Internet Phone & Video Services
(i.e.,VoIP)
CAT Web Site: sir-web.org/computer/
Topics To Be Discussed

Landline alternative companies
◦ Examples:Vonage, Via:talk

VoIP Adapters (no or low monthly bill)
◦ Examples: MagicJack, netTalk

Computer based systems (softphones)
◦ Examples: Skype, Google Talk/Chat

Mobile phone based systems
◦ Examples: Truphone, Skype apps

Video & Conference Calling
Voice over Internet Protocol
VoIP – “Voice over Internet Protocol”
 Uses Internet rather than landline cable to
transmit voice and video signals
 Advantages of VoIP:

◦
◦
◦
◦
Lower cost (or free) phone service
Inexpensive domestic & overseas calling
Video calling capability
Phone & video conferencing
Telephone vs.VoIP Network
Public
Switched
Telephone
Network
VoIP
Adapter
Router
Internet
DSL
Modem
VoIP
Provider
VoIP Phone Systems
Unlimited free calling for domestic calls
 Typical free services:

◦
◦
◦
◦
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Voicemail
caller id
call waiting
online message playback
Etc., etc.
Low cost international calls
 Cost less than a standard telephone
landline

VoIP Connection Setup
Potential Issues with VoIP Phones
 Voice
signal quality
 Emergency 911 Calling
 Fax handling
 Retention of existing phone number
 Loss of AC power = Loss of phone
 Loss of Internet feed = Loss of phone
 Customer service
VoIP Phone Companies
Main advantage vs. other VoIP alternatives
 Business quality systems
◦ Better signal quality
◦ Better customer support
Main disadvantage vs. other VoIP alternatives
• Typically they are slightly mores costly
IP Phones vs. Adapters

IP Phones are specifically designed to work
with VoIP technology
◦ Ethernet ports to connect voice/data

Landline phones work with VoIP, if you use an
“Analog Telephone Adapter”
◦ Converts voice to VoIP call
◦ Can be used to connect to your existing phone
system
◦ Voice quality may not be as good as IP Phones
◦ Some features, such as caller ID, may not work
Leading VoIP Phone Companies
Vonage
 Lingo
 Voip.com
 BroadVoice
 ViaTalk
 AT&T U-verse
 Comcast Digital Voice
 Etc., etc. (100s)

VoIP Company Comparison
Company
$/Mo.
Setup
Comments
Vonage
$26
$0
Most popular VoIP, great call quality
Lingo
$10-22
$0
$10=250 min., $22=unlimited
Voip.com
$8.33
$0
One of the lowest cost VoIP
BroadVoice
$10
$0
Good for lot of international calls
ViaTalk
$11-17
$0
Long list of features
Skype
$3
$170
Pricey phone, no 911
AT&T
$31
-
Basic phone service for comparison
Internet Phones
Video Calling Systems (free)
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ooVoo
Skype
Yugma
Vbuzzer
Ekiga
TokBox
Eyejot
SightSpeed
Google Chat
Yahoo Messenger
AOL Instant Messenger
Video Calling Systems
Conference Call
One-on-One
Video Calling Comparison
Company
ooVoo
Skype
Yugma
Vbuzzer
Ekiga
TokBox
Eyejot
SightSpeed
Comments
Similar to Skype, desktop sharing, can join via browser
Most popular, easy to use, up to 640x480, 30fps
Focused on multi-users, desktop sharing & mark-up
Calling, faxing, video conferencing
Linux’s alternative to Skype, complete software
Simple & we-based, group conferencing up to 200
Browser based, spam-free, create/receive video
Excellent video quality but outdated interface
“Do it Yourself” Adapters

