Using Skype for phone call

[funkola]

I spent 2 hours today talking with Miss Ukraine via Skype. It was a conference call with my new friend and translator  on the line. He only charged me for 1.5 hours and I think it was .02 a minute using Skype. Maybe not the best way to go but it worked well this time.

Miss Ukraine is always great to talk to. She seems to have a lot to say.     I talked to her son again also and I was very impressed with the little guy. Who knew I had so much in common with an 11 year old kid! We both love dogs, model building, computers and firearms. Miss Ukraine told me his face was beaming with joy after we talked.    Mine was too.

We rescheduled my trip to Ukraine for May since she is a teacher and she will be free then. Not sure why we didn't agree on that in the first place  ???

[Mir]

Why are teachers free in May?

[funkola]

I don't know. I couldn't tell you when teachers are "free" here in the states. No kids around me so I tend to ignore that kind of stuff. She teaches grades 1 through 4 and won't be working come May. I didn't ask any further as I was interested in more important things. But now that you mention it, I am curious.

[Lily]

Did you ever tried messenger with a webcam+ microphone? For me it makes almost real communication.
I wonder whether Skype might be better to change for...Could you probably compare these tools?

[funkola]

She does not have Internet access so we can only communicate by phone. Yahoo messenger is free so if you have that stick with it. If the person you are talking to does not have Internet access then you can call them with Skype and it doesn't cost much.

http://www.skype.com/helloagain.html

Also can send sms and other things. It is more of a telephone replacement than a yahoo messenger replacement.

[wxman]

Did you use SKYPE to call a phone in Ukraine, or to your translator first, who does not live in Ukraine?  I use SKYPE to call Ukraine and the cheapest rate is $0.13 a minute to landline or $0.18 a minute to a mobile. http://www.skype.com/intl/en/products/skypeout/rates/all_rates.html?currency=USD
 
I have not seen a rate of $0.02 a minute to Ukraine via SKYPE. I use SKYPE because I find that the sound quality is much better than any calling card I have ever used, but find the rates using SKYPE too high compared to calling cards. 

[funkola]

Did you use SKYPE to call a phone in Ukraine, or to your translator first, who does not live in Ukraine?  I use SKYPE to call Ukraine and the cheapest rate is $0.13 a minute to landline or $0.18 a minute to a mobile. http://www.skype.com/intl/en/products/skypeout/rates/all_rates.html?currency=USD
 
I have not seen a rate of $0.02 a minute to Ukraine via SKYPE. I use SKYPE because I find that the sound quality is much better than any calling card I have ever used, but find the rates using SKYPE too high compared to calling cards. 

You are right. I had something else on my mind when I typed that. Sorry. I don't worry to much about the phone cost as I do abut the translator fees. That is where the big money is. Skype is convenient. No dialing or screwing around just a couple of mouse clicks and your good. I am lazy that way. 

And you are right about another thing. I couldn't tell the difference in sound quality but the other two people in the conference call both commented how clear it was compared to regular telephone.

[Nando]

I use both Skype and Voicestunt (freecall). On Saturday was paying 0,055 landline to Ukraine and 0,15 to mobile using Voicestunt. the call quality is basically the same and this is the best "invention" to communicate if the girl has no computer at home.

[MaxxumUSA]

I dig skype.  mar 29 I go to russia for three weeks.  I plan on running my business from russia using skype in and skype out for phone calls.  I hope it works the way I hope it will.  If it works good...  It will free me up to spend as much time as I like in Russia.

As for the video quality...  It is very good.  It is as close to being there as can be.  We even enjoy a little live ...you know what... occasionally.  Not near as good as the real thing but beats (no pun intended) nothing at all.  Gotta be creative being so far apart.    LMAO

The only problem with the video is the cost of broadband Internet in Russia.  Something like $80.00 a week she spends on broadband Internet.  It runs out sometime then she's on dial up which is very bad audio and the video is not worth trying.

I am very pleased with Skype overall.

