Need another VOIP option

O.k., not enough bandwith in Medellin for Vonage and SunRocket/Skype don't offer numbers for my area code in the states. Anyone know of another internet phone provider that offers call in options? Voipbusters looks nice but I think they only offer callout, not callin and voicemail.

Also, I've heard some people talking about fees for Intl. calls for Skype. If you have a skype number, say from the 515 area code, and make a call to that area shouldn't the call be free (even though you are making it from the computer in Colombia)? I know Vonage works this way, but again, the bandwith in Medellin makes vonage difficult.

Any ideas? Thanks,
joe.

By jh816 on Nov 14, 2006, 13:01 in Friendly Talkzone.

expatriate says on Nov 14, 2006, 13:50:

Skype info When using Skype and calling a number in the US, the charge is about two cents a minute, whether you are next door or in Antarctica.

For people to talk to you from the US cheaply, they should use Skype to Skype for free. If they don't have a computer, have them call you for a minute, then call them right back using Skype.

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ColombianoGringo says on Nov 14, 2006, 15:31:

How bad is the bandwidth? According to the Vonage website, the ideal bandwidth for using their service is only 90k for optimum quality, although it will supposedly work with as low as 30k.

I am planning on taking a Vonage unit to my GF in Neiva next month. I was planning on ordering a Telecom 256k DSL package. Does anyone have experience using Vonage with Telecom DSL? Should I be concerned?

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jh816 says on Nov 14, 2006, 17:30:

vonage works in cali Vonage worked well in Cali, but I've heard not well in Medellin.

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rocinante says on Nov 14, 2006, 18:03:

bandwidth in Medallo Is the worst.Don't know why. Baranquilla and Bog head and shoulders above MDE. For now it's just the way things are.....

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

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webmanco says on Nov 14, 2006, 20:33:

Vonage should work with low bandwidth The voip devices can be set up in a way that it won't demand that much bandwith, there are some codecs within the configuration menu.

Ploblem is that Vonage boxes come locked, only they can change the setting on the voip device. Usually it comes with a coded demanding a lot of bandwith.

I had helped some vonage users when they had issues with ETB.

Calls will be free whenever users share same network, as Vonage, Icallhere, skype and many others.

Less demanding codecs G729a and G723

(I really hate it when women get their panties all bunched up their butt, they can get so cranky!) Poor butt happy

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Mr. Hollywood says on Nov 14, 2006, 22:09:

low bandwidth = shitty sound If you've got no bandwidth, you're just pretty much fucked. Vonage has a "bandwidth saver" feature that you access through your account web page. It's under "features". You might as well try that before running somewhere else.

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tomtom33 says on Nov 15, 2006, 04:40:

I use OPEX (http://opexld.com/) in CTG. My speed clocks around 240kps. It generally works pretty well. My number is from the 608 area code. I place calls to and receive calls from this area code with no additional fees. This is pretty new to me so I'm just figuring things out.

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jh816 says on Nov 15, 2006, 08:33:

Thanks all Thanks for the help. I checked Opex, SR, and Skype and none are providing local numbers for my area code yet. I know its Iowa, but c'mon we're still a city of 450,000. Anyway, I'll probably just go with a toll-free number redirected to my Skype number. A little extra but allows customers to contact me free of charge. Might be able to get Vonage to work, but it would be about the same per month.

Thanks again,
joe.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Nov 16, 2006, 01:38:

Tomtom33....do you have a better link to OPEX? the link (http://opexld.com/) in CTG. doesnt work......and how is the sound quality?

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo...Listo!! Libertad!!!...Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Miguel_Clavo says on Nov 16, 2006, 01:40:

Never mind, Tomtom33, i found it! Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo...Listo!! Libertad!!!...Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Pete in Bogota says on Nov 18, 2006, 22:35:

Vopiador de Orbitel I had service with orbitel for 2 vopiadores used in US and Bogota. I worked great for unlimited talking for $20 USD a month like 50,000 pesos. I had to sign a year agreement but I worked great. I actually broke up with my Colombian girlfriend 5 months later and got stuck with the bill, but it worked great.... and not bad priced either.

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