Join in 7 seconds.. Existing users: sign in.

all forums, active | friendly talkzone, travel tips, visa & paperwork, renting, selling & meetups, politics & the war, espanol

VoIP or Vonage phone adapters smuggled to Colombia successful?

Hello all,

I am tired of paying a lot for calls to my GF in Bogota and am thinking of taking a Vonage VoIP adapter there but registering with Vonage with my own area code so we can talk "local" and free.

Has anyone done this or similar? Any thoughts?

Thank you.

-Alex

By ACBlessing on Nov 27, 2004, 23:18 in Friendly Talkzone.

Dan says on Nov 28, 2004, 02:28:

possible There are a few people that have mentioned using Vonage from Colombia around here somewhere, so why not you?

God Bless America!

santiBOG says on Nov 28, 2004, 06:12:

Go ahead It works but your GF must have a broadband internet connection.

viewpoint says on Nov 28, 2004, 06:52:

AC Blessings VOIP VOIP configured to terminate calls to a service provider outside Colombia for personal use is legal. I have brought a least two dozen ATA VOIP adapters to Colombia in my luggage and bought others in Colombia from Colombians. Net2Phone has local representatives in the major cities like Bogota, Medellin and Cali that will sell the devices and install them for you but bring one from the USA already configured and set up is better and cheaper.

As SantiBog says you will need a high speed broadband or DSL connection unless you use the Net2Phone device that acts as a automatic dialer through local ISPs. Look that the devices alternatives on the Net2Phone website. You can buy them through Ebay for about $100 to $120 but in Colombia they are CP$600.000 installed.

Don't worry about being a smuggler as this can be perfrectly legal as long as you don't sell the service (usage) as a commercial business for money within Colombia. Businesses located in Colombia can also use VOIP through VPN for their own usage companies can share VPN as long as the services costs are shared and not sold at a profit.

VolpColombia, a regular poster can help you with this project.

mad_lion says on Nov 28, 2004, 07:27:

I'm a bit confused.. I have Vonage too; now, I do not know what you guys refer to as the "adapter" ...are you refering to the linksys router? or is there another device I needed to carry around if travelling to Colombia?

viewpoint says on Nov 28, 2004, 08:41:

Mad Lion the adapter (ATA) is the "Analog Telephone Adapter" that converts analog voice to digital and visa versa. If you use Vonage that would be a Motorla ATA that is pluged in behind your router. If you only use a computer in addition to the ATA then you can get along without a router. I recommend always carrying both the router and the ATA. The AT&T and Primus ATAs must be plugged into the broadband modem ahead of the router as they will not work behind the router. All other ATAs seem to work without out without a router so you can use them with multiple devices. I use four ATAs from different service providers hooked up to a 256/128 kbps broadband connection which handles multiple calls at once.

mad_lion says on Nov 28, 2004, 09:04:

I guess I have both Vonage sent me a Cisco Router Model RT31P2 which has the ATA built in I woudlk guess...hence all I do is connect my phone cord to 1 of 2 ports, and my cable modem to the box itself as well...works like a charm!

Thanks for helping understand better!

-AD

Mr. Hollywood says on Nov 28, 2004, 10:20:

Port 1 should be the phone line, mad_lion, and 2 is if you get a vonage fax.

I have a vonage system in my house and office as well as a Vonage softphone account that lets me make and receive calls from my laptop (using headphones and mic) anywhere I have broadband access. That way I don't have to schlep around the Vonage ATA when I travel, I just use the laptop. The whole system saves me hundreds of dollars a month.

ACBlessing says on Nov 28, 2004, 13:37:

Great comments Great info guys, thanks! I was asking this because I know the Colombian government was at first opposed to VoIP so to keep people on its national phone system. I also know that Vonage terms of service discourages use of its adapters (Cisco, Linksys or Motorolla) in some other countries but it's all IP routing anyway.

Now they're including Mexico in their international scheme and I requested Colombia be included. I usually cover my phone bill, calling cards and my GF's bill averaging (600,000 to a million pesos per month) so imagine how much I could save by just getting another line of service for $25 and we can call locally.

She already has the broadband and enjoy video cam conversations all the time so to avoid the internet cafe expenses. Yes, we can talk and see eachother at the same time but the audio isn't reliable.

Mr. Hollywood, I like the softphone idea but does it really work well?

Last, I know this is outside the scope of Colombia but does anyone know of any third party firmware for the Linksys(Cisco) RT31P2 that increases performance? I'm already looking at the QoS and so on but even being in front of my router, it still echoes.
-Alex

Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA, USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

p0gue says on Nov 28, 2004, 14:20:

or..

If youve both got broadband just use this...free. Better than telephone quality audio.

http://www.skype.com/

Im not sure I understand how vonage is better that this. why all the adaptors and such? Cant you just use a computer and a headset?

ACBlessing says on Nov 28, 2004, 14:39:

Skype Hi p0gue,

Yes Skype is a cool idea from the makers of of Kazaa but everyone you call must not only have Skype but also be online 24/7. With vonage (VoIP), you can use your broadband connection to call any regular, landline or cell phone.

Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA, USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

viewpoint says on Nov 28, 2004, 15:41:

AC Blessings VOIP Two last tips I would offer is that if you have to make long didtance calls from the USA to Colombia calling cards are cheaper than VOIP unless you are calling a VOIP line on your service providers network (like Vonage to Vonage) because then it's free. The calling card I use is from www.uniontelecard.com and it's the Super Quick card costing about 5.5 cents/minute to Colombia. I have tried all the other cards I could find but this works best. The Purple Card from this site is OK but not really any cheaper. The Super Quick card is set up for pin-less dialing and you can store your cellphone number, home and office numbers for pin-less calling.

If you are using VOIP for limited use applications check out www.meritcall.com as I use this service provider in the USA and Colombia and it works well. There are many local access numbers within the USA and also in Washington state where you live. If you place a call to a Meritcall phone through a local access number then the call is free to you and the meritcall user that receives the call. I do not recall if they have any eastern WA area codes buth they have all the western WA area codes.

I would install both (Vonage & Meritcall) so that you always have a second back-up to the other service. With Meritcall the calls between meritcall users are free but more importantly you call use the local access numbers to call her free with no meritcall phone in your home or office.

ACBlessing says on Nov 28, 2004, 17:48:

Thanks viewpoint,

I had Union telecard posted on my website already but I have also been using STS "STS Unlimited" which costs $1 to call Colombia but for unlimited minutes. With Vonage, direct dial is 6 cents/minute to land lines and 11 cents/minute to cell phones. Is that what you're getting too?

-Alex

Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA, USA
alex at acblessing.com
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

Mr. Hollywood says on Nov 28, 2004, 18:24:

Softphone question Alex, the softphone has worked great in my experience. Like any VOIP application it's sensitive to latency in the network but 98% of the time it works great. If you have the choice, though, between setting up your Colombian girlfriend with a "hard" Vonage line or the softphone, I'd go for the "hard" version simply to get around the trouble of having to have a computer on and use a headset. Just get her the $15 a month subscription to Vonage with a number in your local area code and you're good to go.

viewpoint says on Nov 29, 2004, 06:34:

AC Blessings VOIP Mr. Hollywood has a good idea and you can add that second line with 500 minutes calling time to your account for $13.00 per month as they discount the second line $2.00. The calls from that phone to 800 numbers and your other Vonage phone don't count against the 500 minutes as they are free.

My LD calls to Colombia (from USA) are almost exclusively to Medellin which I think Vonage charges 9 cents/minute to regular PSTN lines and 11 cents to cellphones.

Dan says on Nov 29, 2004, 07:29:

Calls to Cell phones are usually higher than calling a hard line no matter what the service is, but that 11 cents is better than most services I've seen just for calling a hard line. I think I get charged about 20 cents to call my girlfriends cell, I think AT&T advertise's 17cents... If I remember right anyway. It's been awhile since I've been home.

God Bless America!

arthur brode says on Nov 29, 2004, 19:23:

QUESTION does anyone know what a linksys phone adapter cost in colombia?(usd)

http://www.calirentals.net/

ericthepro007 says on Dec 4, 2004, 16:00:

Calling to and from Medellin Does anybody know the going rate for High speed internet in Medellin? Me and my fiancee are trying to figure out if setting up high speed internet and a VOIP system, in Medellin will be worth while. We want a system where she only has to pay the Internet Service Provider. I don't want her to incur a VIOP monthly bill. I priced two Meritcall ata's for her and me and that would be feasible for me at $338 US dollars and no monthly VOIP bill for her. Another question, does naybody specifically call using only Meritcall boxes and what is the quality. I currently have packet8 and the quality is good with ocassinal delays in the signal. I looked into vonage but she would incur a monthly rate. We definatly don't want a system that uses the pc speaker and mic.

Mario says on Dec 4, 2004, 17:21:

AC Adapter What type of adapter is needed to plug into an AC outlet in Colombia? I assume that a typical US grounded 3 prong plug isn't going into the wall in Bogota.

Mr. Hollywood says on Dec 4, 2004, 18:44:

Eric, just a suggestion Why would you spend $338 on equipment and deal with a ton of technical headaches cobbling together your own system instead of paying $15 a month for Vonage? That's two years worth of service for the upfront cost of your equipment. You should just pay it for her monthly.

ericthepro007 says on Dec 5, 2004, 11:11:

Good suggestion Mr. holllywood, yes that's another option. I just was kinda hoping to keep my current packet8 system which is chaper than vonage and no US taxes on it. However for the 8 or so months until she comes here you may be right, thanks.

viewpoint says on Dec 5, 2004, 11:16:

Eric Mr. Hollywoods advice is correct as you have proposed the soultion but I did not use an ATA with www.meritcall.com, rather, I just bought about 6 IP phones at $65 each (http://www.meritcall.com/ml210a-broadband.html) off of Ebay plus shipping. Each phone has a 7 digit unique phone number that you can call from the local access numbers set forth on their website or from another IP phone using the same service provider. there are other simular service providers like www.iphonecenter.net or www.mamakall.com all using the same type of system (some are just private labels).

Even if you use Vonage or another provider you should have a second back-up system like meritcall that has no monthly change to fall back on if the other goes down. Sometimes I am 4,000 miles from this equipment and my secretary can get unplug one device and plug in another or just use another line. Buying another device for $80 or $85 with no monthly fee associated with it seems like a good answer when your other system fails for some reason. There are few IP people in Colombia (in number) that really understand VOIP much less VOIP equipment available for sale or installation. They understand PC to Phone (VOIP) like Net2phone.com or dialpad.com but not vonage or meritcall.

When the EPM installer team first hooked up my broadband modem they wanted me to test my computer but rather I pugged in a four port modem and then two ATA and phones. I then handed them the phones which had dialtone and told them to call anyone they wanted in the USA. All I heard from the four of them was this is impossible. You can't plug a telephone into the internet. That was all more than a year ago and I am sure by now they understand better as they are offering the same IP service through EPM for local calls.

The real way to use these systems in Colombia is with call bridging equipment that allows several users to share one system (and costs) creating a VPN. My friends and business associates love my VOIP phone system as it costs them zero to use in calling the USA or Canada from anywhere or at anytime. I have even used the call bridging equipment to receive incoming VOIP calls from the USA and access dial tone in Colombia to make local calls (in Colombia) at no cost.

If you want a simple system that will work without a computer, DSL or Broadband connect then try this:

http://web.net2phone.com/partnerships/distributors/product/dialup/yapjackpro.asp

With this device you can make calls using just any telephone line which calls a pre-programmed number reaching an ISP in Colombia, logs on to net2phone, gets dial tone and makes your call. The only disadvange is that you can't receive calls. I have many friends that use this system with no problems. It takes about 30-40 seconds to get dialtone and you can make additional calls after completing one by pushing the pound key.

Mr. Hollywood says on Dec 5, 2004, 12:13:

Meritphone Just so I'm clear, does meritcall let you receive phone calls from normal US numbers, too, or is it only from numbers on their VOIP network?

viewpoint says on Dec 5, 2004, 12:29:

Meritcall Incoming Yes a normal phone can call but only through their local access numbers. Go to their website and pull up the link called "local access numbers", it will give you a series of telephone numbers in the larger USA cities (and elsewhere) where a normal phone can call to receive a tone, after the tone you simply dial the seven digit number of the party you wish to talk to and the total call is free to everyone. Under this service the incoming calls are free. Only an outgoing call (off network) to a non-IP phone (PSTN) cost you anything. The last I checked a call from this phone to the USA is 1.9 cents/minute but only you need to tell the party to call you back through the local access number and it's a free transaction. If you lived in Bogota and had family or friends in Houston, Texas they would call 832-203-1678 after receiving the tone they would dial your seven digit number which would ring your phone in Bogota, you talk forever and the call is free as they local access number is just a gateway to the internet.

Works for me !!!

gstern says on Dec 6, 2004, 21:23:

We use Vonage in Colombia Hi-

We installed Vonage in my wife's home 4 months ago. Call quality is far better than the calling cards we used before and since we have Vonage on both sides, all the calls are free. Just pay the monthly $25 bill for each line. One really nice thing about Vonage is call forwarding. The phone rings in my home here in the States and then after four rings starts ringing my cell phone too.

Also, the area code we had assigned to the phone in Colombia is the same as here at home, so the calls to Bogota from this area code are free.

Everything works fantastic!

One note: initially my wife's family had a broadband modem that was connected to the computer via USB. You need a 10baseT broadband modem. Some calls were made to the broadband provider who was able to exchange the USB modem for 10baseT (at some nominal cost).

--Greg

ACBlessing says on Dec 6, 2004, 21:46:

Thank you Greg, That's all I need to hear and now I'm going to add another Vonage line before I head back down in Jan. I didn't konw Vonage to Vonage calls were free....so it's like pay $25 flat per line and talk unlimited. I hate calling her cell because the quality is so terrible, I spend more time asking her to repeat herself all the time.

Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA, USA
alex at acblessing.com (on MSN Messenger too)
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

mad_lion says on Dec 6, 2004, 21:48:

gstern..... "Also, the area code we had assigned to the phone in Colombia is the same as here at home, so the calls to Bogota from this area code are free."

I thought that Vonage did not have virtual numbers in Colombia, only Mexico and UK right now. How did you get a Colombia number assigned from Vonage? Or did I interpret your statement wrong?

mad_lion says on Dec 6, 2004, 21:53:

sorry..I got you now.. I was a bit late...understanding this.

You got 2 lines with the same area code "305" for example...you take your 2nd Vonage Linksys router/ATA to Colombia, and have the same area code; hence the free call. I was thinking you meant virtual number - sorry.

So, how do I just call Vonage and say I want another Lynksys router and phone# added...and take that to Colombia I guess.

What is a reliable broadband connection company in Medellin I can use and how much does it cost? Website?

ACBlessing says on Dec 6, 2004, 22:17:

Mad You got it. You call Vonage and say you want a second line (not virtual number in this case although you can get that too). Vonage will send you another phone adapter (Motorolla or Linksys) and you have the option of any area code in the U.S. that you want. Pick another one in your area and you talk back and forth to Colombia as if you were talking across the street in a local call. It is all IP based instead of phone switches.

As I said, you can also get a virtual number which I have done for my mom in Florida and she dials a local number to reach me in Washington state. Also, I opted for the Linksys RT31P2 because it also includes a three-port switch which gave me more expandability for my network. I do not know how much or from whom to get broadband in Medellin.

I started this thread because somewhere in the Vonage terms of service I think they say not to take your phone adapter out of the country...not sure. I know they say you can take your phone adapter anywhere in the world with broadband, plug it in and you'll continue to receive your calls. Who knows, not important. I was more concerned that they weren't filtering an IP range from countries other than the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe.

Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA, USA
alex at acblessing.com (on MSN Messenger too)
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

viewpoint says on Dec 7, 2004, 04:59:

Vonage Most everything about Vonage is correct as stated but I would offer a few more observations. For free calls it doesn't matter if the area codes are the same when calling Vonage to Vonage. A Vonage user with a phone number in New York or England can call any other Vonage user in any country as a free call with no minutes count. Any Vonage user can call a toll free number without any minutes count. The only minutes count is when you call from a Vonage line and the call is terminated on the PSTN to an non-Vonage number or non toll free number.

