What sort of restrictions do you have on calling? Is there only certain locations that you can call in the US? Is there a monthly fee? How do you set up an account? You mentioned something about being a beta tester for AT&T, is this included in the packaging and is this how you were able to make calls without charge(if there wasnt any charges)? If so, how long does this beta test last? Sorry about all the questions!
Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 16853 Location: New Jersey
Posted: Mon, 08 Dec 2003 19:03:45 Post Subject:
To IceNine... - yeah, I didn't want to reformat the table, but I don't like the image(s) either... Its actually three...
To lilricky... If you look at Vonage or Optimum Voice, their packages are about $34.95/month including the hardware and all the features such as voice mail, caller id, call waiting, call forwarding, conferencing.... Even at that rate, it is less then I spend on basic phone service and long distance.
Beta testers have no fees. Unlimited domestic long distance and local calls, with the same features... Not sure they are still taking testers, but this is the link: http://beta.ataclick.com/eligibility.htm Beta test runs through the end of Feb. 2004 _________________
Last edited by Jason on Tue, 09 Dec 2003 09:05:21; edited 1 time in total
Joined: 22 Aug 2003 Posts: 795 Location: Snohomish, WA USA
Posted: Tue, 09 Dec 2003 01:57:47 Post Subject:
Interesting review, as it points out some shortcomings of the AT&T setup (of course thats why they Beta test, to get the kinks out)
I know vonage does offer free 911-enhanced caller ID overlay, and has a reduced-quality mode to reduce the required bandwidth. most of the commerial plans offer free call everywhere in the US and Canada, with very reasonable overseas surcharges.
I was a little suprised to see you do a review at this point as the basic beta NDA state
"Treat the trial as confidential and abide by all confidentiality requirements in the trial Terms and Conditions (you will be presented with the Terms and Conditions when you sign up for the service).
"
I expect the phone cops (Men in Black) will be breaking down your door, and "disappearing" you, your family, your computer, and your porn collection shortly, Of course AT&T doesn't have the powers of abuse it did back in the good old days.
Joined: 11 Apr 2003 Posts: 79 Location: New Jersey
Posted: Tue, 09 Dec 2003 13:31:49 Post Subject:
I know you said the sound quality was good but you were essentially using 5900kbps, most people aren't connecting anywhere near that so how much do you think it will affect sound quality with a connection speed of 512?
Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 16853 Location: New Jersey
Posted: Tue, 09 Dec 2003 13:41:18 Post Subject:
I'd be interested in finding out, and thats why I mentioned my concerns about use on a low end dsl line. You have dsl... Can I come over and plug my box into your connection? _________________
Joined: 14 Jun 2003 Posts: 8224 Location: In the naughty zone
Posted: Tue, 09 Dec 2003 16:13:35 Post Subject:
You can easily run VoIP on a 512K connection (here at work some of our locations down in S. America are running less than that with VoIP across them). There are a lot of factors that will determine the quality of the sound. Bandwidth, Latency, Jittering just to name a few.
A lot depends on the equipment, and the compression that is used. We use 100% Cisco here, so I don't know how good the D-Link compression and routing work to compare the two. _________________ I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. - Oath of office of the President of the United States
"We spent 30 years digging ourselves into this hole. It won't be solved soon." - U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman
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