VoIP as Vonage & Skype

Vyke VoIP

noreply@blogger.com (VoIP Administrator) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 02:30:00 +0000

Windows based cellular phones now have another program providing VoIP service.

to be continue.

VoIP Phone Service and / or Local Phone Service

noreply@blogger.com (VoIP Administrator) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:55:00 +0000

I find myself in the market for new VoIP phone service after moving around like a gypsy for the last four months. A strong advocate for VoIP digital phone service, AT&T is tempting me to go without VoIP. Why? They're going to give me local phone service for (almost) free. Technically I will pay about ten dollars for the phone line and all associated fees. Practically, I only pay a dollar or two because the price is my digital subscriber line is lowered below advertised rates when I combine both services.

Basic telephone service is not digital phone service. Heck, its barely phone service; it would only be used to receive incoming calls from my grandparents and a as a backup line in case of emergency. I will be unable to pick up the phone and call most of my contacts. I'm afraid to call those local geographically in case my connotation with local differs from AT&T's view of local. If I go with this set-up, it's certainly in my best interest to call for a clear understanding of the local calling map and place a summary on a post-it on the back of my phone--noone wants overage fees.

This is a draft / work in progress.

FCC Vote Should Grow VoIP

noreply@blogger.com (VoIP Administrator) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:31:00 +0000

Did you hear about the other vote scheduled for Tuesday, November 4th? The FCC unanimously decided to allow bidding on white spaces, i.e. free portions of wireless spectrum. While most spectrum is used to broadcast television signals, this newly available spectrum is expected to bolster the functionality of wireless devices by providing for stronger Internet signals (VoIP cellular phones hello!). Its also widely understood that tech giants Google, Microsoft and Motorola will invest heavily into this new arena. New investments are certainly a friend to a slowing economy and those suffering as a result. Someone explain that to those opposed to the FCC's course of action. Opposition includes Dolly Parton (yes, that Dolly Parton), casinos and a variety of groups with a financial interest in performance, sports and entertainment broadcasts.

PC World has a good piece summarizing the issue.

iSkoot and T-Mobile's G1, A VoIP Cell Phone Breakthrough

noreply@blogger.com (VoIP Administrator) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 06:03:00 +0000

Thanks in part to iSkoot for Skype, the VoIP cell phone movement I've longed for (along with Mark Evans) is finally here. iSkoot's app makes T-Mobile's G1 cell phone the latest hand-held that can be used to make VoIP calls. Written for Android, Google's open source mobile platform, iSkoot lets users make cell phone calls using the Skype interface.

iSkoot for Skype is available for free in the Android Market, Google's answer to Apple's App Store. There is no service fee for using iSkoot, although normal cell phone usage rates apply. Users will find this app most beneficial when making international calls with SkypeOut. Paying the low rates charged by SkypeOut essentially functions as workaround to avoid traditional, outrageous, international cellular rates.

Unlike Fring and Truphone for the IPhone, Wi-Fi isn't required to talk with iSkoot for Skype. A mobile data subscription, however, is needed to update buddy lists. Any messages sent in chat rooms are billed as text messages.

Combining Skype with the high-profile G1 could prove to be a coup for all parties involved, including: T-Mobile, Google, Skype and iSkoot. Having been publicly available for only a few days, time will tell whether users flock towards this killer app.

Vonage's Doomsday Scenario

noreply@blogger.com (VoIP Administrator) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 04:54:00 +0000

Have you considered the impact of the current financial meltdown on VoIP service providers? What's frustrating to some is that the shares of companies with strong market share, healthy profits and lots of cash are plummeting along with the the shares of much weaker companies. What about those weaker companies? What will happen to them?

Vonage is at a critical moment in its history. As of Friday, October 10th, anyone with a desire to invest in Vonage could purchase a share for $.62. Yes, sixty-two cents...USD...less than the cost of a McDonald's cheeseburger! When Vonage had its IPO a couple of short years ago its stock debuted at $17 (The company was quickly sued by investors who felt defrauded after the share price sank within the first week). At just three percent of its original value, Vonage has yet to produce a profit. Is this is a big deal? Well, no and yes. A few years in the red is not a big deal for a well-funded company with a good product / service and strong management. Vonage posted a mere $6.88 million quarterly loss in June, approximately a tenth of its average quarterly loss in fiscal 2007. Things are different, however, in today's helter skelter markets. As nervous investors shy from (unproven) stocks in favor of safer holdings, including certificates of deposits and money market accounts, how will Vonage find the capital necessary to keep afloat?

