Voip over Skype?

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steveonz

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#28388 27-Nov-2008 22:30

Hey there,

I am thinking of trying Skype over my 3G smartphone, but before I bother, has anyone got any experience with this?

Cheers,

sbiddle

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#180828 28-Nov-2008 06:43

I've never used Skype over 3G but based on other posts here quality can be good to average, in part because of latency issues and in part because the quality of Skype calls (if calling NZ landlines in particular) can be very poor anyway.

I have used SIP based VoIP providers and regularly use 3G to connect to my Asterisk box at home. If you are mobile spome packet loss can occur but overall it works relatively well, especially if you have a HSDPA handset and HSDPA has kicked in.

tonyhughes

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#180831 28-Nov-2008 07:25

Overall I have found Skype disappointing on mobile devices (both on Vodafone and Telecom). On a PC with a 3G connection seems to be better.

steveonz

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#180839 28-Nov-2008 08:28

I have an HSPDA smartphone, so I might as well give it a go. If it works well, it could almost be better of relying on the vodafone $1 a day plan instead of their expensive calling rates.

sbiddle

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#180843 28-Nov-2008 08:53

steveonz: I have an HSPDA smartphone, so I might as well give it a go. If it works well, it could almost be better of relying on the vodafone $1 a day plan instead of their expensive calling rates.

If you are planning on using it to call NZ mobiles or landlines then expect to be very disappointed. Since Skype's servers and interconnects are based overseas the quality of calls to NZ is very poor.

drajk

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#180855 28-Nov-2008 09:53

I recently used Skype extensively from Melbourne via Telstra HSDPA NextG connection and found quality and reliability to NZ Landlines was excellent for me.

steveonz

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#180856 28-Nov-2008 09:54

Gutted... Hurry up NZ Comms!

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sbiddle

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#180858 28-Nov-2008 10:20

steveonz: Gutted... Hurry up NZ Comms!

The quality won't be any different on NZ Comms than what it is on Vodafone. The issue isn't with the cellular network and latency between Telecom's new network, NZ Comms and Vodafone won't be that different.

The issue here is that the added latency of the mobile connection plus the fact Skype's gateways are overseas (extra latency) combined with the interconnects Skype were using for Skype-> PSTN calls being located overseas as well (some reports of the interconnects occuring in Europe) which was resulting in variable call quality for calls to mobiles and PSTN in NZ.

Skype over mobile is always a tough thing which is why 3 chose to use regular voice channels for their Skype phones rather than going over IP.

steveonz

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#180859 28-Nov-2008 10:57

Thanks I know that, I suspect NZ Comms will have even worse latency... But all I want is to call for less...