VOIP-best hardware and software to use?

[ForceMajeur]

I want to make calls in the USA to friends using the internet. I know several companies offer VOIP capability (Skype, Ooma). Can anyone offer a step by step procedure to set up a phone call system using the internet to make outgoing phone calls to friends in the same and other states and can I call their landline or do I have to call their computer VOIP?

Thanks and forgive me for asking a newbie question.

ForceMajeur

 

[amdhunter]

I have this gut feeling that all VoIP services are one scam or another in some way. I've never used any, and will never use any (besides Cable TV VoIP) ever.

 

[Jeff7]

I have this gut feeling that all VoIP services are one scam or another in some way. I've never used any, and will never use any (besides Cable TV VoIP) ever.

A scam? Howso? I've been using Skype for maybe a year now without problem.
And the quality of a Skype-to-Skype call is immensely better than when calling a landline or cellphone.


OP: Do you plan to use your PC as your VOIP "phone" or do you want a standalone phone? Either one can be done.
Pretty much go to Skype's website, set up an account, and download the software.
Get yourself a nice headset mic. I used this wired set for awhile, but recently got a wireless set.

Concerning the part about getting a phone number, I've not done that part yet, but I think it's pretty painless too. Their name for the service is SkypeIn, and it's $5-$6/month.

Maybe sign up for the pay-as-you-go account first, which I don't think has SkypeIn, but it should let you call to landline and cellphones, just to try it out initially - then upgrade to the monthly plan to receive calls, and get yourself a phone number for your account.

 

[ForceMajeur]

Does the recipient of the call need to receive the call on Skype or can they answer on a POTS landline or cell phone?

Thanks.

 

[Imdmn04]

I have this gut feeling that all VoIP services are one scam or another in some way. I've never used any, and will never use any (besides Cable TV VoIP) ever.

It's not a scam. The quality is left to be desired and depends highly on your network condition where you are making the call and the carrier service.

Most calls traverses through a VOIP backbone at some leg of the call (usually between telecoms) anyways.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

I want to make calls in the USA to friends using the internet. I know several companies offer VOIP capability (Skype, Ooma). Can anyone offer a step by step procedure to set up a phone call system using the internet to make outgoing phone calls to friends in the same and other states and can I call their landline or do I have to call their computer VOIP?

Thanks and forgive me for asking a newbie question.

ForceMajeur

For Skype you'll need speakers and a microphone (headset preferred, some phone adapters are available), the Skype software installed, always on internet (512k/512k minimum), always on computer (to make/receive calls anytime), and a Skype account plus subscription ($66/year, you get a number landlines can call you on, or $36/year you can call landlines but landlines can't call you). Once set up, just use Skype to call. Skype to Skype calls do not require a Skype subscription and are always free.

Most VOIP providers will require an ATA adapter ($~50) plugged directly into a router, always on internet (512k/512k minimum), plus their monthly/annual fees (~$5-$20/month). You'll use a standard phone plugged into their adapter to make phone calls as usual.

MagicJack - plug adapter into computer, plug phone in, always on internet, $20 annual fee.

Having a router with QoS is highly recommended for any VoIP service.

I have Skype for home ($66/year) and Intalk for business ($270/year), no landline.

Technology scares me.

Fixed

 

[Miramonti]

Does the recipient of the call need to receive the call on Skype or can they answer on a POTS landline or cell phone?

Thanks.

POTS is fine, and most skype calls are calling pots recipients (since most people/businesses don't use skype.)

Skype is awesome imo. Negative: gotta keep the computer on at all times to make/receive calls. Positive: inexpensive, and of course free for local/internation calls to other skype users.

 

[Ksyder]

using a magic jack, happy with it, works well. Cheap at $20 a year and reliable, as long as you don't mind running a pc all the time. I bought an acer aspire revo that only uses 20-23 watts so its just a blip on the electric bill.

 

[Lifted]

I don't bother with Skype since I make a lot of international calls and their prices are not competitive at all. You can get a VOIP adapter or an IP Phone and use a voip service provider such as callcentric, future9, or tons of others.

This is a good place to find out about the providers.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/voip

I'm currently using callcentric for my inbound calls. I think it's $5 or $6 per month for a local number and unlimited inbound calls, then 1.7 cents per minute outbound. Future9 is a bit cheaper at 1 cent per minute, and i use them for some outbound calls internationally. If you don't need inbound calling you can just use the outbound service at the above rates with no monthly fee for the number. So put $20 or whatever into your account and they'll let you know when it's running low. Most providers also offer calling card service, callback, voicemail, forwarding, etc. It's the same per minute price and just gets deducted from your account. They also offer unlimited outbound calling for a flat monthly fee of $15 or $20.

If you want to you a normal phone instead of a VOIP phone, I think Linksys makes a popular adapter that can handle multiple providers. SPA2102 and SPA3102 are the most current models I believe.

 

[QueBert]

Ooma is the best VOIP solution out there, even if it costs more up front the quality and features makes it the only one I'll use. The new Ooma Telo looks to be even better, will eventually have Bluetooth and a bunch of cool features when the firmware updates start coming. I get 5,000 minutes a month with the only $$$ being the original $220 I spent on the hardware. New Ooma Telo is $220 for the hardware + $11 a year. Still a killer deal.