[jinx13]

 My g/f uses Skype to speak with her parents in Ukraine, but they worked it out so it's nearly free of charge....her parents call her at 6 a.m. their time and it's cheaper as far as the bandwidth they are charged...I'm not really sure how they do it, but she speaks with them almost everyday, and she says it's free!  ???

[MaxxumUSA]

My g/f uses Skype to speak with her parents in Ukraine, but they worked it out so it's nearly free of charge....her parents call her at 6 a.m. their time and it's cheaper as far as the bandwidth they are charged...I'm not really sure how they do it, but she speaks with them almost everyday, and she says it's free!  ???

Voice only Skype with broadband on both sides is basically free.  It does not take hardly any bandwidth.

I was referring to expense when talking about two way video streaming.  This we figured out costs about $20.00 per hour for bandwidth.  She may be able to find a lower cost provider...  not sure.

[prince_alfie]

Skype is even awesome for regular domestic calls too.

[2tallbill]

Did you ever tried messenger with a webcam+ microphone? For me it makes almost real communication.
I wonder whether Skype might be better to change for...Could you probably compare these tools?

I would like to know more about this if you can let know more or I can start a new thread
I dont want to hijack this thread

Bill

[LarsXYZ]

Hi, if you want to call either landline or mobile phones, better use Voipstunt, since that is way cheaper than Skype.
To landline in russia Voipstunt are even free:
http://www.voipstunt.com/en/rates.html

Regards Lars

[funkola]

Hi, if you want to call either landline or mobile phones, better use Voipstunt, since that is way cheaper than Skype.
To landline in russia Voipstunt are even free:
http://www.voipstunt.com/en/rates.html

Regards Lars

That is not always true. Calling my interpretor and poi in Ukraine is cheaper on skype because my int uses skype as well. The call to my poi is less than a cent cheaper on voip. So I save money uses skype over voip.

[Bruno]

To landline in russia Voipstunt are even free:
http://www.voipstunt.com/en/rates.html

Not true... from the site :

To counter misuse of our network we have limited these free* calls for our trial users. If you want to enjoy longer free* calls to these destinations, just top up your account by buying credit

For real tarif :
http://www.voipstunt.com/en/freetrial.html

Same system like some marriage agency who clain to be free... reality : first letter free and pay after... will never trust some business who use lie for fishing customer... read little letter, and be carefull of word like "free*"... the little "*" show that you have condition to the free !!!

[I/O]

Being a kinda Techno/Dynosoreass, I've finally gotten around to upgrading the technotoys a little and of course have installed skype (Or at least gotten it working as it has been installed for ages) and bought a "Laser" USB phone.  Yeah last of the big spenders, please don't laugh.

Being a totally clueless gitt on these things, it works fine in so far as it connects just fine to outside phones and the return voice from the other person is crystal clear, but mine is very staticy and fades in and out a little.  I've played with the adjustments and so forth but the problem persisits.  I do have fairly high speed broad band and I becomming suspicious of the quality of mic in the USB phone. 

Any Technobuffs like to shed any light on this one for me?

I/O

[wxman]

If you have a mic, trying comparing it to you phone. Instead of using the phone make a call and talk thru mic instead. You can also make a test call to echo123 and then hear the playback to see how it sounds. Also bandwidth speed is important when it comes to upload speed. You may have fast download speed, but your provider may have much lower speed on upload. Upload speed is critical in how the other end will hear you. I have had the same problem at times. Also are you calling a mobile phone? Depends what network the other person is on. Some networks may not be all digital yet. This has an effect on quality of sound on other end. There are many reasons that could cause a static sound on the other end. Have you tried calling a local number? Try calling your cell phone and leave a voicemail. See how that sounds. 

