Voice Over IP, phone over the internet, how?

[Soccerman]

I know the logistics.. your computer connects to the net, you speak into the microphone. the signal is converted into data, which is sent over the net just like all other data. it then goes to a server which is connected to the normal Telephone network. the server then translates that data into audio, and phones the person you are trying to reach.

first of all, are there any services like that that are free?

are there any at all? which is the best overall?

does it require special equipment (full duplex modem?). any info would be appreciated.

 

[The Sauce]

I just wrote a thread about MSN Messenger Service, which allows you to do that and is pretty good. It also does video conferencing pretty well too.

 

[SUOrangeman]

DialPad is at least such service. I've only used it for one-way communication tho (checking voicemail, inclement weather statements for work, etc.)

-SUO

 

[Soccerman]

ahh.. ok I checked out that Dialpad link.. it's supposedly in the US only.

the only reason I'm reluctant to use MSN, is because I really don't want it on my computer.

if that's the only one, I'll be forced to use it though.

 

[Engineer]

The Yahoo List of Telephone over Internet

Soccerman,

The list above has many choices and I've tried only a few, but have always switched back to Dialpad.com. I've used Dialpad for over 9 months now and my phone bill loves me for it ($27.95 per month U.S. for the last 9 months). No long distance calls for me over that time other than the Dialpad ones (my wife and I have called more now than ever...just don't pay for it ). I can't vouch for the others, but Dialpad over a cable modem has been very good and consistant. I've heard that Dialpad is expanding to other areas of the world, so good luck to you that it may come to Canada soon.

Good Luck

 

[wonder mike]

couple good ones out there, one of the best i think is net2phone. use msn messenger it has net2phone support in it, they make it so easy my little 7 year old cousin was able to set it up and call.

 

[pm]

I've used Net2Phone before and it was tolerable. I'll try DialPad based on what I'm reading here though.

 

[Rigoletto]

I have tried the MSN with it. It hasn't properly worked yet. I can talk or the ladyfriend can talk, but we can't get any two-way conversation working yet. I think she has an integrated soundcard which isn't up to it. Dunno...