VOIP/Skype-like alternatives?
Jan 28, 2020, 12:35 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 356
VOIP/Skype-like alternatives?
Hi,
I'd appreciate suggestions for a voip/skype-like provider which would allow me to call landlines/mobiles at low rates.
I would either use the android built-in softphone or the provider's dedicated app (as with Skype),
Requirements:
reliable internationally (not just US-focused)
top-up credit does not expire or at least expires after a lengthy period
pay as you go plans, no need for a monthly subscription
Thanks
I'd appreciate suggestions for a voip/skype-like provider which would allow me to call landlines/mobiles at low rates.
I would either use the android built-in softphone or the provider's dedicated app (as with Skype),
Requirements:
reliable internationally (not just US-focused)
top-up credit does not expire or at least expires after a lengthy period
pay as you go plans, no need for a monthly subscription
Thanks
Jan 28, 2020, 12:43 pm
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,992
Hi,
I'd appreciate suggestions for a voip/skype-like provider which would allow me to call landlines/mobiles at low rates.
I would either use the android built-in softphone or the provider's dedicated app (as with Skype),
Requirements:
reliable internationally (not just US-focused)
top-up credit does not expire or at least expires after a lengthy period
pay as you go plans, no need for a monthly subscription
Thanks
I'd appreciate suggestions for a voip/skype-like provider which would allow me to call landlines/mobiles at low rates.
I would either use the android built-in softphone or the provider's dedicated app (as with Skype),
Requirements:
reliable internationally (not just US-focused)
top-up credit does not expire or at least expires after a lengthy period
pay as you go plans, no need for a monthly subscription
Thanks
Jan 28, 2020, 2:55 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
Google Voice does everything you want.
Calls to US/Canadian numbers are free. International rates are very low. You can use the Hangouts app in iOS, and I believe there are even tighter integrations with Android.
You can also pay a one-time $10 fee for a US number for people to call you at.
edit: int'l rates are higher than I remember but still low for wealthier/better connected countries.
Calls to US/Canadian numbers are free. International rates are very low. You can use the Hangouts app in iOS, and I believe there are even tighter integrations with Android.
You can also pay a one-time $10 fee for a US number for people to call you at.
edit: int'l rates are higher than I remember but still low for wealthier/better connected countries.
Last edited by gfunkdave; Jan 28, 2020 at 3:04 pm
Jan 28, 2020, 9:51 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,917
Hi,
I'd appreciate suggestions for a voip/skype-like provider which would allow me to call landlines/mobiles at low rates.
I would either use the android built-in softphone or the provider's dedicated app (as with Skype),
Requirements:
reliable internationally (not just US-focused)
top-up credit does not expire or at least expires after a lengthy period
pay as you go plans, no need for a monthly subscription
Thanks
I'd appreciate suggestions for a voip/skype-like provider which would allow me to call landlines/mobiles at low rates.
I would either use the android built-in softphone or the provider's dedicated app (as with Skype),
Requirements:
reliable internationally (not just US-focused)
top-up credit does not expire or at least expires after a lengthy period
pay as you go plans, no need for a monthly subscription
Thanks
Jan 28, 2020, 11:52 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 356
I didn't say I'm avoiding skype - I use it. As I've mentioned, I want a backup option. Just recently I needed to call internationally and out of nowhere I got an error message that my skype account has been blocked. This required a back-and-forth to their support and ~48h until resolved. Hence it seems prudent to have a backup option.
Jan 29, 2020, 12:13 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 356
Thanks.
From the Hangouts site:
"
From the Hangouts site:
"
- To receive phone calls, text messages, and voicemails in Hangouts, you need to set up Google Voice or a Project Fi account, which are currently only available in the U.S "
Jan 29, 2020, 8:23 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
Thanks.
From the Hangouts site:
"
From the Hangouts site:
"
- To receive phone calls, text messages, and voicemails in Hangouts, you need to set up Google Voice or a Project Fi account, which are currently only available in the U.S "
Else, for a more DIY approach you can use voip.ms. Cheap, lets you buy a la carte services, and you can use it with a SIP client you can download to your phone or computer.
Jan 29, 2020, 2:15 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,917
One of my former colleagues swear by Viber (makes lots of calls to the Middle East and Europe). I've never used them before (for me, Skype has worked about 99% of the time with the remaining 1% I've used normal LD calls... but the rates were built into the local SIM I'd be using) but it might be worth a shot
Feb 2, 2020, 9:16 am
#14
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Skymiles
Posts: 46
Silent Circles Silent World will fit your needs. I've used it worldwide without issues.
https://www.silentcircle.com/product.../silent-phone/
https://www.silentcircle.com/product.../silent-phone/
Feb 2, 2020, 12:24 pm
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,685
They get forwarded to whichever handset I am using. There is also quite a bit of control to the forwarding and other things you want to do. With an app installed on the handset, I can get SMS to my Canadian and US permanent numbers which used to be a wireless number.
When I started last year I ask user about the quality and they can't tell that it is ported and forwarded.
