Hi guys.
I have never really gotten into all this skype malarky yet, but now the N80ie has VOIP enabled, im intruiged.
BUT
I thought the whole idea of VOIP was to make calls via the internet for no cost at all, but scanning through the truephone thread, i see people talking about tariffs and charging, and i dont understand this therefore dare not to take the plung into VOIP!
So my question is, do these companies (Gizmo, Truphone, Skype) charge for VOIP and if so, why?
Thanks
Alan
Why don�t you go to the sites of these companies and see how they charge the calls?
Because half the time its just advertising bumf, whereas here u find out everything because there are people who use every different type and have personal experience which i value over some sales promotion.
Most VOIP services allow thier users to make free calls between one another. Many VOIP providers also offer communication outside thier own networks either to other VOIP networks or more usefully to standard telephone networks (whether mobile or landline).
Generally VOIP to VOIP calls (either on the same VOIP network or mixed) are free, however communication with standard telephone networks is nearly always charged. Some services are currently offering free VOIP to standard network calls for free, however these services are in a testing phase and it seems unlikely that they will continue to do so once this has past.
The other point to notice is that VOIP to standard network services tend to be charged at a cheaper rate than normal mobile calls especially when calling abroad. Therefore it often makes more economic sense to use VOIP networks to place these calls.
Charged calls require you to have credit with the individual VOIP provider. Some offer direct debit style payments while others go with Pay-as-you-go top up style prepayment methods.
VOIP isn't limited to mobile phones however and if you're just after free calls VOIP providers also offer software for your desktop PC to enable you to make calls to and from computers. This is particualarly useful if you can persuade the people you call the most to adopt the same VOIP provider that you use.
You'll notice a lot of "generallys" and "mostlys" in all that, so as nj7 says it's worth going and having a look at the providers website and seeing what they offer.
The biggest contenders at the moment for VOIP with mobile support seem to be Sipgate, Truphone and Gizmo. You'll notice Skype is not on that list. This is for two reasons 1) They're not using a standardised SIP based VOIP protocol and 2) They STILL haven't released thier mobile client after almost a year of saying one was coming.
Anyway hope this helps you.
Keydogg wrote:Because half the time its just advertising bumf, whereas here u find out everything because there are people who use every different type and have personal experience which i value over some sales promotion.
yeah i understand what you are saying nj7, just after reading some threads on here about people getting charged without notification and when they're told they're not going to be, i would rather have info from them for now! Just so im safe!
thanks elaverick that clears up alot, i will do what both u and nj7 have said!
Lets use Truphone as an example:
If u go to there website signup an account and download the software for your N80. Then they will give you a Truphone Number.
Now your ready to call your friends using Truphone,
1) If your friend has a truphone account, and you call him on his truphone number there will be no charges incurred by either of you.
2) If you call him on his regular mobile# then depending on where he lives(what country) you will get charged. Usually at a much cheaper rate then your current mobile provider.
So:
1)Truphone to Truphone calls or Truphone to Gizmo calls are free
2) Truphone to Landline or Truphone to Mobile Number you will be billed @ X cents/min, go to the websites and see their rates. You will need to buy credits before making these types of calls.
Hope this helps
Here some links to other VoIP clients on Symbian. May be they will be more easy to use.