VoIP Phone

I have been experimenting with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol – internet phone) over the last few days and having a great time with it.

I’ve tried Skype which lets you call other Skype users anywhere in the world free of charge.

I’ve also just signed up with Engin and have been making untimed calls anywhere in Australia for 10 cents a call! My boss is looking at using Engin for our phone system, and I volunteered to test it. Since we are in different locations, we can make internal calls between us on Engin free of charge 🙂

To use VoIP you need:

(1) a broadband connection (ADSL or cable),
(2) a headset/microphone for your computer and
(3) a VoIP provider (like Skype, Engin or other).

With Skype, you just download some free software onto your computer, and it works in a similar way to chat programs like MSN or ICQ.

With Engin you have the option of buying voice box equipment which converts your regular phone to the service; or you can download a software version which works like Skype.

I am doing this over a 512/128kbps ADSL connection and experiencing fair to excellent audio quality. The Engin software seems to have problems dialling out sometimes – usually connects at second or third attempt.