MagicJack Plus

netTalk Duo

Ooma

Obi w/ Google Voice

FreeTalk “Connect.Me”
MagicJack Plus

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Matchbox-sized device
Works as stand-alone device or via PC
Low cost: $70 + $30/yr after 1st year
Free USA calling, low cost international calls
You get a new phone number
Number porting available ($20 + $10/yr)
Portable: Use in hotel (need Ethernet cable
feed or laptop for Wi-Fi)
Smartphone app available
When buying- try to sell you “extra” services
Customer service is difficult to deal with
netTalk Adapter
•
•
Similar size & features to MagicJack Plus
Low cost: $70 + $30/yr after 1st year
•
Portable: Use in hotel (need Ethernet cable
feed or laptop for Wi-Fi)
Smartphone app available
Better customer service than MagicJack
• Free USA calls, low cost international calls
• You get a new phone number
• No number porting available
•
•
Ooma Adapter
Adapter box (not as small as MJ or NT)
 Different pricing ($200 + $3.78/mo. tax)
 Free USA calls, low cost international calls
 Can use landline as backup
 Number porting available ($40)
 Better voice quality than MJ or NT
 Smartphone app available
 Good customer service

Obi Adapter
Obi is an “Unlocked” adapter
 May be used with Google Voice
 Cost: $50 + $0/mo.
 Can handle 5 Phones (Ring Load)
 Smartphone apps available
 Another similar option to Obi: “VoSKY
Call Center”

VoIP Adapter Services
Feature
M. Jack
netTalk
ooma
Obi
Free calls to US & Canada
yes
yes
yes
yes
Free calls to identical devices
yes
yes
yes
yes
Voicemail to e-mail
yes
yes
no
yes
Free 411 Directory Assistance
yes
yes
no
yes
Enhanced 911 service
yes
yes
yes
no
Conference calling
yes
yes
yes
yes
Fax friendly
yes
yes
yes
no
Videophone capability w/ PC
no
yes
no
yes
Cost – Purchase device
$40/$70
$70
$200
$50
Cost – Per year (after 1st year)
$20/$30+
$30+
$45 tx
$0
good
good
best+
best-
Voice quality *
* Voice quality tends to be very subjective and depends on specific conditions
Calling Rates ($/minute)
Call to:
MagicJ
netTalk*
Google
Skype*
AT&T*
China
2¢
2¢
2¢
2.3¢
$3.49
France
2-18¢
3-22¢
2-10¢
2.3-21¢
$1.49
Italy
2-28¢
4-30¢
2-15¢
2.3-31¢
$1.49
Japan
2.5¢
4-19¢
2-11¢
2.6-18¢
$3.49
Thailand
10¢
9¢
2-3¢
6.5-12¢
$3.49
UK
2-23¢
2-25¢
2-10¢
2.3-26¢
$1.49
USA
0¢
0¢
0¢
2.3¢
39¢
* Calling plans available at a monthly fee that will reduce $/min. costs
CR Phone Service Ratings *
* Consumer Reports,
May 2011
VoIP Softphones
No adapter needed
 PC or smartphone app required
 Softphone examples:
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◦
◦
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AOL Instant Messenger
Google Chat/Talk
Skype
Windows Live Messenger
Yahoo! Messenger
Google, Google,
 Google Voice
- Phone mgt. system
 Google Talk
- PC app
 Google
Chat - Browser app
Google Voice
Unique & free phone management system
 Requires Gmail account
 Many of useful features
 You need to get a new phone number or
 Port one of your existing numbers ($5-10)
 No “911” access

◦ Use CallCentric for E911 service at $1.50/mo.

