? | |
| tj008
join:2004-06-24
Cincinnati, OH
| 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.
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Cable. Voip cos: Paid- SunRocket, ViaTalk; Free- FWD, SIPphone, VoiceStick, FreeDigits. | |
| 
KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
Premium
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK
·AT&T Yahoo
·AT&T DSL Service
·Cox HSI
·AT&T Southwest
| 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?!?"
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"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!) | |
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Maxo
Your tax dollars at work.
Premium,VIP
join:2002-11-04
Tallahassee, FL
clubs:
1 edit | 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/ | |
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| axus
join:2001-06-18
Washington, DC
·Verizon Online DSL
| 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. | |
| | nonymous
join:2003-09-08
Glendale, AZ
1 edit | Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls "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? | |
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ZOverLord
Premium
join:2003-10-20
Minneapolis, MN
3 edits | Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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.
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Black, Grey and White Hats Unite here -> »testing.OnlyTheRightAnswers.com | |
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redshift
Premium
join:2004-03-23
Beverly Hills, CA | 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.
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"So this is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause." | |
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Yippz Voip
join:2005-05-04
Atlanta, GA
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls 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...  | |
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Maxo
Your tax dollars at work.
Premium,VIP
join:2002-11-04
Tallahassee, FL
clubs: | 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. | |
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christcorp
Premium
join:2001-05-21
Cheyenne, WY
·Bresnan Online
·VOIPo
| 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... | |
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christcorp
Premium
join:2001-05-21
Cheyenne, WY | 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 | |
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elios
join:2005-11-15
Springfield, MO
·Mediacom
| 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 | |
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Maxo
Your tax dollars at work.
Premium,VIP
join:2002-11-04
Tallahassee, FL
clubs: | Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls I try to keep mine off to conserve electricity. | |
| 
Wild Goose
join:2006-12-03
| 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! | |
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ZOverLord
Premium
join:2003-10-20
Minneapolis, MN
2 edits | 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.
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Black, Grey and White Hats Unite here -> »testing.OnlyTheRightAnswers.com | |
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ctylor
join:2006-03-15
Vancouver, BC
| 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. | |
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Maxo
Your tax dollars at work.
Premium,VIP
join:2002-11-04
Tallahassee, FL
clubs:
| 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.
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"Padre, nobody said war was fun now bowl!" - Sherman T Potter
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»maxolasersquad.com/
»maxolasersquad.com/network/ My DSL Network Guide
»myspace.com/mlsquad | |
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76766337
join:2004-09-26
Riverside, IL
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls
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
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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. | |
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Yippz Voip
join:2005-05-04
Atlanta, GA
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls Is anyone using the Skype phone adapters they sell on Ebay. I won't link to someone's auction to give them visibility but these are $30 units, similar to Vonage's ATA, but these units have a USB plug to hook to your PC and a phone jack to plug in your home cordless phone(s).
Since you can now indeed use your Uniden TRU (oh, how I love them) or any other comfortable cordless phone with Skype at home, I'd say it's pretty darn close to comparing it's home comfort level with Vonage, SR or any VOIP provider...
Sounds like a much better option than an uncomfortable headset/mic or a USB phone that is tethered to the PC... | |
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ZOverLord
Premium
join:2003-10-20
Minneapolis, MN
| Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls I have 2 D-Link DPH-50U Skype adapters and they are great, you can even run it as a system service in the background, so that no matter who is logged on, or even if nobody is your phones will still be working.
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Black, Grey and White Hats Unite here -> »testing.OnlyTheRightAnswers.com | |
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76766337
join:2004-09-26
Riverside, IL
| Hi themew,
I agree the Uniden TRU's are very nice phones. I am familiar with the units which you are describing but I have not used same as they require the computer to remain on, also you would not have the Skype display functions on the Uniden TRU's. On the other hand if these points don't bother you then sure, I would give it a go.
Personally, I am planning to wait until the new Philips computer less DECT Skype phones hit the United States. I don't have first hand knowledge but I would expect that there will be several new computer less DECT Skype phone introduced next month at CES in Las Vegas. Why not lay low like an old hound dog in the tall weeds and wait and see if some new DECT Skype phone rabbits hop along at CES next month.
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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. | |
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Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls
