Internet phone services

[Flames9_RN 358]

Keep in mind one issue with using VOIP services, is if you have an internet provider that has a limit on how much internet you can use a month. VOIP sucks a lot of bandwidth.

A lot of cable and fiber optic companies now offer packages with the phone included and it doesn't count against your bandwidth usage.

It still doesn't solve your problem with needing away for your Canadian family to call you on the cheap. My uncle has Ooma and has been using it for years. He said the only issue he's ever had; his fax machine doesn't like it.

Every now and then, our OOma voice quiality echoes a bit, but I blame that more on the Internet service here in Nica.

[awkwardsoul 20]

A vote for Skype - you can do long distance calls from your computer to a phone number unlimited for $3 a month.

http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/prices/pay-monthly

If you have a smartphone (and wifi signal) you can use your phone (through skype app) to make the call instead of the computer.

[Megnme 0]

We've tried MagicJack twice. Last year we had the standard unit that plugged into a computer USB port, so the computer had to be on in order to make or receive calls, and we weren't impressed with the quality of the connection at all. So, a few months ago we decided to try the MJ Plus, which plugs into the router, and usually our incoming calls are quite good, but outgoing calls break up, and it seems the longer the distance the worse the connection. And there is little in the way of tech support. Very cheap, but also very frustrating! Any computer wizards have suggestions on changing settings or firewalls or anything, that might improve our connection?

[Ontarkie 14,510]

We use Magic jack and its been great. WE are our 3rd year and for 20$ a year I can't complain. It does get a bit choppy here and there but that usually is when its rainy out, so I think its our lines. We don't have the fastest high speed but also not the slowest and it seems fine. The one thing I do know is if you want a Canadian area code it cost more and also they only have certain ones available. We use it also as a second line for the oldest he gets alot of use out of it. What ever friends we have that don't call long distance the kids just call them. They use facebook to say hey call me and then they do.

[Darnell 8,479]

what news from 'that IT guy' ?