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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Bandit127 on 02 September 2008, 19:09:49

Title: Skype?
Post by: Bandit127 on 02 September 2008, 19:09:49
Is anyone using Skype? How is it?

I am trying to save some costs here and no line rental with unlimited calls (well, 10,000 minutes) to regular UK landlines for just over £2 a month looks very good ineed :)

In fact, so good there might be a catch?

Thanks in advance  :y
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: stuart30 on 02 September 2008, 19:11:46
Quote
Is anyone using Skype? How is it?

I am trying to save some costs here and no line rental with unlimited calls (well, 10,000 minutes) to regular UK landlines for just over £2 a month looks very good ineed :)

In fact, so good there might be a catch?

Thanks in advance  :y


Only ever used skype to skype and never had any problems..... :)

Looks a good deal...doubt theres a catch as VOIP is so cheap hence the huge minutes for your money.
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: VX1 on 02 September 2008, 19:11:56
I use skype, find it ok, free calls to anyone who has skype even abroad!!

Paul  :y
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 02 September 2008, 19:22:39
Useful..
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: theolodian on 02 September 2008, 19:24:21
We've recently started using it again to talk to other computers.  Works a lot better than 2 years ago, but that could also be the quality of the broadband here in the UK.  Even BT offers VOIP phone lines, so no reason that side shouldn't work well too.
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: Debs. on 02 September 2008, 19:32:42
I`ve been using Skype for a couple of years; excellent quality audio/video and solid connections.
I use the (free) Skype to Skype service to keep in touch with friends in the U.S....use it to send (cheap) SMS messages to mobiles (texting) and use Skype-out for (cheap) calls to landlines/mobile phones (at home and abroad).
I think Skype is great and hardly-ever use the B.T house ph. :y
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: Omegatoy on 02 September 2008, 20:23:31
up here in the mountains we only have a max 512 wireless connection for the puter :o we use skype as our landline and its brilliant even at 54mbps, never had a problem with it and a 40 min cal from Spain to uk cost less than a euro!!! :y
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: Ian_D on 02 September 2008, 21:12:56
Quote
Is anyone using Skype? How is it?

I am trying to save some costs here and no line rental with unlimited calls (well, 10,000 minutes) to regular UK landlines for just over £2 a month looks very good ineed :)

In fact, so good there might be a catch?

Thanks in advance  :y

Ive got that package, and had no problems with it (however not used it much last month - forgot i had it tbh!)

PM me your tel number if you want a demo! ;D
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: Vamps on 02 September 2008, 21:31:18
Iv'e recently put it on, used a bit for messages to other members and for a couple of long text messages, I hate texting on the phone and I can type ::) only made a couple of phone calls, should look further into the deals, I have had no problems so far.
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: Bandit127 on 02 September 2008, 21:41:12
Quote
Quote
Is anyone using Skype? How is it?

I am trying to save some costs here and no line rental with unlimited calls (well, 10,000 minutes) to regular UK landlines for just over £2 a month looks very good ineed :)

In fact, so good there might be a catch?

Thanks in advance  :y

Ive got that package, and had no problems with it (however not used it much last month - forgot i had it tbh!)

PM me your tel number if you want a demo! ;D

Thanks for the comments. I have now ordered a wirelss handset:
One of these (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Linksys-Cordless-Dual-Skype-Phone/dp/B000MQQ0CY/ref=pd_cp_ce_1?pf_rd_p=136153791&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000KRN7T4&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1HT2GQRZ4HX7SXRCEV53)
And 3 months worth of the basic subscription
Skype - Unlimited Country (http://www.skype.com/intl/en-gb/allfeatures/subscriptions/europecountry/?country=GB)
On the face of it, a phone and line and calls for £20 plus £2 a month... Bargain.

Ian_D - will let you know when it's arrived and set up.

Thanks everyone  :) :) :) :y
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 03 September 2008, 01:03:44
I love it, but only ever used it over the net.  Couple of mates have reatines in Aus and say it saves them a fortune,  Quality just as good as land line.   :y :y
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: Gaffers on 03 September 2008, 06:32:07
I use it all the time, its very good as long as your connection is consistant and of good quality.  It doesnt need to be the fastest connection in the world its the quality of the line that is important.  Generally also if you using it on a wifi computer you generally have to have a slightly faster connection than if it were hardwired.

I have both using headsets on wireless computers and a dedicated Skype/Landline phone and they are both excellent.  I chat to the wife for hours when shes working in the states and it costs pennies!  Mobile phone costs esp in the UK can eat into your credit though  :'(

just my $0.02/min
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: FRE07962128 on 03 September 2008, 06:37:36
My BT unit is excellent, with very fast connections and clear transmissions at any time! ;) ;)

As with Debs I tend to use it more than my standard BT landline.  :y :y
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: TheBoy on 03 September 2008, 08:19:05
I use VoIP, but rarely Skype. SkHype I find is often a bit unreliable, maybe as I don't have QoS set for it on router.

Big prob for me is the bloody computer needs to be on.

Hence I use a SIP adapter, and have a real phone plugged in, so no computers need to be on.  I then obviously use a standard SIP provider (SkHype is non standard).

My provider isn't the cheapest, but does have free signup/rental/geographic number (so landlines calling you don't pay a fortune).  I use it mainly to chat to family on VoIP, or overseas relatives on their landlines. And Mrs TB's mobile.

The one person its not great to is my Mum on Plusnet, but thats because Plusnet are scumbags, giving higher priority to their VoIP service, and lower to anyone elses.

For other geographic UK numbers, I have free evening/weekends calls from BT (offered free if you commit to another 12 months), and an outstanding call package on her mobile to call other mobiles)

My BT calls bill is usually less than £2 per quarter.


