Anyone phoned someone over broadband using voip - I've been trying it
out and surprised at how clear it is, plus you can make free calls the
bt landlines in the UK using certain voip providers.  Can't figure out
how these companies make money from these free calls.

Dave

"Lakeuk"  wrote in message 
news:1129065807.311340.156020@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...

> Anyone phoned someone over broadband using voip - I've been trying it
> out and surprised at how clear it is, plus you can make free calls the
> bt landlines in the UK using certain voip providers.  Can't figure out
> how these companies make money from these free calls.
>

I use Skype quite a lot. I call my son in Edinburgh (he's signed up for it 
too, so our calls are free) and other friends around the country who haven't 
signed up for it (they don't have broadband) so these calls are very cheap 
but not free. I even use it to call our business suppliers down south. I 
paid 10 euros ages ago, and still have more than 2 left in credit although 
I've made loads of calls. So far I only have 2 contacts who are also Skype 
registered, but as time goes on I guess more people will get broadband and 
sign up for it, so there'll be more and more free phone calls being made. 
(Wonder how long before BT start getting worried about fewer and fewer 
people making phone calls on their lines?)

It's also useful as a chat program: my son calls me from work and we type 
messages to each other, as he doesn't have a headset there. (And his 
employers might take a dim view anyway, but that's his problem, not mine!)

It is clear - the frequency range is quite different from a conventional 
phone. Phoning a mobile is a bit weird though - I've been told I sound very 
strange - but maybe that's just normal for me...

Calling a mobile is dearer than a landline, but still cheaper than using a 
conventional phone. And if you happen to know anyone in America with a 
mobile, the calls are, apparently, free.

I've never needed to phone anyone outside the UK yet, but if and when the 
need arises I shall certainly use Skype. It's brilliant.

ally

I tried Skype but the test call sounded very echo'y - probable my pc,
currently using voipcheap.co.uk who let you call someone on a BT land
line for free, been calling a relative who isn't on the internet and
they can't hear any difference.

Dave

"Lakeuk"  wrote in message 
news:1129070969.260039.235020@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...

>I tried Skype but the test call sounded very echo'y - probable my pc,
> currently using voipcheap.co.uk who let you call someone on a BT land
> line for free, been calling a relative who isn't on the internet and
> they can't hear any difference.
>

Free to a landline, eh? That is good. As you say, I wonder how anyone makes 
any money out of this?

ally