Vonage faces potentially fatal blows from investors and large competitors. First, large shareholders (hedge funds and mutual funds) could short the stock then sell it en masse, further depressing stock values and causing additional sell-offs. This could make Vonage an attractive take-over candidate. There is also the issue of a $253 million survival loan reportedly needed to continue operations. Vonage better hope Paulson forces banks to lend bailout / rescue money that's meant for distribution throughout the economy.

Second, larger competitors could decide they've had enough and start a price war. If Vonage refuses to decrease its VoIP service prices it would likely lose many price conscious customers (Isn't that just about all of us these days?). Matching a price cut would probably prevent the exodus of a significant percentage of customers to competition, but would also present its own problems. Vonage cannot afford to lower its VoIP telephone service revenue as long as Comcast, which could rely on a diverse group of services to maintain normal business operations and profitability (in June Comcast posted quarterly net income of $632 million).

Vonage's focus on one specific service also presents a challenge when compared to competitors who can fulfill more than one customer desire. Competitors like Verizon and Comcast bundle VoIP phone service along with cable / satellite television, Internet access, and cellular phone service. Starting at $99, these packages are especially attractive tempting since telephone and cable can easily cost more than $99 per month.

Vonage must deliver strong service and innovation if it wants survive...let alone thrive. What should it do? Come back later to find out.

note - I do not own a financial interest in individual stocks of Vonage or any other VoIP service providers.

Tech Mash-Up

noreply@blogger.com (VoIP Administrator) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:58:00 +0000

No more Seinfeld?

The New York Times published an article today surrounding the Microsoft response to the Apple ads. Apparently the folks at Microsoft and their ad agency is going to step up their efforts to portray PCs in a better light. They will do so by featuring everyday people speaking about themselves and how they enjoy using a PC. Producer Pharrell Williams is one of a handful of celebrities who will make appearances, in addition to the "normal people." As talented as he is, I just hope the commercial doesn't feature a new Pharrell beat that I have heard ten times before...from other Pharrell work. I am interested in whether these ads will take a negative note and throw a few jabs at Apple.

The New, New, New Blackberry

Research in Motion (RIM) has created a new BlackBerry device, the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220, that is different and unique from probably every Blackberry available in today's market. How different can it be? How about a flip phone. The RIM flip has a large screen, and a stylish granite-like base. Similar to its BlackBerry Pearl cousins, users get a Qwerty keypad with each button holding two letters, instead of three. Blackberry has been king of email devices for a long time. A sign of class, the unit display looks like a digitalized analog watch when closed. Apple, Sprint and Palm work on touch phones to help grow their market share, RIM is working to grow its own share by reaching out to those tired of the same old new BlackBerry units.

More to come tomorrow. Thanks to Beck who inspired this mixed post by sharing his idea of musical mash-ups as performed by his band.

Microsoft Advertising Response to Apple is Confusing

noreply@blogger.com (VoIP Administrator) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:38:00 +0000

I do not understand Microsoft's approach to its new advertising campaign. I certainly understand the need for new a response, given Apple's creative, light, fun and effective campaign. Apple has made fun of Window's problems with Vista bugs, confusion over which Vista system is appropriate, resetting issues, problems connecting peripherals, viruses, lack of innovation, customer frustration questioning, etc.

Why hire Jerry Seinfeld who isn't quite as popular as he was a dozen years ago And who is known for anything tech? Why does not say something good about a specific attribute of Windows? A computer that you can eat like cake as you use it? Huh?

I respect Microsoft not getting sucked into a need to smear, compare itself to, or even mention Apple...but I do not understand what they hope to achieve with this ad campaign. After purchasing my iMac I felt better and better about my purchase when I watched silly PC and his antics in the Mac ads. Do any Windows users feel the same with these ads?

View the Mac ads here.

Touch But Don't Always Communicate

noreply@blogger.com (VoIP Administrator) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:42:00 +0000

Although the iPod touch is a strong product, it unnecessarily leaves something to be desired with regards to communication. Apple, who we rely on to provide innovative new products for the masses, missed a golden opportunity with regards to Internet connectivity. Everyone knows that AT&T has an exclusive deal on the iPhone in America, making it unlikely iPod touch purchasers could use their product to speak with others. However, because the touch relies on Wi-Fi to connect to the Internet, you may be unable to take take advantage of wireless access depending on your individual circumstances.

One feature Apple touts proudly is the ability to access the Internet via a wifi connection. This is fantastic, in and of itself. If you're at home and do not have a computer, or in a coffee shop or some other Wi-Fi hotspot, the touch's Internet connectivity is invaluable. With Apple's Safari browser and Mail email program, this is a great computer-light/like device. As such, the touch cost efficient, switches quickly between programs and delivers superior sound and video.

