Voip requires a continious broadband connection, a service provider and only works when the "modem" is connected to the broadband connection. It acts more like a fixed landline. I currently have Comcast and Vonage providing me three lines into our house. Vonage is cheap ($25 unlimited, $15 limited), but then you have to have the broadband service. Skype is another service I've heard of, but don't know anything about it.
You might want to consider a pay-as-you-go cell phone to use during your stay. You can get basic phones for almost nothing and just pay for the minutes used. Last week my regular cell phone bit the dust, so I went to AT&T got a "free" phone after I bought $25 of time, 100 minutes of use. I can buy more time if necessary and the minutes are good for 3 months from date of purchase.
As mentioned in the earlier post, you need a very good broadband connection for VOIP to work. I have a Vonage account, not as my main line but just as second for my office. I am using their USB phone adapter that plugs in your computer and does not require a modem so you have great portability with it. The software with it allows you to make calls by typing the phone number on your computer keyboard.
Again, you will need a strong connection.
I too would look at a cell phone service that you can pay as you go.
Thanks for the info. I will get a pay and talk in the US and I will check out the Vonage. I plan to use Wifi in the parks we stay in for the connection. I hope that will be fast enough!
A word of warning. I've had VOIP for the last couple of years with a company named Sunrocket. They just went bankrupt (they were the second largest privately owned company behind Vonage). Fortunately, I came out OK, but many people lost their years subscription (and their money) so be careful. I just switched to Vonage and will hope for the best. Good luck!
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We Travel Supremely in our '03 Select
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If you have a PC, I would advise signing up with Skype, in order to set up your VOIP and try it out. I bought the minimum $10 in minutes (IIRC, 2.5 cents per minute) This is for outgoing calls, an incoming number costs more. Once set up and working, you can decide if you want to spend more to have an incoming number.
I use Vonage at home, and also use their softphone. Skype is for my Axim handheld, on which my Vonage softphone will not work correctly. Either will work with wireless with good quality. (***Vonage softphone is an "add on" and requires a full Vonage account in service***)
Whatever service you use, a digital handset or headset is recommended for voice quality and to bypass your onboard (analog) PC sound card. I use a CyberPhoneK USB handset with my PC and a Plantronics earbud/boom mike with my Axim. Both work with excellent voice quality. Most VOIP problems with a PC are caused by feedback (trying to use the PC speakers) and lagging caused by using the onboard sound card.
For general info, check out the Vonage Voip Forum for tips. For softphone info, use the "forum Community" link on the left and select the softphone forum from the flip down menu.
* This post was
edited 07/23/07 12:43am by Pepperoni *
Here's what I installed just this week into my TT to get WiFi enabled VOIP service, in the order it's connected:
-8dbi (high-gain) Wifi antenna mounted on roof of TT
-Linksys WET54g wireless bridge (scoops up signals from WiFi in the area)
-Primus' supplied Dlink DVG-1120M VOIP bridge
--this device will allow you to connect up your laptop to it, also acts as a firewall
I have used this solution before for VOIP but without the antenna and WET54g bridge. As long as you aren't downloading massive files while on the phone, it works well.
They have a web interface that allows you to manage the phone and voicemails and such as well.
I use this phone anywhere I can get an internet connection. The fees are reasonable, and I turn on and off the service as required - their cancellation fees are also reasonable (unlike Vonage) and no contract is required.
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Cruisin' together wrote: Thanks for the info. I will get a pay and talk in the US and I will check out the Vonage. I plan to use Wifi in the parks we stay in for the connection. I hope that will be fast enough!
Thanks again.
Dennis
You RARELY will get a strong wifi signal in any campground. Even if it's strong, the connection is pretty slow -- campgrounds are not going to pay a lot extra cash for a fast internet connection. I think you'll be quite disappointed using campground wifi for VOIP communication.
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You RARELY will get a strong wifi signal in any campground. Even if it's strong, the connection is pretty slow -- campgrounds are not going to pay a lot extra cash for a fast internet connection. I think you'll be quite disappointed using campground wifi for VOIP communication.
DSL is DSL. Yes, there are varying speeds but generally more than enough for a voice connection provided the other loads in the campground aren't too heavy.
The WiFi I am siphoning from right this minute is 800kb up and 800kb down. It is from a rural ISP and is provided to the CG wirelessly. I make phone calls without a problem.
Lingo We've had them for 2 years... works great and you can change the up/down speed requirements from 90k to 30k. This allows you to use the system in more places. Never had a problem. I have an F2 Motosat satellite system for our business, it works very well!
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