Post: #1

As someone who needs to constantly be on the phone and call the USA when abroad, does anyone have any new solutions for crystal clear call quality?

A while back Qwest posted a pretty interesting solution: /thread-12634-...#pid237501 but that was about a year ago.

I am not interested in hearing about Skype or any spotty methods to call your MOM once a month. I am more interested in ways to call the USA with a USA number for serious biz.

Anyone use anything good?

Post: #2

(04-24-2013 01:02 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  As someone who needs to constantly be on the phone and call the USA when abroad, does anyone have any new solutions for crystal clear call quality?

A while back Qwest posted a pretty interesting solution: /thread-12634-...#pid237501 but that was about a year ago.

I am not interested in hearing about Skype or any spotty methods to call your MOM once a month. I am more interested in ways to call the USA with a USA number for serious biz.

Anyone use anything good?

You can do this with Skype: http://www.skype.com/en/features/online-number/

Quote:Whether you're moving abroad, travelling, or simply need a global presence for your business, your Skype Number will ring wherever you are.

Post: #3

I do not recommend using Skype, the call quality is shit as every man and his dog is using it.

Definitely worth paying significantly more and getting better quality.

I use a service in the UK which is very good, I have an unlimited call package, but you'll probably want something US based

Post: #4

As someone who travels A LOT, I've found the easiest thing is to use is Vonage: http://www.vonage.com/

You just buy a little box and a phone at Best Buy, set up your account online, and choose a calling plan which can be changed at any time by going online. I travel with mine in my carry-on, gives me instant phone access wherever I go that has internet (ie, hotel or rented apt.). Gives you a US number that will ring anywhere as long as you have it hooked to high speed internet. So anyone who calls you from the states will just be dialing a US number and it will ring wherever you are. Very good quality and very cheap. There are European plans, South American plans, Asian plans... All your calls to the US are included in your monthly subscription fee (39 - 89 USD). Most calls to almost all the countries in your plan will be like $0.05/minute or included in your subscription, depending on your plan. Calls to mobile phones are charged a little steeper, but still are cheap, compared to making a regular international call (usually less than $0.25/min).

There are also mobile applications for smart phones that allow you to use local wi-fi spots to connect to the internet then make a VOIP call from your cell phone. Still good quality, but a little more pricey due to the use of the mobile network, but still waaaay cheaper than an international cell phone call.

Post: #5

Have you tried Google Voice?

You get an American number that you can hook up with a smartphone using the Google Voice app.

You can also use it with your gmail account and make/receive calls and texts using the gmail interface.

Works seamlessly and smoothly everytime.

Post: #6

(04-24-2013 02:11 PM)haywire Wrote:  Have you tried Google Voice?

You get an American number that you can hook up with a smartphone using the Google Voice app.

You can also use it with your gmail account and make/receive calls and texts using the gmail interface.

Works seamlessly and smoothly everytime.

This. I love GV. You can sync it with your cell phone number or create an entirely new number (with an area code you want). Free calls to US and Canada which is great for Montreal.

Post: #7

(04-24-2013 03:21 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  

(04-24-2013 02:11 PM)haywire Wrote:  Have you tried Google Voice?

You get an American number that you can hook up with a smartphone using the Google Voice app.

You can also use it with your gmail account and make/receive calls and texts using the gmail interface.

Works seamlessly and smoothly everytime.

This. I love GV. You can sync it with your cell phone number or create an entirely new number (with an area code you want). Free calls to US and Canada which is great for Montreal.

Ok, so how does this work (remember, I am a horrible at tech. It is amazing I even own a computer let alone am able to type on one).

Aren't you roaming when you are abroad?

Or are you calling thru the wifi in your apartment?

Can you guys break this down a little more for the resident tech idiot?

Post: #8

(04-24-2013 03:29 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

(04-24-2013 03:21 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  

(04-24-2013 02:11 PM)haywire Wrote:  Have you tried Google Voice?

You get an American number that you can hook up with a smartphone using the Google Voice app.

You can also use it with your gmail account and make/receive calls and texts using the gmail interface.

Works seamlessly and smoothly everytime.