The Wi-Fi only connection is not always a good thing and potential customers who are heavy Internet users should take note. If you're lost and need a map or at work and want to access your personal email account then your chances of finding a connection are improbable. (if you really are lost you can drive around and search for unsecure networks to "share"...and no, its not always that simple). I want my Internet access. I am not a fan, nor have I ever been a customer, of AT&T. I do wish there was an option to subscribe to AT&T's 3G network for consistent data access. Any

Apple toys with our desires by advertising the Touch as an Internet device. Maybe Apple will add an option for Internet subscription service with future models. Then again, I just knew Ipods would include an fm tuner by now.

You can read an interesting article on the inability to use VOiP with the touch at Mark Evans' blog, www.MarkEvansTech.com.

Have Cellular Service Companies Colluded?

noreply@blogger.com (VoIP Administrator) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:52:00 +0000

I have always wondered whether something funny is going on between large cellular companies. I find it odd that each major cellular carrier offers one, and only one, great feature: AT&T offers Rollover Minutes that don't expire, Verizon offers a huge network with unlimited "IN" calls, T-Mobile provides an abundance of anytime minutes for relatively low rates, Sprint-Nextel offers Direct Connect, Alltel provides unlimited communications with My Circle and My Cirlce message packs. Is there pact not to tread too far into the competition's territory?

Things have changed some. Verizon tried to compete with Sprint-Nextel by offering Push-to-Talk, a feature aimed at businesses that offers instant communication. Verizon's version doesn't seem to have the same pizazz as Nextel's...but at least they tried. T-Mobile's myFaves has been heavily advertised, especially during the NBA season. This has myFaves and the Fav 5 has done so well that the Saturday Night Live crew decided to make fun of families dealing with Fav 5 issues. Time will tell just how well Verizon and T-Mobile will do by opening things with these offerings.

Why doesn't anyone try to dominate and offer an additional cant lose feature? T-Mobile's myFaves is as close to the jugular as it gets. Being more aggressive could result in a feature war where everyone loses profit margin, which no major company is interested in.

Note 1 - Metro PCS is certainly an exception, although I'm not sure how well known they are on a national scene.

Note 2 - To be clear, I have NO PROOF of, nor am I accusing anyone of, collusion or any other wrongful behavior.

Metro PCS Cell Phones...The Cheap Cellular Savings Savior?

noreply@blogger.com (VoIP Administrator) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:44:00 +0000

Have you heard of Metro PCS? Its the most intriguing cell phone company currently in the market. With unlimited calling plans starting at $40 and unlimited (calls / texts / browsing / emails) for only $50, its within your financial best interests to find out more.

I first heard of this company while riding from the Columbus airport en route to Dayton, Oh. The billboard boasted unlimited calling, local and long-distance, for only$40 per month. An amazing price for Ohio residents, but this would never work in Southern California where companies charge a premium for everything. Well, I've seen a few Metro PCS commercials advertising the same deal in Los Angeles. With no contracts and packages including unlimited calling and data for half the fee charged by others, why would anyone stay with their current cellular provider?

Full Price and Limited Options

Phone selection may leave something to be desired. A visit to metropcs.com two months ago revealed only six different phone models, including one offering a Qwerty keyboard. While researching and editing this article I learned that ten phones are now offered, including the Motorola KRZR. Their smart phone offerings are still limited but will probably grow with time. There are currently no RIM Blackberrys, Palm Treos, Motorola Qs, or touch-screen devices available.

You must pay the listed price for the phone. Unlike other (larger) carriers Metro does not subsidize the price of the phone in part or in whole. This is a direct consequence to the unique business model of not locking in customers with two year agreements that include liquidation clauses. Each approach has its positives and negatives. Its up to you to decide which approach you are most comfortable with.

Services

Metro PCS doesn't offer cable television options like Verizon or a walkie-talkie like Sprint-Nextel. It does, however, include unlimited directory assistance and instant messaging (for the $45/mo plan. Hello T-Mobile. A text message is not the same as sms and SHOULD NOT be billed the same way. SMS / text message fees are exorbitant as it is. There is no reason to charge upwards of fifteen cents or more for a ten kb message!). This is in addition to affordable (and unlimited) voice, text and email service.

When Can / Will I Join?

I want to give Metro a chance as soon as I am able. I checked the coverage map and if it appears that coverage is strong in my part of the world. I called my cellular provider, who I am satisfied with, to find out when my contract ends. Concerned that I am planning to leave whem my term ends in January, the rep did her best to appease me. They offered to alter my plan by allowing me to keep approximately the same minutes and lowering the price of my voice service by twenty percent. In order to take take advantage of this offer, however, I would be required to extend my contract a year-to-date. Thanks but no thanks.

