VOIP Telephony.

The Telecoms Ripoff

The telecoms companies are eager to cash in on new developments but they frequently dress up a new service as something particularly special when in fact it is anything but, and probably available elsewhere for much less - or even free...

The mobile companies in particular are 'ripping' us off and blaming each other or factors outside their control but if that's true, why has the EU Commission to cracked down on their 'overcharging', especially on calls within the EU and individual home countries? 

I'll deal mobile charges later and show you how to save a small fortune if you make calls abroad but first let's take a look at the normal landline scam whereby we're paying over the odds for calls...

Let's pick on BT as an example - they have what they call BT Broadband Talk for which they charge a monthly premium to allow you to use your internet connection to make telephone calls.  Ok so they do supply a piece of kit that lets you use a normal phone but for that you are locked into a 12 month contract and you still pay even if you don't use it!  Believe it or not lots of people don't use it because they're not properly aware of what it is - or even that it's different from their normal phone.  I know of people who think it's just an unnecessary second line that just happens to come as part of the package.  They seem not to realize that the package would have been cheaper without it!  Well here's one in the eye for BT and anyone who feels as I do that they've milked us for too long...

VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)

You don't need a contract - you can buy the kit for about £30 and the one I use gives me access to two independent phone lines using ordinary household phones plus the freedom to choose geographical numbers just like the ones BT assigns to you.  If you check my contact page, you'll see that it looks and works exactly the same as any other phone or fax.  There's a normal dial tone and you can even keep your contacts on the computer and dial them from there if you're comfortable doing that.  If you're interested in buying your own kit visit Broadband Buyer website. 

Alternatively you can simply use headphones and a microphone if that's more convenient.  It's cheap and simple but if you're totally confused, come back and talk to me...

Cost?  My favourite VOiP provider is Sipgate who provided me with free geographical numbers, good support and calls clearly priced as follows:-

    

These are just examples but they show the savings to be made and best of all, you only pay for what you use, as you use it, without being tied to a contract or a landline.  You don't even need a phone - just a microphone and speakers / headphones.  Furthermore once set up, you can use your number(s) from anywhere in the world where you have internet access so is it any wonder that BT and others don't want us to know?  Well I do want everyone to know so if you're interested in VOiP telephony, just get in touch and I'll try my best to get you started and save you loads of money.

If you would like a system using your normal telephones and are prepared to open an account with Sipgate, I can supply the necessary equipment, already configured and ready to use for around £60.  All you need is a broadband connection and a wired network connection to your computer and/or router.  If you don't yet have a router, you should consider a VOiP router that will give you access to both internet, using your normal ISP and cheap telephone calls using VOiP.  If you make overseas calls, particularly from a mobile phone, there is a solution for that too - and it enables you to call your VOiP router as a local call and then have the call routed via VOiP.  Prices for this vary depending on your requirements, equipment required and existing system setup.  Contact me

Another provider I can recommend, although their response to email inquiries is tardy to say the least, is Vyke which works slightly differently but can be considerably cheaper IF you can forego the geographical phone number and don't mind having your call costs quoted in US Dollars & cents. 

At time of writing calls to regular UK landlines (starting with 01 & 02) cost 2.1 pence a minute at any time, charged by the minute with no minimum charge.  The problem is that nobody can call you back on this service.  Nevertheless as a calling-out number it has lots to recommend it, especially for international calls where a call to a Spanish mobile will cost you less than 11 pence a minute with Vyke - the same call would cost around 20 pence a minute with other VOiP services.  This is my reason for having it as an option and when it comes to mobile communications, this one has an edge on price and mobility. 

Not only can you send SMS messages from your computer to almost any phone in the world for a penny, if you download their software onto your (compatible) mobile phone, you can, for example, make a call to a Spanish mobile for less than 23 pence a minute, or send texts for about 2 pence from your mobile phone.  If you use their 'call-back' service, not only do you avoid incoming call charges when using your phone abroad, you can call a UK landline for as little as 2.5 pence a minute or another mobile for 12 pence a minute from your mobile phone. 

Even more amazing is that you can use your account details to enable you to forward calls to other phones which is handy if you're abroad and have access to a local landline.  This also applies if you have more than one phone so you are not restricted to a particular handset - mobile or landline.

The on-screen 'soft fone' interface is excellent and offers a real-time call charge option so you know exactly how much a call will cost before you dial the number.  It has a phonebook and call history log plus immediate access to setting for sound devices including the microphone and speaker/phones volume.  You simply log onto the Vyke website to send text messages from home for just one penny - to almost anywhere!

For technophobes, this will feel a bit messy and in spite of the huge savings, they might prefer to pay a bit extra for less hassle. For anyone who is prepared to become familiar with the system, it could prove to be one of the better and cheaper services.  Here is a sample from one of my Vyke call logs - note two calls to a Spanish mobile - one for over 8 minutes from my computer, and another for 23 minute using the Vyke software from my mobile phone!  Find me a better deal and I'll be interested...

Date/Time		Origination		Destination		Duration		Charge
24/07/2007 02:06		Device		34617723XXX		00:08:30		£0.909
24/07/2007 02:03		Device		441509808213		00:00:45		£0.021
24/07/2007 02:01		Device		441509808213		00:01:00		£0.021
24/07/2007 01:33		Device		441509808213		00:00:30		£0.021
24/07/2007 01:04		447835178479		34617723XXX		00:23:30		£5.310
24/07/2007 12:54		Device		441509808213		00:00:30		£0.021

Note: Most VOiP services work on a pre-pay basis which involves use of a credit/debit card or bank transfer although some will accept direct debit as the preferred method of payment.

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Last Updated 06/08/2008