VoIP Service Suggestions
polycounter lvl 18
Gizmo 5 got swallowed by Google Voice, and now I have no phone number. I looked into cellphones, but seeing the pricing even for basic. I think its WAY overpriced. I'm currently looking for an alternative. I was going to use Skype until the Microsoft purchase announcement.
The only thing I really ask is an ability to but a landline phone in my area code. Having a client for both Windows and Linux.
So far all I have seen is Truphone. Wondering what else is out there?
The only thing I really ask is an ability to but a landline phone in my area code. Having a client for both Windows and Linux.
So far all I have seen is Truphone. Wondering what else is out there?
Replies
No monthly bill at all with in the United States Google voice is free.
I didnt know about this either till i looked into this a few weeks ago.
OBi100 VoIP Telephone Adapter and Voice Service Bridge is the box i got.
You dont have a monthly bill.I just got this in this week and about to port my cel phone number to it,Hope this can help.
It works with many other companies besides Google voice as well.
Just not with Skype.
Here is the link where to buy it and the company website.
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/OBi100-Telephone-Adapter-Service-Bridge/dp/B004LO098O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305838471&sr=8-1[/ame]
http://www.obitalk.com/obinet/
Goggle Voice SUCKS. Its what Gizmo 5 got bought into. Not only can I not now make calls direct, I wont accept the phone number that was linked with Gizmo 5. They didn't tell us this while they were porting over. So now I have $6.00 in credit with Google voice thats WORTHLESS to me.
I need a service that doesn't port or transfer calls to another number. I need it to call the service itself and go to a clients program.*
*Email voice messaging helps as well. Gizmo would send me mps3 of any message direct to my email.
We are doing this now, i havent activated it yet just got it few days ago.
I just like the idea of not having a phone bill, since i work from home now.
Really i have no issues with Google Voice in the past using it on the computer.
I know you can make and receive calls using this box from obitalk.
Lame. Just use it. It's fine, I promise.
Umm... Have you heard how lame the Linux client is? Do you think M$ will invest any money at all into improving that? (quick answer: No). So no, I have VALID reasons.
So, anyone have any feedback on Truphone?
So any suggestions understanding that Skype isn't a option not for simplified reasoning being put on me that "its the big bad people from Redmond" versus the factual, it won't support the OS I use sometimes Or should I be the Guinea Pig for Truphone?
http://www.truphone.com/en-US/
Ok after a few false starts. I'm using a service called callcentric. They use the open SIP protocol so I was able to use my own client software of choice. In my case, Ekiga. They also have some pretty cheap rates for PTSN phone numbers. Also they register the numbers with 911 service, so you do have emergency service available (Skype does not).
Does anybody actually READ and understand before getting on me about "hating"?
Microsoft+Skype≠Linux
Its already been stated that the Linux Client for Skype is way behind the Windows or OSX version. Do you think Microsoft will commit any money to improving? I use Linux regularly as well as Windows.
Further reasons since then that have made it apparent I have made to correct choice.
1. With Ekiga (open source). Its also a IM. So I can have one program for all my communication needs versus having to have separate programs open all the time.
2. This is a landline replacement. Skype is not for such and does not have emergency service. The service provider I chose does.
Do I like M$ buying Skype? No. But it never was a simple "I don't want to give my money to the man/Balmer" that some of you want to pidgin hole me to. I had valid reasons.
Like I said, let this thread help others who might be looking into such in the future.