This. I love GV. You can sync it with your cell phone number or create an entirely new number (with an area code you want). Free calls to US and Canada which is great for Montreal.

Ok, so how does this work (remember, I am a horrible at tech. It is amazing I even own a computer let alone am able to type on one).

Aren't you roaming when you are abroad?

Or are you calling thru the wifi in your apartment?

Can you guys break this down a little more for the resident tech idiot?

To get you started:

http://www.google.com/voice

Rates: https://www.google.com/voice/rates

Post: #9

(04-24-2013 03:29 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

(04-24-2013 03:21 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  

(04-24-2013 02:11 PM)haywire Wrote:  Have you tried Google Voice?

You get an American number that you can hook up with a smartphone using the Google Voice app.

You can also use it with your gmail account and make/receive calls and texts using the gmail interface.

Works seamlessly and smoothly everytime.

This. I love GV. You can sync it with your cell phone number or create an entirely new number (with an area code you want). Free calls to US and Canada which is great for Montreal.

Ok, so how does this work (remember, I am a horrible at tech. It is amazing I even own a computer let alone am able to type on one).

Aren't you roaming when you are abroad?

Or are you calling thru the wifi in your apartment?

Can you guys break this down a little more for the resident tech idiot?

Skype and google voice both work through the internet connection at your location when you are talking. At the other end the person typically will be on a cell phone or land line nowadays but that is changing.

Skype usually sounds MUCH better than a cell WHEN THE LOCAL INTERNET CONNECTION is good.

If you are somewhere where the internet is reliably fast, you may get better quality with Skype than a landline.

At this point any landline is going to be going through digitization anyway in inter-continental calls, the same process Skype does.

Post: #10

(04-24-2013 03:29 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  Aren't you roaming when you are abroad?

Or are you calling thru the wifi in your apartment?

Can you guys break this down a little more for the resident tech idiot?

Using GV relies on you having a data connection, which is either through wifi or through your cellphone provider. Bottom line is that you need to have data.

If you insist on having a US phone number (and thus you are not using a local SIM card), then you would be well advised to purchase International Data and Calling packages that allow you to use data.

Alternatively, you can of course buy a calling card and use that to call, and this will be much cheaper. You will always be limited by the call quality supported both by your phone and the cellular service where you are. Really the only "guarantee" of clear quality is to be on a landline or some kind of Cisco VOIP phone (or its equivalent), like you would find in an office.

Post: #11

(04-24-2013 03:29 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  Aren't you roaming when you are abroad?

Or are you calling thru the wifi in your apartment?

Can you guys break this down a little more for the resident tech idiot?

It doesn't matter whether you're roaming or not. All you need for GV to work is an internet connection, it could be wifi or a cellphone data plan.

GV is really smart - in countries where it's officially available, it makes the call by dialing a local number and not over the internet(thereby preventing loss of voice quality due to a bad internet connection).

The same GV account works on third party apps like Talkatone also, which makes all your calls over the internet.

Additionally it maintains all your calling/texting history. Your voicemails are sent to your gmail inbox. You can even record your calls. Overall a very well done product.

Post: #12

I appreciate it guys. But it didn't take too long to completely lose me.

I seriously don't understand this at all.

Is there a way to explain this step by step to someone who doesn't understand this sh*t.

Or am I just going to have to hire a tech guy to do this for me again?

Quote:Really the only "guarantee" of clear quality is to be on a landline or some kind of Cisco VOIP phone (or its equivalent), like you would find in an office.

How would I do that?

Post: #13

Vonage VOIP phone. Clear as a bell. Cheap. Even you could figure it out, G. It's a phone that plugs into a VOIP receiver/transmitter, that plugs into the internet port in the wall. Works the same as every other phone on earth after that.

Vonage Wifi application downloaded to your smart phone, lets you make VOIP (internet) calls from your cell phone as long as you have a wifi connection.

Post: #14

I'm so technologically de-vanced that I don't even own a smartphone.
That's why, when I want to call the USA/Canada, I just use Gmail. It's right in the sidebar, it's free, and the voice is always clear. However, "portability" (if that's what you're looking for) is limited if you don't have 4G.

