Skype or fusion?

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rav

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#19999 9-Mar-2008 21:01

hi everyone
I currently am subscribed to xnet fusion which I am generally happy. I use skype via computer with my other skype contacts.Having looked at skype pro,it would appear that all calls within nz would be free and calls to uk/us etc are cheaper than fusion(including taking into account connection fees).Also the monthly charges for skype pro is less than what I currently pay,I could use xnet broadband (river or flood) and just use skype pro for phone calls and save a fair amount each month. Am I thinking on the right tracks or is there something missing.I have invested in the voice adapter(linksys SPA 2102) which might not have been necessary and just gone out and bought a skype phone. If there were savings to be made this way,could I still use the voice adapter + analogue phone with skype.Any thoughts much appreciated
thanks
rav

sbiddle

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#115613 9-Mar-2008 21:06

The SPA2102 is incompatible with Skype.

99% of VoIP devices these days all use SIP which is an industry standard protocol. Skype uses it's own proprietory protocol which is incompatible.

Just be aware that with Skype call quality to PSTN lines, particularly in NZ, won't be anywhere near as good as the VFX service and if you do have an incoming number with Skype you can't port the number since Skype don't own the numbers.

coffeebaron

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#115651 10-Mar-2008 08:22

Base prices per month:
Fusion: $69.95
River: $77.55
Flood: $93.55

So where are the savings? Remember river & flood require a land-line rental.

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kfella2000

495 posts

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#115659 10-Mar-2008 09:34

Another downfall with Skype too is (somebody correct me if I am wrong here) that you have to have your computer going all the time for the phone to work unless you can get a special box like VFX that plugs into your router/modem

freitasm

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#115663 10-Mar-2008 09:49

kfella2000: Another downfall with Skype too is (somebody correct me if I am wrong here) that you have to have your computer going all the time for the phone to work unless you can get a special box like VFX that plugs into your router/modem

Not if you have a Dualphone 3088 for example. There are a couple of Skype phones that like this one don't need a PC. The Dualphone 3088 (I use one at home) plugs directly to the switch or router, and to your landline (in my case my VFX), so you have both PSTN (or SIP VoIP) and Skype on a single cordless DECT handset.

But yes, Skype is not good as a fuill POTS replacement in my opinion. First call quality, then the number not being listed (if you wanted that), then then the number cannot be ported (neither in or out). But this is all said before.

VFX is free for WorldxChange users, only toll charges apply. Think of that too.

itxtme

2102 posts

Uber Geek

#115667 10-Mar-2008 10:03

The easiest way to decide is to buy some skype credit and try it. I did and was extremely dissapointed with the call quality. I could hear the caller very well but the quality from me was average! (this was to a local NZ number)

CauseandEffect

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#121300 5-Apr-2008 14:01

I also have just looked at skype vs VFX (with xnet). Basically it came down to the fact that skype can only supply skype in numbers for the AKL (09) WGTN (04) and CHCH (03) calling areas but not other areas in New Zealand. My business is in New Plymouth so if my local customers called me on my skypein number from a land line it would cost them a toll call.

I've gone for the fusion service (broadband and tolls on one line) which means I don't have to pay for a Telecom line rental. I have my intel mac, a WAG54G2v2 router/adapter and I can just plug your average everyday analog phone straight into the router. ***be aware all those fancy viop phones don't work with the routers suggested by xnet.This is not a shifty thing by xnet but merely because thay have created fusion from scratch to be compatable with the SIP? routers, giving the customer the best quality they can ***.

Below is my answer from SKYPE regarding the skypin numbers for other areas in NZ.

Hello Ross,

Thank you for contacting Skype Support.

"If I buy a skypein number with an 03,04 or 09 prefix does this mean that people in my area (06) will pay for a toll call to ring me?"

Sadly - yes. They will pay long distance fees.

Unfortunately it is not known when we will have the 06 area numbers for sale.

Skype Pro will not affect the fees that callers are charged by their carriers.

In New-Zealand, "Pay nothing per minute" calls to your national landlines with Skype Pro is possible.

These calls are only charged for the connection fee.

Please keep in mind that a connection fee will be applied for every Pay nothing per minute call you make with you Skype Pro subscription.

Only per minute rate is free of charge.

Which means that every call made to a landline within the eligible countries will be charged as follow: the connection fee of 0.039EUR (0.039USD, 0.029GBP) and 0 euro per minute

You can check your call list and exact costs from our website: https://secure.skype.com/store/myaccount/calls.html

For more information about Skype Pro, please visit the following page:

http://support.skype.com/?_a=knowledgebase&_j=subcat&_i=6

Best regards,

Slava F.
Skype Support

Hope that this helps anyone scratching their heads over the Skype vs VFX decision who aren't in the main three cities of NZ.