SkypeIn/SkypeOut question - caller ID

[mugs]

I signed up for SkypeOut and SkypeIn. Can I set it up so that the number that shows up on caller ID is my SkypeIn number? Right now the number that shows up is in the 202 area code and says "Wireless Caller."

The problem is, when I call to activate a credit card I have to be calling from the number I gave my credit card company.

 

[Mill]

No, you don't have to call from your home number to activate. If you call from your home phone that just means you typicall don't have to speak to a Rep. If you call from a non-listed phone (cell or business) then you will simply have to speak to a Rep to activate your card.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: Mill
No, you don't have to call from your home number to activate. If you call from your home phone that just means you typicall don't have to speak to a Rep. If you call from a non-listed phone (cell or business) then you will simply have to speak to a Rep to activate your card.

I can't remember which card I had, but the automated machine replied "please call from your home phone" *click*. I never did try the 800 number on the back of the card now that I think about it though.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: randomlinh

Originally posted by: Mill
No, you don't have to call from your home number to activate. If you call from your home phone that just means you typicall don't have to speak to a Rep. If you call from a non-listed phone (cell or business) then you will simply have to speak to a Rep to activate your card.

I can't remember which card I had, but the automated machine replied "please call from your home phone" *click*. I never did try the 800 number on the back of the card now that I think about it though.

Yes, that is the experience I recall having.

I have two cards at home that I need to activate... I'll see if I have any trouble with those.

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: randomlinh

Originally posted by: Mill
No, you don't have to call from your home number to activate. If you call from your home phone that just means you typicall don't have to speak to a Rep. If you call from a non-listed phone (cell or business) then you will simply have to speak to a Rep to activate your card.

I can't remember which card I had, but the automated machine replied "please call from your home phone" *click*. I never did try the 800 number on the back of the card now that I think about it though.

Yes, that is the experience I recall having.

I have two cards at home that I need to activate... I'll see if I have any trouble with those.

Interesting. Let us know what happens.

 

[mugs]

The verdict -
Discover: The sticker said you must call from your home phone. I call from Skype. I enter my card number. I am then prompted to enter my home phone number. Then I was transferred to their Utah call center (they actually specified that) where I had to verify my name and they give me their sales pitch for their payment protection plan. I decline and my card is activated.

Costco American Express: The sticker says you must call from your home or business phone. I call via Skype and enter my card number. Technical difficulties. I'm asked to call back later. I can also activate via a website.

I guess if it causes a problem in the future, I could just change the phone number on my account to my work phone number and activate from work.

Bye bye Vonage.

 

[Mill]

Couple of questions for you...

How is the call quality with Skype? Are you using a router and a Skype phone or did you wire it in from your router? I didn't know if they have hardware like Vonage that you can plug into a router, and then a way to plug a phone into that.

Did you switch from Vonage because of the patent problem with Verizon?

My fiance has a Vonage system that I bought for her to use in Colombia. I'd really hate to use it, so if this is going to be a problem (the Verizon stuff), I am going to look into getting her something else.

 

[mugs]

The call quality with Skype is excellent. Indistinguishable from a regular phone I'd say. I'm using a headset w/ my computer. I've seen cordless Skype phones that connect to a wireless router (like so: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833314029), and I've seen USB boxes that you can plug any phone into (of course that only works if your computer is on). I haven't seen anything like what Vonage has that you plug into a router and then plug a phone into. But then I haven't looked for something like that.

I didn't switch from Vonage because of the patent issues. I almost never use my home phone. I hardly ever use my cell phone either, but that's a separate issue. I haven't even had a phone hooked up to my Vonage box for months, I've just had my TiVo hooked up to it and the wife listens to the voicemail over the web. I got a USB Ethernet adapter for the TiVo, so I don't need Vonage for that anymore. Skype seems like the cheapest option to maintain a home phone number that I'll barely use.