Curse

Accurax · Feb 22, 2006, 04:04 PM // 16:04

Ok, i know this is a technical question.
But its also not on the topic of guildwars.

Anyway, this is a serious question that i could do with you opinions & help with.

The problem ..

I am currently looking into going into business with an aquientence of mine, doing various bits & bobs.

Now, one of our main overheads is going to be the cost of phonecalls, we expect to make a lot of calls & as such we need to minimise the cost.

Enter VOIP ...

I've been doing my research and i understand how it works... unfortunatly i was dissapointed to find that its a little more commercial than i expected it to be.

I remember reading that some guy had voip set up so that he actually didnt pay anything for his phonecalls .... it seems that nowadays you need a voip provider.??

Is it still possible to get this protocol set up as an individual, and hence enjoy free phonecalls?

If so can anyone direct me to some relevant information so that i can begin learning.... mmmm knowledge.

All help with this is appreciated...... much wub

Divinitys Creature · Feb 22, 2006, 04:15 PM // 16:15

AFAIK VOIP computer to computer is essentially free if you know their IP address just like using TS or Vent. You need a provider if you are trying to dial a real phone. I don't know of any way to connect to a real phone line or cell without a provider.

VOIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol so when connecting to real phones it means that some provider has to conenct their local exchange computer to a phone line and that costs money :P

Accurax · Feb 22, 2006, 04:17 PM // 16:17

hmm ok thanks... i thought that may well be the case.

Cheers m8y

Swehurn · Feb 23, 2006, 07:10 AM // 07:10

Alternately, most IM software comes with voice-chat capability.

True VOIP, however, does require that you pay a provider a fee. You plug your regular phone into an adapter they supply which is connected to your high-speed modem, but you still need to cough up some cash for the service.

There are still some kinks to work out, as well. As one example off the top of my head, in some areas, there's limited 911 service. Somebody will answer the phone, but they won't immediately have your address up on-screen - you'll need to supply that info. Doesn't sound like much of a hassle, but I guess that if there was an emergency that required me to call 911, seconds probably count.

Accurax · Feb 23, 2006, 08:14 AM // 08:14

its 999 over here in the uk

would that make a differenc?

nop ur right im being an arse now ....... thanks guys... been looking at skype, they seem to be the biggest and possibly best around.... just gotta compare prices.

Any suggestions for providers other than skype?

Me NoFat · Feb 23, 2006, 12:06 PM // 12:06

Just so you know Skype only allows 4 connections at one time. Unless there is an expanded version I have not noticed. At 4 connections I hope you won't be needing much in the way of conference calling.

A good business alternative (depends on what you will do with it) is Microsoft.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/net...rp/default.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobi...rencecall.mspx
European: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/f...1-09sagem.mspx

Accurax · Feb 23, 2006, 12:58 PM // 12:58

Yeah 4 connections could cripple the whiole idea.... im going to need 20+ people able to be using the phone all at 1 time.

hmmm ..... ballz