Post: #15

Also, 4G is available internationally but it costs way more (like $60/month, on my Nexus 7) so if cost isn't an issue, it's easily the simplest way. just wear headphones.
.

Post: #16

(04-24-2013 03:39 PM)Menace Wrote:  

(04-24-2013 03:29 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  Aren't you roaming when you are abroad?

Or are you calling thru the wifi in your apartment?

Can you guys break this down a little more for the resident tech idiot?

Using GV relies on you having a data connection, which is either through wifi or through your cellphone provider. Bottom line is that you need to have data.

What you can also do with GV is have the app on your smartphone and use a local sim with data for your cell while in a foreign country. That way, you can still get calls to your GV number via 3G on your local sim. That's good for when you're on the go and still need to be reached or make calls from your GV number. At your crib in whatever foreign country you can use your laptop to make/receive calls to your GV number. I like how GV is incorporated into the Gmail interface.

Post: #17

(04-24-2013 04:18 PM)Dulceácido Wrote:  Vonage VOIP phone. Clear as a bell. Cheap. Even you could figure it out, G. It's a phone that plugs into a VOIP receiver/transmitter, that plugs into the internet port in the wall. Works the same as every other phone on earth after that.

Vonage Wifi application downloaded to your smart phone, lets you make VOIP (internet) calls from your cell phone as long as you have a wifi connection.

Ok this does sound like something I may be able to not f*ck up.

I just want something uncomplicated that I can plug in and it works perfectly.

You know, like how phones worked for that last 100 years or so. That is what I understand. Apps and all that sh*t loses me real quick.

Quote:It's a phone that plugs into a VOIP receiver/transmitter, that plugs into the internet port in the wall. Works the same as every other phone on earth after that.

So you would need a plug in a wall? If the apartment just has wifi, it won't work, correct?

Where do you buy this sh*t? Do you have a link to make sure I am buying the right one, and not ordering some Chinese dish with pork and noodles?

Post: #18

G I think you need to narrow it down to where exactly you will be when you need this. Wifi phone works but if your wifi sucks it won't. People call me at work on voice and it sounds like they're in China. A girl called me repeatedly from Italy while roaming on a us cell phone. My aunt calls from Greece on a landline and it's clear from a rotary phone.

Post: #19

The Vonage phone does not come with a WiFi adapter, but you can buy one separately.

So:
You need is a device called an Ethernet (LAN) Wireless Bridge, sometimes called an Ethernet Converter. Basically it is a wifi device that has an Ethernet port, so you can plug in something via a Wired Ethernet LAN cable. The Vonage devices use an ethernet cable to connect to the cable or DSL modem, so they can just plug into the Bridge and use a wifi network to access the internet instead.

All you have to do is set the bridge to connect to whatever wifi is available, then plug the Vonage device into the bridge with its LAN cable. Nothing to do or change for Vonage. Phone works just like a regular phone from 100 years ago after it is connected to the internet.

Buffalo Tech Airstation

Understanding Wireless LAN Bridges

There is also a way to use your computer's WiFi receiver to route the Vonage through, but that involves re-working your network settings, which I wouldn't recommend in your case. Just buy the adapter, but the information is on the web, if you prefer to do it. I have a friend that uses that exclusively and it works fine. But, there are very few hotels that don't have an ethernet plug-in or an adapter at the front desk for people who don't have WiFi capable computers.

As for the device and phone, you can pick them up at any Best Buy and most other computer stores... You can also purchase it directly from the Vonage site or through Amazon.com.

As for the extension to your mobile phone, it just requires that you have an existing Vonage residential account, then download the app to your smart phone. When you have a WiFi/3G/4G connection, just open the app and dial the number. Works like a regular cell phone at that point and the charges are charged to your Vonage account.

Highly recommend you browse The Vonage Home Site to get an idea of how easy it is.

There are no tricks or gimmicks to it. It's really easy.

An alternative would be The Magic Jack, which works very, very simply as well... Just plug into your USB port and plug the phone into it. I've used this, too and it works well, although I think Vonage is better.

Post: #20

I have used both MajicJack plus and Obihai OBI100/w a Google voice number. They are both super clear, and are inexpensive.

Post: #21

(04-24-2013 03:47 PM)haywire Wrote:  

(04-24-2013 03:29 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  Aren't you roaming when you are abroad?

