Anyone using VoIP callback services in NZ?

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Benolam

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Topic # 59395 4-Apr-2010 21:33

Are any VoIP subscribers using callback services (ANI callback, SMS callback, Web callback) offered by VSPs in NZ?

If so, which VSPs are people using and are they using callback primarily from landlines or mobiles?

I see that 2degrees states in their T&Cs:

(e) You may not make 0900 calls, collect calls, special number calls, or any calls where charges are not immediately deducted from your Pay Now Account, or use your Mobile Phone for voice over internet protocol (“VOIP”) or message over internet protocol (“MOIP”) communications.

(couldn't find similar conditions for Vodafone or XT) but I wonder if callback would qualify as collect calls, i.e. another party / account is paying for the call.

sbiddle

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Reply # 314820 4-Apr-2010 22:06

How would it?

If you use a callback service somebody is paying for the cost of the call to the mobile.

Benolam

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Reply # 314836 4-Apr-2010 23:51

Update: I've been informed that Telecom XT has a similar clause:

6. You agree to...do not use your Mobile Phone or the Services for voice over internet protocol or messaging over internet protocol

Folks have offered a couple of reasons why NZ mobile operators have these conditions, but I still think it is driven by commercial factors in a small market that has less competition in mobile telephony than AU where such restrictions would drive people to one of numerous other providers. There just don't seem to be many alternative mobile operators users can change to in NZ.

Anyway ... need an answer to my original question: "Is anyone using VoIP callback services?". Thanks.

maverick

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Reply # 314843 5-Apr-2010 05:45

We use Remote Office which is part of our VFX advanced feature set, this allows you to put in any number and trigger the call via a the Web CommPilot call manger

Advanced Feature Set

Remote Office:
This feature enables users to access and use their VFX service from anywhere, especially useful for telecommuters and mobile workers.

Users can make calls through the CommPilot Call Manager as if they were on-site. This is especially effective when overseas as VFX calling rates apply.

Yes I am a employee of WxC (My Profile) ... but I do have my own opinions as well

https://www.facebook.com/wxccommunications

sbiddle

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Reply # 314846 5-Apr-2010 07:44

Benolam: Update: I've been informed that Telecom XT has a similar clause:

6. You agree to...do not use your Mobile Phone or the Services for voice over internet protocol or messaging over internet protocol

Folks have offered a couple of reasons why NZ mobile operators have these conditions, but I still think it is driven by commercial factors in a small market that has less competition in mobile telephony than AU where such restrictions would drive people to one of numerous other providers. There just don't seem to be many alternative mobile operators users can change to in NZ.

Anyway ... need an answer to my original question: "Is anyone using VoIP callback services?". Thanks.

What makes you think that? There is absolutely nothing stopping the use of VoIP over either network and it is certainly not discouraged in any way by port blocking or traffic shaping.

In reponse the answer I've been using callback to my mobile for ~5 years using my own setup since I started getting into VoIP. It's only useful overseas where I can send an SMS to my own gateway and originate a call to my mobile while roaming which means I'm only paying $1 per minute to answer an inbound call which is cheaper than making a MO call to New Zealand in most countries.

As for general use I'd say very few people do, it's something that is clumbersome to do which is why it's never taken off. When you're also paying similar rates to use a callback service as what you are for an actual call from your mobile there really is no point.

If you're thinking of running a callback service using VoIP to a moilbe thee forget it - people are simply not going to accept the fundamental issues inherent with running a SIP call over a 3G network at preset. If a caller isn't moving things are fine but there are fundamental issues during handovers on rel6 that limit the usefulness as a replacement for circuit switched voice at present.

Benolam

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Reply # 314864 5-Apr-2010 09:11

maverick: We use Remote Office which is part of our VFX advanced feature set, this allows you to put in any number and trigger the call via a the Web CommPilot call manger

OK, thanks, maverick, for that information. I was not aware of XNet.

I looked at the info on Remote Office in the PDF on their site but was not sure if you still need to dial into their gateway from, for example, a mobile phone paying the mobile rate to that access number, and then dial out via your VFX service paying those rates for that leg.

With callback, you pay VoIP service rates for both the incoming and outgoing legs, plus any incoming mobile costs if you are roaming.

Could you confirm if VFX allows you to do this?

Benolam

14 posts

Geek

Reply # 314873 5-Apr-2010 09:41

sbiddle:
Benolam: Update: I've been informed that Telecom XT has a similar clause:

6. You agree to...do not use your Mobile Phone or the Services for voice over internet protocol or messaging over internet protocol

Folks have offered a couple of reasons why NZ mobile operators have these conditions, but I still think it is driven by commercial factors in a small market that has less competition in mobile telephony than AU where such restrictions would drive people to one of numerous other providers. There just don't seem to be many alternative mobile operators users can change to in NZ.

Anyway ... need an answer to my original question: "Is anyone using VoIP callback services?". Thanks.

What makes you think that? There is absolutely nothing stopping the use of VoIP over either network and it is certainly not discouraged in any way by port blocking or traffic shaping.

In reponse the answer I've been using callback to my mobile for ~5 years using my own setup since I started getting into VoIP. It's only useful overseas where I can send an SMS to my own gateway and originate a call to my mobile while roaming which means I'm only paying $1 per minute to answer an inbound call which is cheaper than making a MO call to New Zealand in most countries.

As for general use I'd say very few people do, it's something that is clumbersome to do which is why it's never taken off. When you're also paying similar rates to use a callback service as what you are for an actual call from your mobile there really is no point.

If you're thinking of running a callback service using VoIP to a moilbe thee forget it - people are simply not going to accept the fundamental issues inherent with running a SIP call over a 3G network at preset. If a caller isn't moving things are fine but there are fundamental issues during handovers on rel6 that limit the usefulness as a replacement for circuit switched voice at present.

Benolam

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Geek

Reply # 314886 5-Apr-2010 09:58

sbiddle:

As for general use I'd say very few people do, it's something that is clumbersome to do which is why it's never taken off. When you're also paying similar rates to use a callback service as what you are for an actual call from your mobile there really is no point.

Sorry, NOOB having trouble with the system. Please ignore my previous post which I was unable to edit.

I think the relatively high VoIP rates in NZ from what I've seen may not offer an incentive to use callback from a mobile. But if you're paying liek 90c / minute with Vodafone or Telecom, then 30c to callback a mobile and 5c or 30c to call the other party is still a saving. But if you're paying only 44c with 2degrees, then it would not be worthwhile.

In AU many VSP have untimed national and international calls (8c - 20c) and rates as low as AU 10.5c / minute to mobiles, so callback is pretty popular here.