[I/O]

If you have a mic, trying comparing it to you phone. Instead of using the phone make a call and talk thru mic instead. You can also make a test call to echo123 and then hear the playback to see how it sounds. Also bandwidth speed is important when it comes to upload speed. You may have fast download speed, but your provider may have much lower speed on upload. Upload speed is critical in how the other end will hear you. I have had the same problem at times. Also are you calling a mobile phone? Depends what network the other person is on. Some networks may not be all digital yet. This has an effect on quality of sound on other end. There are many reasons that could cause a static sound on the other end. Have you tried calling a local number? Try calling your cell phone and leave a voicemail. See how that sounds. 

Wxman

Yes I've called my own cell and done the voice mail thing.  Local landlines.  Skype test call.  Etc etc.  All digital equipment and phones, except the landline.  Results are quite similar all over.

ADSL Firmware Version 1.00.09.00
Modem Status Connected
DownStream Connection Speed 1536 kbps
UpStream Connection Speed 128 kbps
VPI 8
VCI 35

The above stats on the ADSL modem suggest you may have a point on the upload speed.  Hmmmm time for some more research.  Thanks for the clues. I might try this thing on my office PC as I think the connection there is something like 11 MBS both ways. (Not sure if that is correct or possible, but I know it is mighty fast)

I/O

[MaxxumUSA]

Being a kinda Techno/Dynosoreass, I've finally gotten around to upgrading the technotoys a little and of course have installed skype (Or at least gotten it working as it has been installed for ages) and bought a "Laser" USB phone.  Yeah last of the big spenders, please don't laugh.

Being a totally clueless gitt on these things, it works fine in so far as it connects just fine to outside phones and the return voice from the other person is crystal clear, but mine is very staticy and fades in and out a little.  I've played with the adjustments and so forth but the problem persisits.  I do have fairly high speed broad band and I becomming suspicious of the quality of mic in the USB phone. 

Any Technobuffs like to shed any light on this one for me?

I/O

I/O

I have become a skype phanatic over the past few months.  Besides talking to Elena I use it for business now also as I import/export product.  The cost is so low I don't even worry about reimbursing myself from my own corporation.

In any case...  As WXman suggests...  I would try a different microphone.  Not sure of your lazerphone and what that is.  I also tried a Skype USB to PTSN adaptor however I don't like the quality on the cordless phone as much as the microphone.

I go through about 1 microphone per month on average.  They ALL have broken or stopped working or quality gone away.  A simple new mic solves the problem with sound issues.  I have used the same speakers since starting with skype - it has always been the mic.

As for speed of DSL I have not had an issue with voice only.  With video if the speed is low you will lose connection and video will be slow.  Even with Dial Up on Elena's end we have used skype voice without much problem.

If you feel speed is an issue you can do a speed test at www.dslreports.com
It's been a while since I used that site so you will need to navigate to find the speed test.  I know it is there.

Good luck!

- David

[Thor]

I/O

I have become a skype phanatic over the past few months.  Besides talking to Elena I use it for business now also as I import/export product.  The cost is so low I don't even worry about reimbursing myself from my own corporation.

In any case...  As WXman suggests...  I would try a different microphone.  Not sure of your lazerphone and what that is.  I also tried a Skype USB to PTSN adaptor however I don't like the quality on the cordless phone as much as the microphone.

I go through about 1 microphone per month on average.  They ALL have broken or stopped working or quality gone away.  A simple new mic solves the problem with sound issues.  I have used the same speakers since starting with skype - it has always been the mic.

As for speed of DSL I have not had an issue with voice only.  With video if the speed is low you will lose connection and video will be slow.  Even with Dial Up on Elena's end we have used skype voice without much problem.

If you feel speed is an issue you can do a speed test at www.dslreports.com
It's been a while since I used that site so you will need to navigate to find the speed test.  I know it is there.

Good luck!

- David

I have become a skype phanatic too . I use it when I speak with my wife and with friends. Just before I left home and went to Ukraine I spooke 90 min with RWD member RK in the US, and the line was chrystal clear!!!

[jj]

I go back and forth between FREECALL and VOITCHEAP.COM.  That way, when free minutes run out, I switch to the other.  Even when paying, the rates are cheap.