After considering all of this you will find that most people that communicate Vonage to Vonage or make limited calls terminating on the PSTN don't need the $25/unlimited service but rather the $15 service is more than adequate as it provides 500 minutes calling LD calls terminating on the PSTN while all the toll free calls and Vonage to Vonage calls have no minutes charge (they are free). In other words if all you calls were Vonage to Vonage or Toll Free calls you would end up the month with 500 unused minutes (in terms of outgoing calls).

I use five Vonage lines which are all on 500 minute plans with the first line costing $15/MO. and the remaining four $13/MO. ($2 per month discount from Vonage for additional lines).

Finally all international calls terminated on the PSTN or cellular are billed separately are the posted rates and the minutes are not deducted from the 500. In other words the cost of international calls through Vonage includes the minute charge because it's not otherwise deducted or chanrged separately.

viewpoint says on Dec 7, 2004, 04:59:

Vonage - "more than you wanted to know" Most everything about Vonage is correct as stated but I would offer a few more observations. For free calls it doesn't matter if the area codes are the same when calling Vonage to Vonage. A Vonage user with a phone number in New York, Canada, Mexico or England can call any other Vonage user in any country (with any Vonage number) as a free call with no minutes count. Any Vonage user can call a toll free number without any minutes count. The only minutes count is when you call from a Vonage line and the call is terminated on the PSTN to an non-Vonage number or non toll free number.

After considering all of this you will find that most people that communicate Vonage to Vonage or make limited calls terminating on the PSTN don't need the $25/unlimited service but rather the $15 service is more than adequate as it provides 500 minutes calling LD calls terminating on the PSTN while all the toll free calls and Vonage to Vonage calls have no minutes charge (they are free). In other words if all you calls were Vonage to Vonage or Toll Free calls you would end up the month with 500 unused minutes (in terms of outgoing calls).

I use five Vonage lines which are all on 500 minute plans with the first line costing $15/MO. and the remaining four $13/MO. ($2 per month discount from Vonage for additional lines).

Finally all international calls terminated on the PSTN or cellular are billed separately are the posted rates and the minutes are not deducted from the 500. In other words the cost of international calls through Vonage includes the minute charge because it's not otherwise deducted or charged separately but rather bundled in the international rate.

To answer AC Blessings question an estimated 25% of Vonage customers are using their devices outside the USA. The VOIP applications greatest value is outside the USA (rather than within the USA) as long distance telecommunication costs are higher elsewhere in the world than the low costs within the USA (the lowest in the world). Ultimately there will be as many (probably more) USA VOIP telephone numbers located outside the USA in foreign countries as within the USA. Broadband internet will cost you about CP$100.000/MO.

To answer Mad Lions inquiry about Broadband service in Medellin try the following link: http://www.tripleplay.com.co for the best bang for the buck.

The telecom monopoly in Colombia will collapse just as it did in Panama resulting in US$.05 per minute LD calls to USA/Canada and elsewhere very cheap. Panama tried to stop VOIP by directing the ISPs to block the voice ports that VOIP was using. That lasted two weeks and brought commerce to the breaking point and people to the edge of revolt. Now Panama embraces VOIP and has the cheap LD calls worldwide (probably the least expensive in all of Latin America). Just one more reason that Panama has been so successful in attracting foreign investment and immigration while the Colombia government fails its people by holding back (discouraging) advancements in technology, foreign immigration and investment.

The high long distance telecom rates in Colombia are "in part" just another form of taxation from the central government as a large part of the high rates are taxes. The lower strata classes pay the high telecom costs as most of the upper strata classes have figured out VOIP in their homes and offices.

ericthepro007 says on Dec 7, 2004, 07:49:

Thanks everybody I was leaning towards vonage. However, now I found out that there is no broadband service in the Buenos Aires bario of Medellin where I need it. I really don't want to tinker around with any dialup system. I'll just continue like I have been with calling cards and my .10 cents a minuete rate from packet8.

viewpoint says on Dec 7, 2004, 08:09:

Eric The Buenos Aires area has either IDSL or broadband (probably both) available. If you want to surrender some contact information for your girlfriend I will have my secretary research the information and help her set it up. My secretary lives in Salvador adjoining BA and she knows the ropes with EPM and all the internet options. I also know the owner of the company that sets up and maintains the Net2Phone dialup systems.

