[WXC/VFX] Free calls between VFX and a Billion 7401VGP in another country?

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Niel

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Topic # 13865 1-Jun-2007 18:51

My parents are in South Africa and are considering getting ADSL where they get a Billion 7401VGP for "free" (nice, but does not compensate for the speed options: 384k, 512k and 1Mbps). I am in New Zealand and am a VFX (and XNet) customer. The Billion has a SIP port. Any suggestions as to how my parents and I would be able to phone each other for free? If it is an options, I would even pay VFX for my parent's connection. Thanks.

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tonyhughes

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Reply # 73164 1-Jun-2007 19:08

I believe that WxC provides free on-net calls. So your parents would also need to be.

Alternativly, you could set up with another SIP provider like Gizmo (as well as your WxC connection).

Unless WxC provides free off-net SIP-to-SIP calling (which I am not sure that they do)

Andy_Walker

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Reply # 73172 1-Jun-2007 20:01

Buy a PAP2T & set it up with a new number & send it over to them.

GEOMAX

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Reply # 73181 1-Jun-2007 21:09

Change it to talk to each other for free and you can talk PC to PC with many options like Windows live Messenger.
PC or phone to phone start at around NZ 5c per minute (Voipbuster.com ) . I suggest buying a headset and using Windows live Messenger .Its free.

richms

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Reply # 73186 1-Jun-2007 21:32

Can the billion dial an IP address? Will a VFX configured device accept incoming anonymous SIP connections? If both are yes, then there is your answer.

Richard rich.ms

grant_k

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Reply # 73193 1-Jun-2007 22:39

richms: Will a VFX configured device accept incoming anonymous SIP connections? If both are yes, then there is your answer.

AFAIK, that function is still in the works...

Later this year maybe

I would echo Andy Walker's suggestion above: "Buy a PAP2T & set it up with a new number & send it over to them."

This will be by far the cheapest option as you will have unlimited free calls for just the price of the monthly sub ($11.25 starting from July, waived until then).

Andy_Walker

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Reply # 73196 1-Jun-2007 23:04

Even cheaper! $11.25 is for your 1st line. Additional lines are only $7

grant_k

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Reply # 73197 1-Jun-2007 23:18

Andy_Walker: Additional lines are only $7

Yep, good point, I overlooked that.

Actually, the second line cost is $7.95 incl. GST (it's a minor detail I know...).

GEOMAX

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Reply # 73205 2-Jun-2007 08:15

i cant find information on the plans you listed in South Africa but they all look like slow speed to me. As SIP calling is not good at low speeds I would get some speed tests done first and examine the results. This may avoid costly mistakes. Meantime as I said earlier...Live Messenger is free and is more tolerant to low speed connections.

wmoore

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Reply # 73210 2-Jun-2007 10:00

Grant17:
Andy_Walker: Additional lines are only $7

Yep, good point, I overlooked that.

Actually, the second line cost is $7.95 incl. GST (it's a minor detail I know...).

Wouldn't the second line ($7.95) have to be on the same device ? If you were sending over a new device then the price would
be $11.25 is that right.

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willnz

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Reply # 73213 2-Jun-2007 10:46

yes, 7.95 is only for the same device

also billion isn't supported with VFX afaik.... you could always setup an asterisk server using tonyhughes guide, then give your parents an account on the asterisk box and set that up on their billion. that way it's just an internal extension....

Niel

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Reply # 73228 2-Jun-2007 14:35

South africa is on 1Mbps fastest speed, they are trialing 4Mbps (so we should stop compaining about our speed!). There are 3 plans available: 384kbps, 512kbps, and 1Mbps. The up speed is 128kbps and I think something in the 700s. The slowest option and 1GB data is around NZ$60 per month including ADSL line rental (and you must pay for an analogue line on top of that!). More info at www.mweb.co.za if anyone is really interested.

The good thing about SA is that at least they tell you what you will get, e.g. the range of speeds you will get with each plan. There is also a guarenteed minimum speed. SA has some problems, but I find that there you are kept informed about what you will get. In NZ you just have to try it and see what you get.

Looks like MSN is the best option, until we can dial an IP via VFX. Thanks.

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