Ever talk to someone on the phone and get that annoying echo? Is that VOIP and does anyone else hate this?

Question

What cause that stupid echo?

Answer 1

Like so may things, simple questions can have complex answers.

Short answer is:  It may well be VoIP, but may not be.

Echo has been around as long as "long-distance" telephone calling has been around.  It was usually caused by "mismatches" in the telephone circuitry and cross-talk on the long cable runs.  Solutions were implemented to remove most echo for most situations - but if there is problems along the line, it is still possible to have some echo - even on standard PSTN long distance calls.

These days echo is more common with VoIP because of lack of standards and the mix and match of configurations possible to achieve VoIP communications.  Because of unpredictable Internet routing, signals can be subject to significant signal propagation delays that contribute to echo.  Misconfiguration and/or malfunction of VoIP equipment can contribute to echo.  

Many things can contribute to echo.  You can't just blame it on anyone service provider or type of equipment.

Answer 2

use Skype.  it's a computer program (download it free) that works like a phone, and it's free if the other person has skype too.  you can call land lines for the local rate, even if u r calling overseas.  All you have to buy is a headset.  i think the website is skype.com