In affect, I have 4 lines coming in - my own home one, with Zen broadband on it, a works provided line with some flavour of BT Broadband on it (all fully paid, calls as well), a geographic VoIP, and a 0845 VoIP, all wired into a Norstar so I can deal with any line from any room in house.
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: TheBoy on 03 September 2008, 08:22:41
Quote
I use it all the time, its very good as long as your connection is consistant and of good quality.  It doesnt need to be the fastest connection in the world its the quality of the line that is important.  Generally also if you using it on a wifi computer you generally have to have a slightly faster connection than if it were hardwired.

I have both using headsets on wireless computers and a dedicated Skype/Landline phone and they are both excellent.  I chat to the wife for hours when shes working in the states and it costs pennies!  Mobile phone costs esp in the UK can eat into your credit though  :'(

just my $0.02/min
How does that work then  :-/

100Mb ethernet will always be a million times better than current WiFi, and have lower latency (latency is the killer for VoIP)
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: TheBoy on 03 September 2008, 08:24:27
Quote
Quote
Quote
Is anyone using Skype? How is it?

I am trying to save some costs here and no line rental with unlimited calls (well, 10,000 minutes) to regular UK landlines for just over £2 a month looks very good ineed :)

In fact, so good there might be a catch?

Thanks in advance  :y

Ive got that package, and had no problems with it (however not used it much last month - forgot i had it tbh!)

PM me your tel number if you want a demo! ;D

Thanks for the comments. I have now ordered a wirelss handset:
One of these (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Linksys-Cordless-Dual-Skype-Phone/dp/B000MQQ0CY/ref=pd_cp_ce_1?pf_rd_p=136153791&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000KRN7T4&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1HT2GQRZ4HX7SXRCEV53)
And 3 months worth of the basic subscription
Skype - Unlimited Country (http://www.skype.com/intl/en-gb/allfeatures/subscriptions/europecountry/?country=GB)
On the face of it, a phone and line and calls for £20 plus £2 a month... Bargain.

Ian_D - will let you know when it's arrived and set up.

Thanks everyone  :) :) :) :y
Seeing as BT offer free evening and weekend calls to virtually anyone who wants it, an extra £1.95 a month to get same seems poor value - unless you are home during day.
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: Bandit127 on 03 September 2008, 08:40:00
Quote
Seeing as BT offer free evening and weekend calls to virtually anyone who wants it, an extra £1.95 a month to get same seems poor value - unless you are home during day.
I am having a fairly serious sort out of my money and I am chasing fivers down. Virgin TV and line rental (for a phone I use a few times a week) is quite a few fivers.

I don't need a phone line if Skype works, as I am on cable.

If Skype turns out to be unuseable as a main phone, I will have to bite the bullet and get BT.

I'm sure I will get the spelling right after using it for a while TB...
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: TheBoy on 03 September 2008, 08:44:58
Quote
Quote
Seeing as BT offer free evening and weekend calls to virtually anyone who wants it, an extra £1.95 a month to get same seems poor value - unless you are home during day.
I am having a fairly serious sort out of my money and I am chasing fivers down. Virgin TV and line rental (for a phone I use a few times a week) is quite a few fivers.

I don't need a phone line if Skype works, as I am on cable.

If Skype turns out to be unuseable as a main phone, I will have to bite the bullet and get BT.

I'm sure I will get the spelling right after using it for a while TB...
Ah, if you're cable, thats different, sorry.

Not sure if that law still exists whereby at least one phone in premises (that has a phone) must work in a powercut? Think they may have laxed that one.  Used to be the reason where if you had a cordless, you also had to have a wired phone (or latterly, battery backed cordless)...
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: Gaffers on 04 September 2008, 02:25:55
Quote
Quote
I use it all the time, its very good as long as your connection is consistant and of good quality.  It doesnt need to be the fastest connection in the world its the quality of the line that is important.  Generally also if you using it on a wifi computer you generally have to have a slightly faster connection than if it were hardwired.

I have both using headsets on wireless computers and a dedicated Skype/Landline phone and they are both excellent.  I chat to the wife for hours when shes working in the states and it costs pennies!  Mobile phone costs esp in the UK can eat into your credit though  :'(

just my $0.02/min
How does that work then  :-/

100Mb ethernet will always be a million times better than current WiFi, and have lower latency (latency is the killer for VoIP)

I know the theory but this is from experience  :y

Edit:  Thats what I was trying to say.  VoIP on wireless generally requires a faster connection than hardwired VoIP due to many various techy reasons  :y
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: Gaffers on 04 September 2008, 02:28:05
Quote
Quote
Quote
Seeing as BT offer free evening and weekend calls to virtually anyone who wants it, an extra £1.95 a month to get same seems poor value - unless you are home during day.
I am having a fairly serious sort out of my money and I am chasing fivers down. Virgin TV and line rental (for a phone I use a few times a week) is quite a few fivers.

I don't need a phone line if Skype works, as I am on cable.

If Skype turns out to be unuseable as a main phone, I will have to bite the bullet and get BT.

I'm sure I will get the spelling right after using it for a while TB...
Ah, if you're cable, thats different, sorry.

Not sure if that law still exists whereby at least one phone in premises (that has a phone) must work in a powercut? Think they may have laxed that one.  Used to be the reason where if you had a cordless, you also had to have a wired phone (or latterly, battery backed cordless)...

A pre-paid mobile?

You cant use skype for emergency calls either  :y
Title: Re: Skype?
Post by: SheWhoMustNotBeOUTBID on 04 September 2008, 07:32:10
Will have to ask Jue about skype.  I have a dect landline phone but cable system here but seem to remember he used skype on his cable system at his place.  NC myself unfortunately but need to look into it methinks.