Connect to the Internet for Cheap -- Share (and Save) Now

noreply@blogger.com (VoIP Administrator) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 19:48:00 +0000

With the popularity of the wireless Internet set-up, why do so many of us make our network secured? Is the concern that great the someone will happen to find the unsecured network and use it to attack the computers using it? Perhaps most are worried that some uninvited guest will freeload and hog the bandwidth provided by their high-speed ticket to entertainment. One thing is for sure--it keeps ISPs happy with more customers than they would otherwise have.

What about sharing a connection with your neighbor? It would reduce your costs by half and, depending on your connection and your neighbor's usage, you will not notice a difference. Please consult your ISP's Terms of Service agreement before doing this.

Let's Share the Internet

Choosing My Internet telephone Provider

noreply@blogger.com (VoIP Administrator) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:16:00 +0000

I am moving in the near future and have a decision to make with regard to my home telephone.

I'm not interested in only using a cell phone. Cell phones are great. I manage to stay within my minutes and my wireless ear piece makes life easy. I don't know how good my reception is in my new place and my ear feels funny (slightly painful) after wearing the ear piece for a while. Its not the cartilage though, its something on the inside. Either way, my home phone has never made the inside of my ear hurt.

This will be a careful selection. I don't want the packaged 3-in-1 service offered by cable companies, nor do I want the same fate of SunRocket customers, with the company I choose closing abruptly. To help with my search, I've created a list of criteria I will consider when making my choice. I invite you to comment if you have VoIP tips or any other suggestions (no, this is not an invite to spam). My list goes as follows:

4 - Recommendation - Personal recommendation. Gonna talk to some friends. Do any of my even friends use VoIP?

3 - Promotions - Are they offering any discount, free or significantly discounted hardware? Free is always the right price.

2 - Feedback - I want to see what customers have said, good and bad. Negative comments stand out more than positive comments. The existence of complaints and unhappy customers doesn't bother me. Its impossible to please everyone and some people are quite unreasonable. I am interested in how consistent and widespread complaints are. That should tell me something about the company.

1 - Feel - Do I like the site? Its a technology company after all. Does it run like a legitimate business? Does the company have good ideas? An example of a non-phone related company with a really bad idea is Starbucks. Do you ever wonder who at Starbucks was cocky enough to think its a good idea to have store across the street from each other? I surely do...because it makes no sense. As expensive as is it to invest in the hardware / backbone necessary to run an Internet telephone service, I want to make sure the company I choose will be around.

Wish me consistently clear calls.

Vonage Subscribers Rejoice

noreply@blogger.com (VoIP Administrator) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:11:00 +0000

A few days ago Vonage and Comcast came to an agreement for "reasonable network management" re VoIP services, prompting many to wonder why such an agreement was needed in the first place. Accepting the fact that Comcast will do what it can to protect the transfer of Vonage customer packets, ie your calls, does that give Vonage a slight advantage over its competitors?

If I were a Comcast customer for Internet access, but a VoIP customer of Viatalk, At&t CallVantage, etc, I would have a huge problem. I would suggest contacting Comcast if you fit this description.

What's the deal with high speed service providers? First we here of penalties for customers who overuse bandwidth, without being told how much bandwidth equates to overuse. Now we learn that Comcast may not use "reasonable network management" for VoIP files within their system? Come on. A little service anyone?

Congrats to Vonage for being awarded its first patent (for transmitting calls from virtual numbers to actual phone numbers).

noreply@blogger.com (VoIP Administrator) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:19:00 +0000

Have some experience with both Vonage and Skype. My daughter uses Vonage and has been real happy with it. I use Skype for my internet businesses and don't need a 911 service and have been real pleased with it.

noreply@blogger.com (VoIP Administrator) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:04:00 +0000

What is the largest bill you've ever had on your home phone? Has your phone company historically been quick to help you when you had a complaint or problem? Would you consider your phone company an innovator? Does your phone company have a clue with regards to what innovation means? Have you seen changes in customer service or innovation since the advent and popularization of internet phone services such as Vonage and Skype? Just as I thought. This blog will serve as a companion to the Vonage phone services cheap phone service site. While the site will provide general company background, cost comparisons and consumer focused articles, this blog was created to discuss computer phone issues and news stories, to provide links, resources and tips aimed to help consumers. Constructive reader comments and questions are allowed and encouraged. Welcome. Thanks for visiting. I hope you feel the need and have the desire to return.