Voip

[Warpnow]

So, my girlfriend is in another state. We talked so much over the last month that the phone bill was insane.

I know skype as a plan that is $2.95 a month for unlimited calling inside the United States.

Does anyone know if there is a better way to do this?

I know there are open source alternatives, but its my understanding if you want to call landlines you have to use skype, yes, or is that incorrect?

Can someone give me the basics on it?

[newbreed]

not sure of the "basics"..new myself but I do see a version of skype on Linux... http://www.skype.com/download/skype/linux/

hope that helps, if not I'm to sure that there is a open source skype as well.:popcorn:

[scizzo]

Hello,

You can't try to use the network that is used via ekiga or something simular?

Its not a costy network.....however its not really like skype either its more like a netmeeting thingy application but should work anyway.

[newbreed]

found this package called ekiga:

H.323 and SIP compatible VoIP client
H.323 and SIP compatible videoconferencing and VoIP/IP-Telephony application
that allows you to make audio and video calls to remote users with H.323
hardware or software (such as Microsoft Netmeeting) as well as SIP endpoints.

It supports all modern videoconferencing features, such as registering
to an LDAP directory, gatekeeper support, making multi-user conference


ok, I'll leave this one to the pros, I tried:)

[Ub1476]

A few links about the upcoming Ekiga 3. Might be some clues there?

http://blog.ekiga.net/?p=81
http://www.freesoftwaremagazine.com/columns/interview_with_ekiga_developers

And about the open source Voip protocol SIP (Skype is closed):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Session_Initiation_Protocol

I think it is free, but the easiest way is to just download a client and make a call (it will prompt you for money if needed)

[Warpnow]

Most of the Ekiga providers listed in the Wiki are much pricier than even phone cards. To the US its $.017/minute, whereas I've found phone cards that are $.009. Why would Voip be pricier?

[Ub1476]

Well, I found this:


Incorrect. You can setup Ekiga to use a voipstunt account, which allows free land-line calls anywhere. The only catch is that you have to download and install voipstunt on a Windows box to setup your account. But once you have it setup, you never need to launch voipstunt again, you just enter the settings into Ekiga and use it to call any landline for free, thru VS.

[mips]

I know skype as a plan that is $2.95 a month for unlimited calling inside the United States.

Does anyone know if there is a better way to do this?

I know there are open source alternatives, but its my understanding if you want to call landlines you have to use skype, yes, or is that incorrect?

Can someone give me the basics on it?

If you both have broadband (permanently on) you can use just about any application you want to make pc-pc calls. Only requirement is that you both have a normal or bluetooth headset(if you want mobility) you can also get skype or SIP(open standard unlike skype) hardware cordless phones for this. Even video is possible behind the pc. If you go pc-pc it will be free even if you have a skype/SIP phone.

If you have to call a landline/cellphone then you can also look at the rates from various SIP providers based in the USA and use on of the many SIP applications like OpenWengo etc.

EDIT: Also google Free landline SIP calls if it is SIP any sip client or hardware device will work.

http://www.voipuser.org/ See Forum & Stickies
http://www.myvoipprovider.com/
http://www.voip-info.org/wiki-VOIP+Service+Providers
http://www.itspa.org.uk/members.htm
http://www.voiplook.com/voipcompanylist1-PhoneserviceRe_new.htm
http://www.pbxpress.com/sip.htm
http://www.sipcenter.com/sip.nsf/html/Service+Providers
http://www.voipproviderslist.com/country/voip-usa/voip-providers-usa/

[mips]

Well, I found this:

http://www.voipstunt.com/en/calling-rates.html


Rates are charged in Eurocents per minute and calls are rounded up to next minute. All rights reserved. Rates are subjected to change without notice.
** VoipStunt reserves the right after a certain amount of calls to start charging the default rate. FREE CALLS are available for users with Freedays.

Worth a shot while it is free.