Best way to keep in touch?

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odi3

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Topic # 8912 7-Aug-2006 00:35

Hi all,

am a newbie at Voip and to geekzone :) very good help :)

I have been reading all posts so far and was wondering what setup would be the cheapest to be in contact with families in Australia using Voip. So far ive asked my relatives to register with iTalk Australia but have had no progress due to Slingshot being slack there in Australia and their Contact numbers engaged. So yeah, are there any alternatives. Ill only be using VoIp to call for Free relatives from Australia with their Voip phones. Im sure this is very simple but yeah a bit confused in what to do.

Would i be able to register my Australian relatives to NZ iTalk and register aswell.
Also can someone please explain the whole deal with getting 'second line' by joining iTalk. Does that mean i can register my home phone and my relatives can use my iTalk connection and ring that Number for free?

Just another confused consumer.

Any help and clarifications will do. Will want to connect with my relatives asap.

Thanks..

MrBob

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Reply # 43392 7-Aug-2006 05:54

If both sides have access to a computer why not try Skype. No access fees etc.

If you wanna go SIP based: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/index.cfm?a=wiki&tag=VOIP_Providers . Most provide free calling between members with no fees.

and you dont necessarily have to both be with the same provider to call each other for free

http://www.sipbroker.com/sipbroker/action/providerWhitePages

In your situation and what you want to do, I'd definatley reccomend Skype.

odi3

14 posts

Geek

Reply # 43409 7-Aug-2006 10:34

thanks a lot for the information

1queastion-
Using skype - can i use a voip phone?
(not USB ones)
I dont wanna be attached to the computer while talkin on the phone and would to call similar to landlines. Cordless preferably.

sorry for the hassle fellaz. i should definitely read more.

Thanks

freitasm

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Reply # 43410 7-Aug-2006 10:42

There are some phones that are cordless and plug into a landline and your computer (the dualphone for example, review here). Other companies are starting to offer Wi-Fi phones that will work with Skype only - Netgear, Linksys, Belkin. Look for those.

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tonyhughes

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Reply # 43418 7-Aug-2006 12:09

I use a Cordless Dualphone with Skype - its great. I can see my Skype contacts on the phone and dial from the couch.

Works VERY well.

Although its really Skype specific, I have had it working with Gizmo and other SIP clients too, but only for talking/listening. Contact list and hangup/dial only work for Skype.

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sbiddle

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Reply # 43420 7-Aug-2006 13:41

My suggestion would be to open an account with MyNetFone.com.au or another Australian based VoIP provider. This will give you A10c untimed calls to Australia with no monthly fee or for A$4.95 per month you can get a physical Australian phone number for incoming calls. You could buy a budgetone phone new for around $100 or 2nd hand on trademe for around $50-$70.

There are plenty of VoIP providers to choose from, I use Faktortel myself but they are slightly more expensive.

odi3

14 posts

Geek

Reply # 43439 7-Aug-2006 19:37

thanks a lot guys.. ive made a decision on getting a MyNetFone account and saving up for that Dual Phone in the near months.. was wondering if i get a MyNetFone account id be able to dial other MyNetFone users for free? Also could my family from australia get iTalk and get an Auckland number i could call?

Ta.

ch0cb0mb

21 posts

Geek

Reply # 44601 24-Aug-2006 07:19

there is a program that lets you call landlines to Australia and new zealand and to alot of destinations for FREE.
i cant post you the link or i will get busted lol. but u can pm me or search it on google :-)

freitasm

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Reply # 44607 24-Aug-2006 08:54

ch0cb0mb:
there is a program that lets you call landlines to Australia and new zealand and to alot of destinations for FREE.
i cant post you the link or i will get busted lol. but u can pm me or search it on google :-)

You can post the link. It's just that the other post looked as a URL drop, so the automatic-moderator-zoombies on Geekzone (in that case it was me) decided it was out of context.

But yes, if it's related to the topic, please post it here.

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freitasm

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Reply # 44608 24-Aug-2006 08:55

ch0cb0mb:
there is a program that lets you call landlines to Australia and new zealand and to alot of destinations for FREE.
i cant post you the link or i will get busted lol. but u can pm me or search it on google :-)

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ch0cb0mb

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Reply # 44631 24-Aug-2006 16:57

cool Freitasm :-) the free software to make free calls you can get it here on their website http://www.internetcalls.com/en/index.html

i hope it helps you to keep in contact with your relatives for cheap

richms

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Reply # 44691 25-Aug-2006 15:54

I've used there voipcheap.com version quite a bit, and if you use sip then the 1 min timeout doesnt happen, but it was really really really laggy to both Aus and NZ numbers. Fine to UK and US - dont know anyone anywhere else to try calling.

Richard rich.ms

NickMack

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Reply # 46208 14-Sep-2006 21:03

richms: I've used there voipcheap.com version quite a bit, and if you use sip then the 1 min timeout doesnt happen, but it was really really really laggy to both Aus and NZ numbers. Fine to UK and US - dont know anyone anywhere else to try calling.

Pretty much my experience too with Internet Calls.

Nick

riahon

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Reply # 46210 14-Sep-2006 21:54

Just recently I have been using voipstunt. Works surprisingly well via usb phone and also headphones. According to the email confirmation it is supposed to give me 1min limit free calls to Oz, NZ and many others but calls last alot longer. If I understand it correctly they actually allow 300min's of free calls every 7 days. Probably 295min more than I need :)

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