skype phone advice

[Paullas]

does anyone have a skype phone, and if so do they work in US, so can i call from us to uk and would that be free?

any info/advice much appreciate on packages/phones etc

 

[golddiggerguy]

PM sent hope it helps. Not quite Skype (better) but worth thinking about!

 

[Jeewhizz]

I've got the wifi belkin one, and as long as i'm near a wifi connection, I can make a call anywhere in the world

 

[golddiggerguy]

Hmmm......A wireless connection

1. thats not secured
2. cost free wireless (coffee shop)
3. your own internet connection

Otherwise it is an offence to borrow!
But yes do-able

Who's your VoIP provider JeeWhizz or you using skype credit?

 

[Paullas]

im looking for a cheap as poss solution for when im in florida to call uk..

 

[Admin]

I tried to buy a Skype phone a couple weeks ago in Florida, none of the stores had them. This is probably as the a good portion of Americans don't know anyone outside the US.

Skype will do the job but it's only free Skype to Skype.

 

[Paullas]

admin, so if i buy 2 skype phones over here and i goto florida i can call the person in uk for free on my skpye phone while im in florida?

 

[Admin]

yes you can, if they have a PC with speakers/mic you don't even need to buy the Skype phone. I talk to people all the time on my laptop with nothing plugged in.

It has a full screen video option too ;-)

 

[golddiggerguy]

I would say because it's out side the UK's network you would get charged for data (if you used a phone, pc different story) but would ask the question. Your not using a internet wireless connection it's a telephone data network so I'm unsure.

Be careful (using phones for data connections abroad) as I know someone who twice went abroad to use with a laptop and racked up bills with T Mobile of £1500+ for data. Left the blue tooth on all the time and windows decided it was time to download a 300mb + update oops

 

[Admin]

Skype uses the Internet (VOIP) you only get charged if you call a standard mobile or landline.

Of course if you use a connection to the internet that's chargeable that's different, you may as well call direct.

I talk to people in Canada, France and the US all the time Skype to Skype, no cost. Even if I call a landline in Canada, it's a fraction of the usual costs:

http://www.skype.com/intl/en-gb/prices/

 

[golddiggerguy]

Yeah it uses the internet. My point was how does the new Skype phones connect to the internet and outside of the UK is it chargeable as you'll be outside the UK 3 network.
Laptop and software totally different plot agreed it's the phones I would have my doubts on it been free.

 

[Admin]

The 3 phones are new to me, I don't know how they work but it seems they have a monthly charge.

I was thinking of the WIFI phones which use any internet connection. Most hotels in the US now have free WIFI

 

[golddiggerguy]

Yeah he would get stung for a data bill. I got a Skype phone and there broadband for 6 months for £21 month then I can cancel the phone and keep the broadband for only £7.50 a month for another 12 months.

The wireless voip phones would be a good option for Paul. I've used the SI-680H IP SIP Wireless VoIP phone and they are very impressive bit of kit and he would need a VoIP providers package.

 

[retired_member11]

I got the 3 Skype phone on a six month contract at GBP 15 pcm.

Skype works well in the UK but is not supported outside the UK. It will not work either when latched onto the 3 network in Ireland (and therefore probably wouldn't work either in Austria, Denmark, Italy or Sweden). This is odd because the phone rang when I was Skyped in Dublin but the call would not connect when I answered it. I suspect 3 deliberately blocks it to force you to roam to make and receive calls. I'm glad I was able to get the six month contract.

The handset is fine, but the camera is very limited. You can't see anything on the screen in bright sunlight, and there is no zoom either - crap.