Voice over IP

VOIP How to - Beginners 

VOIP - general info 

VOIP too tough to use in Australia. March 2005  Includes links to some Australian Providers.

VOIP Equipment

Linksys 

Netcomm V100 ATA  Around AUD100. Connects to ethernet and has a standard phone socket so an ordinary analogue phone can be used with VOIP providers.

Harris Technology VOIP equipment  Lists VOIP equipment and prices in AUD at Harris Technology.

VOIP Equipment from Dlink (Australia) 

VOIP Australian Providers

faktortel 

Engin 

Sensis search for VOIP Providers in Australia with additional world links.

Skype

Review Linksys skype phone - CIT200 (2005) 

Netgear Skype Phone  But note: Q: Can I use the NETGEAR Skype Wi Fi Phone at any Wi Fi hotspot?

A: The Skype Wi Fi phone does not contain a web browser therefore can not access hotspots that require web-based login or authentication.

Netgear TA612V  Provides ports for connection from broadband modem, one ethernet port, phone and fax ports.

Philips VOIP Phones  Includes two skype-enabled products which were recommended to me. More Details here.  I have purchased this product: my experiences with it

Skype Accessories Shop 

DLink VOIP phone can be used for Skype.  Does not require a computer when being used. 

Skype Costs - Australia

During January 2007, Skype introduced a connection fee for skypeout calls, currently AUD0.059

Per minute skypout cost AUD0.027 and mobile AUD0.264. The per minute fee is charged on minutes or parts so a 1 minute 3 second call is billed as lasting 2 minutes.

LASER USB VOIP Phone for Skype:

I have purchased one from Harvey Norman (during 2006) for AUD40. It is like a mobile phone with USB cable attached. It is a Laser USB VOIP phone.  Some details here. A wireless version was available for around another AUD20.

Installation was a simple 3 step affair:

1. Check that skype is installed and online.
2. Attach the USB Phone
3. Install the supplied Skypemate software.

The phone has a display screen which seems only to display the date, a speed dial or skypeout phone number being dialled. Otherwise the onphone keys control the computer screen skype display:

• Left and Right arrow move from one tab to another of the skype window.
• Up and Down keys cycle through say your list of contacts.
• Green phone key connects to current active contact etc.
• Red phone key ends the call.
• Music key changes ring tone.

Controlling the Skype interface via the phone pad is maybe easier than controlling it from the computer keyboard.

Skype Echo Problem

Have had truncated echo problems when using the Laser USB VOIP Phone -

There is some info about echo problems Here