I am sure that your GF has cable TV from EPM and the broadband service just comes on that same cable. IDSL is just a another version of DSL that also brings two other phone lines on the same two pair cable which is available from EPM (I have and use both).

You have many choices "even in Buenos Aires" to get her up and running. Try this guy at EPM as I think he speaks english:

coquendo at epmcc-pob.com
Echavarria, Cesar Augusto Oquendo

My sectretary is talking to EPM now and asking them about service in BA. You are correct they do not install broadband in BA but they do install DSL in BA.

ACBlessing says on Dec 7, 2004, 10:56:

Arguement to keep area codes the same View has a great follow up and come to think of it, the $15 dollar plan is best because Vonage to Vonage calls are free (didn't know that). However, I would keep the area codes for both Vonage devices the same because I use my cell phone more than my Vonage phone at home and because of my cell plan, it would be cheaper for me to call a local number where I live (to ring in Bogota). I know cell plans and Vonage have unlimited this and that...as long as you're willing to pay for it. The idea for me is to keep my cell and Vonage bills low.

Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA, USA
alex at acblessing.com (on MSN Messenger too)
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

ericthepro007 says on Dec 7, 2004, 11:22:

Thanks viewpoint I will call my finacee and have her call EPM again. Yesterday they say they did not have high speed internet in her area. I'll have her call back and specifically request IDSL. Does vonage work sufficiently on IDSL? My problem is I have to figure out if they have it soon so I can order 2 vonage boxes. I'm leaving for Colombia next week and I'm running out of time to get the devices shipped. I was hoping to set up vonage at home and then in Colombia when I get there.

ACBlessing says on Dec 7, 2004, 11:30:

You don't have time. If you're leaving in a week, you won't have time. I suggest you go to a Best Buy or Circuit City and buy the Vonage box, take it home and activate it. You will get a $40 rebate by mail. At least you'll have a fully operational Vonage box to take to Colombia. It will work with DSL too. One other tip: also get a little Linksys or D-Link switch just in case her DSL modem only has one ethernet output OR, get the Linksys RT31P2 Vonage box...it already has 3 ehternet ports

Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA, USA
alex at acblessing.com (on MSN Messenger too)
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

ericthepro007 says on Dec 7, 2004, 12:02:

Linksys RT31P2 Vonage box yes, thats 89.99 at bestbuy with a 50$ rebate, So I'll fork out $40 for it and I won't need another router so for her that is the best way to go. For me at home I'd just order it since I already have a router. Thanks.

ACBlessing says on Dec 7, 2004, 12:30:

One more thing You might also want to consider taking a web cam while you're at it. I use the Logitech Orbit because it is very sharp. While you talk to her on the phone you can see her at the same time. (via MSN or Yahoo Messenger)

Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA, USA
alex at acblessing.com (on MSN Messenger too)
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

ericthepro007 says on Dec 7, 2004, 14:03:

No DSL or broadband Fiancee reaffirmed that there is no service in her neighborhood for DSL. IDSL, or broadband. So we'll just keep business as usual.

LaloG says on Dec 14, 2004, 17:59:

What the Hell is VoIP Anyone like to tell an old guy what this is? If it´s cheaper to call international phone to phone I´d LOOOVE to know about it. Anything to save a little money and talk to MOM back in the states more often.
Thanks in advance for any info public or a private message please.
LaloG

ACBlessing says on Dec 14, 2004, 19:16:

Here you go Go to: www.vonage.com and learn all about it.

Alex Blessing, Spokane, WA, USA
alex at acblessing.com,MSN Messenger
www.acblessing.com

Just plain poor

jgcastan says on Dec 16, 2004, 11:51:

www.ipsofactum.com is the first SIP VoIP server in Colombia. Colombians are using this server for PC to PC calls for free and soon ipsofactum will be offering PC to Phone service as well. The service is targeted to Spanish Speakers whose number already surpases the number of English Speakers worlwide.

YEP says on Dec 17, 2004, 17:27:

at acblessing
Last, I know this is outside the scope of Colombia but does anyone know of any third party firmware for the Linksys(Cisco) RT31P2 that increases performance? I'm already looking at the QoS and so on but even being in front of my router, it still echoes.