What is your experience with VOIP overseas?

Question

Have you used VOIP while OVERSEAS? NOT in the US. Here is my experience: I have used vonage for a year while in the US, took it with me to europe and the service was just horrible. Could not work. I've used skype which is so-so. I would like to find something more reliable, any suggestions? I know about Magic Jack,but am hesitant to try it due to the numerous complaints.

Any OTHER suggestions? Thank you very much!

Answer 1

Have you upgraded to Skype version 3.8?  This is the latest version and it has vastly improved voice quality and reliability over older versions.  I am in Canada, and have very good results talking to my brother in New Mexico with Skype.

You may also want to check out Efonica.  They have offices in Dubai and New York.  I have found it to have good quality.

As far as SIP-based VoIP phone services, you may want to try CallCentric or InPhonex.  I use them both, with good results, on my user configurable (unlocked) Linksys PAP2T-NA VoIP adapter from Canada.  CallCentric provides DID's (phone numbers) in over 30 countries around the world.  So, I don't see why they wouldn't have good results from overseas to North America.

As far as ATA's, the Linksys SPA-2102-NA may be more user friendly to self-configure, as it includes a NAT-Router and 2-Line ATA in one box.

CallCentric and InPhonex are BYOD (bring your own device) and Pay-As-You-Go services.  So there are No Contracts or commitments.

Also, CallCentric provides a free downloadable preconfigured softphone to test on your PC, before trying a ATA.

Just remember when using softphones on your PC, make sure Windows Firewall isn't blocking the application from accessing the Intenet.  As well, SIP-based VoIP services will need ports 5060-5063 "Port Forwarded", or "Triggered" through your NAT-Router firewall.

As well, Linksys ATA's require SIP ports 5060 UDP and RTP ports 16384-16482 UDP to be forwarded through your NAT-Router.  Other wise, you will likely have problems with VoIP.  Port blocking is one of the biggest reasons of poor VoIP quality. (along with poor Internet connections)

Answer 2

http://www.intervoip.com/en/