Need information on connection specs for voip

Yesterday we finally got satellite internet with up to 12 mgb/second. I notice the connection fluctuates from mid 3 to 11.4. I have worked with computer for years; but, when I retired, dial-up was still the thing. I am totally and completely dumb about VOIP.

I sure would like it. If I could drop the $50 extra charge on the landline for unlimited long distance, that would help. I would keep a basic, no frills land line.

Where we are located, we cannot receive cell signals. DSL is not available. Our only option is satellite.

I would appreciate any information on whether VOIP is doable, and what hardware might be appropriate. I have looked online at Magic Jack Plus and Net Talk. Is there anything else out there?

Calling our children is long distance, and I'm sure they'd understand if the phone quality wasn't perfect. Most long distance calls are to family, although we might need long distance to call a business on occasion.

Thanks - Kathy

 

I know a couple of people that use Magic Jack and they say it is great. 99% of the time the quality is good.

 

Thanks Mr. Bill for your reply.

I've read reviews on Magic Jack. The majority seem quite satisfied. Some absolutely hate it.

Do you know how fast my up/down load should be to use MJ or other VOIP? I've noticed my speed varying quite a bit.

Also, how would using VOIP affect my allotted usage?

 

Not sure. See a couple of people say at least 128 upload speed. I talk to my brother and a friend in NZ using Google Talk on my PC. It is FREE and always great. Use it 2 or 3 times a week. I used it on dialup and it was good. Couldn't do video with it as it eat all the bandwidth up. Went to 1.5 DSL when we finally got DSL and it worked great. I am now on 3.0 and do video once in a while with no problems. Worked good on 1.5 also.

Google Talk is better than Net Talk. Used both and had problems with Net Talk quite a bit. Drops and poor quality.

There is also Skype. Know a couple of people that use it and don't have a problem either.

 

You might check out Ooma. It costs about $200 for the device upfront, plus about $3.50/month after that for taxes (911 services, etc.). But it continues to show it has excellent voice quality

Did note this FAQ about satellite:

 

Thanks Mr. Bill - I'll look at Google talk. Love the free part.

 

Thanks Arie

The satellite provider said I wouldn't have a problem with 12 mgb/second. Of course, he was trying to sell me something.

I have tested my speed twice. The results are below.

Down 11.2 - Up 463 and down 5.53 - up 487

 

Thanks Bill

I'll look at Ooma. Our phone bill is about $100/month. Our phone company is specific to rural areas. The lines are not well kept. My dial-up speed was 24,000 bps turning my computers into paper weights.

I sure want to cut that phone bill to help pay for the satellite service. Last year I thought I solved the update problems by getting a wireless service. That worked well except that I had to drive 15 miles to get a signal.

 

I have not tried Ooma but Consumer Reports rated it #1 and other reviewers have said it was good. Clark Howard - financial advisor on HLN recommends it.

I am thinking about it too. I am having a hard time justifying $68/month for my home phone service when I barely use it. But as a long time military communications technician, I like having the redundant method of phone access. When power goes out, and living in Tornado Alley that it not uncommon, landlines phones still work since they get power from the CO. But with phone via the Internet, if you lose power, you lose phone too. So for sure, get a good, big (1300VA or larger) UPS with AVR to keep this communications channel up for as long as possible during power outages.

Of course, you still have cell access during power outages, at least until the battery runs down.

I am just saying, saving $100 a month sounds good, but peace-of-mind knowing you have redundant ways to call 911 in emergencies - especially if there are little ones in the house - may be worth it too. So weigh you options, taking everything into consideration, not just cost savings.

 

Hi Bill

I'm with you on a backup land line. We cannot get a cell signal at all, too mountainous.

Still searching online for information on requirements for voip. Took tests. Some are yes, some are no. Speed varies.

I can live with a "sometimes" long-distance phone probably. I imagine we could wait for a really good connection; or, in a dire emergency, just get charged for long distance on the landline.

I imagine the solution is try one out IF they have a 30-day return policy.

Looked at Google phone - PC to PC. My mother-in-law is 94, and she is not into PCs.

Our bill is almost $100, and I can cut $50 out if I get rid of long distance.

I've called retail stores, and the sales reps don't seem to know much more than I do.

I did find one provider with a contact number and helpful sales person. The cost was $129 for 2 years, no charge for modem, 30 day trial. He said it would be iffy for me. Will continue to search.

We are so rural that we do not fit the federal definition of rural, lol. We are not covered under Recover America. I think that broadband program is to get small towns covered with all the small businesses as well as residents. Town is 15 miles from here.

Anyway, the plans are to get all of Arkansas on broadband by 2015. So maybe I will be stuck with a big phone bill for 2 more years. My daughters are real talkers, not to mention the grandkids.