Excellent “User Quickstart Guide”:
www.uaf.edu/files/rural/GoogleTalk-Quick-Start.pdf
Google Voice Options & Features
Google Voice Lite (No GV# needed)
 One voicemail for all your phones
 Voicemail transcriptions & forwarded via e-mail/SMS
 Custom voicemail greetings
 Free domestic and low cost international calling
Full Google Voice
 Get a custom Google phone number
 Call forwarding
 Call recording
 Call blocking
 Conference calling
 Free SMS
Google Voice “Call Forwarding”
My Google Voice
number
Select phones
that you want to
have calls
forwarded to
Google Voice – Calls to You
Call to your
GV number
Public
Switched
Telephone
Network
Internet
Google
Server
Voicemail is stored &
available on GV Server
Google Voice – Calls from You
Domestic or
international
phone
Public
Switched
Telephone
Network
Internet
Google
Server
Google Talk
PC/Smartphone application
 Requires Gmail Account
 Features
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Voice calls (to friends online)
Instant messages (IM)
Transfer files
Leave voicemail messages
No video call capability
Google Chat
Browser application inside Gmail
 Requires Gmail Account
 Features
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Voice and video chat
Instant messages
Group chat
Phone calls to any landline or mobile phone
Local Number Porting (LNP)
Keep your existing phone number
 Cancel your land-line account
 Port all calls to this number at another phone
(VoIP or cell number)
 Some VoIP services require you purchase
LNP from them
 Cost: $6.99/month (typical)
 With LNP for VoIP phones, 911 Operators
may not automatically receive

◦ Calling phone number
◦ Calling location
VoIP Quality of Service (QoS)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Latency: Delays in transmission
Jitter: miss-timed info packets
Packet Loss: lost info packets
Router/Adapter “hang-ups”
Things you can do to improve QoS:
• Sufficient Internet bandwidth
• Enable “Quality of Service” setting on router
• Enable “Background Services” in Windows
• Computer firewall (“allow” VoIP access)
VoIP Quality of Service
Some VoIP systems are better than others
 VoIP techniques to improve QoS:

◦ Voice compression
◦ Wire-speed (prioritize voice packets)
◦ Adaptive redundancy (packets)

No “stand-out” best QoS winner but:
◦ Ooma gets generally good marks
◦ Although all systems have some bad reviews, they
all also have many satisfied customers
Test Your VoIP Quality
Web Site: myspeed.visualware.com
Call Quality Comparison
Skype
Skype
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Free voice/video calls to other Skype users
Maximum Video Resolution:
◦ VGA (640x480) at 30 fps (min. 0.5 Mbps)
◦ HD (1280x720) at 22 fps (min. 1.2 Mbps)
◦ Automatically optimizes video call quality
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Software on PC or Smartphone needed
Smartphone works via Wi-Fi or 3G/4G
Low cost fee to call non-Skype phones
Conference calling (up to 8 connections)
Can not call emergency numbers
Skype Video
FreeTalk “Connect.Me”
 Use
land-line phone for Skype calls
 FreeTalk “Connect.Me” adapter ($50)
 Also use your phone for landline calls
 Emergency 911: Available via Packet8
for $1.99/month
 All calls at Skype rates
◦ Unlimited domestic calling for $4.50/mo.
◦ Low international rates
FreeTalk “Connect.Me”
Skype
Router
Apple “Facetime”
iOS 4 Application (Apple)
 Free video calls between iOS4 devices
 Simple to use – Just like making any other
call from address book
 Video up to: 320 x 240 at 10 fps
 Both devices must be in a Wi-Fi area
 May be projected on HDTV via HDMI cable
or Apple TV “AirPlay”
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Mobile Phone Apps
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Use to make data-only phone calls (doesn’t
affect your “minutes”)
Use Smartphone to make free domestic &
low cost international phone calls
Apps available for:
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Vonage (audio)
Skype (audio & video)
ooVoo (video)
Paltalk (audio & video)
MagicJack (audio)
netTalk (audio)
Google Voice (audio)
Etc….
Google Voice on iPad
Use your Wi-Fi iPad to send/receive calls
 Need Google Voice account
 Must be in Wi-Fi area
 Two good apps:

◦ Talkatone (for voice) - free
◦ GV Connect (for voice, SMS integration) - $2.99

Free calls (no “plan minutes”) and low cost
international calls
Google Voice “Tricks”
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Friends/relatives in another state:? Get GV# in their
area code and forward calls to your home number
Tired of all your phones ringing simultaneously? Set
up specific times when each phone will ring
Send missed calls to your Gmail inbox so you don't
forget to call back
Record incoming calls by pressing “4”
Set your Skype Caller ID to your GV#
Switch phones while in a call: hit “*” , your other
phones will ring and then pickup another phone
Avoid cell phone “minutes”: Make your GV# one of
your “Top 5” or “Faves” and then use “Click2Call”
The End……………...
CAT Web Site: sir-web.org/computer/
Supplemental Information
Test your VoIP Internet connection quality:
myspeed.visualware.com or
bandwidth.com/tools/voipTest/
 Good VoIP comparison site:
www.voipreview.org
 Another VoIP comparison site:
www.whichvoip.com
 Google Voice “User Quickstart Guide”:

www.uaf.edu/files/rural/GoogleTalk-Quick-Start.pdf
Number Porting to Google Voice
This tutorial will guide you through the process of porting a non-mobile number to Google Voice. Once your
number is ported, you can eliminate the monthly fee and use this number on the OBi with Google Voice.
Since Google does not support porting non-mobile numbers to Google Voice directly, this requires a two-step
process that we will describe in greater detail below. In essence, you will first port your number to a mobile service
number and then the mobile service number (previously the original number) to become your Google Voice
number.
Important Note: Google Voice cannot be used to place or receive emergency services calls.
Requirements: An unlocked mobile phone (with SIM card access) and a pre-paid SIM card from T-Mobile available
here (link).
1.
Check if your number can be ported or transferred to T-Mobile. Click here to check.
2.
If your number is eligible for transfer, buy a prepaid SIM card from T-Mobile here (link)or at any authorized TMobile dealer. This will cost approximately $3 to $7. Select the image to the right to purchase from Amazon.
3.
When you receive the prepaid SIM card, activate the SIM card using the instructions included in the package. You
will choose a new (temporary) number and PIN. Insert the SIM card into an unlocked phone and a test call — call
in and out.
4.
Call T-Mobile's activation department at 1-800-937-8997. Request to port your old number to your new prepaid
SIM account.
5.
In 1 to 3 days, you will receive confirmation that the number port is complete, check to see that the number is
working properly — E.g. Your old number is now the mobile number.
6.
Go to your Google Voice account and request to port your T-Mobile number to Google Voice. The request to
port link is found in, "Voice Settings." Look for the "Change/Port" link (click here for example screen shot).
Google will charge a one-time fee of $20 for this service. You will need to provide your T-Mobile account number
which is your ported number, e.g. 1-xxx-xxx-xxxx and your PIN. Note: Use your newly ported, original number —
not the number you choose when activating the SIM card. Google will call the mobile number for activation
purposes, so be sure to have your unlocked phone in which you inserted the prepaid SIM card.
7.
In 1-3 days, Google will email you to confirm the porting is complete.
You may now start using your old number with Google Voice on your new OBi!
Google Voice Lite Voicemail Setup
Set up Google voicemail for your mobile number
Google Voice Lite lets you set up Google voicemail for your mobile phone number. This allows you
to have all your voicemail in one place, with transcriptions, access to your past voicemails, and
voicemail sharing options.
If you'd like to set up Google voicemail for your mobile number, follow the steps below:
1. Click the gear icon link at the top right corner of the page. gear icon
2. Click Voice settings.
3. Click Add another phone and enter a name and the number for your mobile phone.
4. Click Save.
5. You will be prompted to verify your phone number. Click Connect and Google Voice will call
your phone and you need to verify it by entering the code that appears in the 'Verify your Phone'
pop-up window.
6. Once you've verified your phone, you'll have to choose your mobile carrier from the drop-down
menu.
7. Follow the directions on the next screen and enter the code provided as if you were calling
someone. Press the 'Call' button on your phone to finish setting up Google voicemail for your
mobile phone.
If you need to deactivate Google voicemail for your phone at any time, click the Deactivate
voicemail link and follow the instructions provided.
Note: If you are having trouble configuring Google Voice as your voicemail service on Verizon you
can make the switch manually by dialing these three activation codes:

*71[Your Google Voice number]

*90[Your Google Voice number]
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*92[Your Google Voice number]
Google Voice Quick Reference