Or are you calling thru the wifi in your apartment?

Can you guys break this down a little more for the resident tech idiot?

It doesn't matter whether you're roaming or not. All you need for GV to work is an internet connection, it could be wifi or a cellphone data plan.

GV is really smart - in countries where it's officially available, it makes the call by dialing a local number and not over the internet(thereby preventing loss of voice quality due to a bad internet connection).

The same GV account works on third party apps like Talkatone also, which makes all your calls over the internet.

Additionally it maintains all your calling/texting history. Your voicemails are sent to your gmail inbox. You can even record your calls. Overall a very well done product.

My Google Voice number is also my cell phone number (Sprint).

Although, I believe calling from the gmail interface is blocked out of the US/Canadia. Not sure, I'll have to look that up, last time I was using Skype.

HOWEVER, I was fully able to text people in the US using my google voice number (aka my cell phone number) while in Europe.

It was really great b/c I'd instantly get my voicemails and text people back. all free too.

I'll have to try that Dial out function with a local foreign cell number next time I'm out of the country.

Post: #22

I think Magic Jack is what you're looking for G. I don't know too much about it, but that's what my roommate in Colombia used and it seemed to be cheap with clear calls as if you were talking on a normal land line. Look into it.

Post: #23

Magic Jack is dicey.

(04-24-2013 05:49 PM)Dulceácido Wrote:  The Vonage phone does not come with a WiFi adapter, but you can buy one separately.

So:
You need is a device called an Ethernet (LAN) Wireless Bridge, sometimes called an Ethernet Converter. Basically it is a wifi device that has an Ethernet port, so you can plug in something via a Wired Ethernet LAN cable. The Vonage devices use an ethernet cable to connect to the cable or DSL modem, so they can just plug into the Bridge and use a wifi network to access the internet instead.

All you have to do is set the bridge to connect to whatever wifi is available, then plug the Vonage device into the bridge with its LAN cable. Nothing to do or change for Vonage. Phone works just like a regular phone from 100 years ago after it is connected to the internet.

Buffalo Tech Airstation

Understanding Wireless LAN Bridges

There is also a way to use your computer's WiFi receiver to route the Vonage through, but that involves re-working your network settings, which I wouldn't recommend in your case. Just buy the adapter, but the information is on the web, if you prefer to do it. I have a friend that uses that exclusively and it works fine. But, there are very few hotels that don't have an ethernet plug-in or an adapter at the front desk for people who don't have WiFi capable computers.

As for the device and phone, you can pick them up at any Best Buy and most other computer stores... You can also purchase it directly from the Vonage site or through Amazon.com.

As for the extension to your mobile phone, it just requires that you have an existing Vonage residential account, then download the app to your smart phone. When you have a WiFi/3G/4G connection, just open the app and dial the number. Works like a regular cell phone at that point and the charges are charged to your Vonage account.

Highly recommend you browse The Vonage Home Site to get an idea of how easy it is.

There are no tricks or gimmicks to it. It's really easy.

An alternative would be The Magic Jack, which works very, very simply as well... Just plug into your USB port and plug the phone into it. I've used this, too and it works well, although I think Vonage is better.

You just lost me again with all these bridges and stuff.

You might as well be asking me to engineer a nuclear rocket headed for Fort Knox.

Post: #24

1. Get Google Voice number at voice.google.com.
2a. Open laptop on wifi network at home. Go to voice.google.com OR
2b. Download and open Google Voice app on smartphone anywhere else.
3. Make call.

Google Voice gives you an American number, so you're dialing one US number to another. You set it to ring any other phone you already own. For instance, if my GV number is 000-000-0000 and my normal cell is 111-111-1111, I can forward the GV number through the program to dial the 111-1111 number. That way, when people call 000-0000 it rings on 111-1111 for me. In other words, when other people dial your US number, it calls your computer AND the phone you have it set to forward to. No roaming, no hassle.

Anyone have experience with getting a GV port to a foreign cellphone, though? That's going to change things.

Post: #25

You need to get some Asian kids to help you. They got me on the google voice and it just rings when I'm on a trip.

Aloha!