linux - Migrating from Skype - Calling landlines?

07
2014-07
  • andreas

    I've been wanting to stop using Skype for quite a while, but now that they're being bought by Microsoft, I think it's about time to spring into action.

    I use Skype mainly to call landlines abroad - I don't use messaging at all. I should also mention that I'm on Ubuntu.

    Doing a quick Google search brings up tonnes of results, half of which seem outdated, the other half appears to be spam. But still, I managed to gather that I will probably need to download a client such as QuteCom, and register with a SIP provider, is that right?

    I'm based in the UK, so I'd imagine I need a UK SIP provider? Has anyone got experience with any good ones?

    Or am I barking up the completely wrong tree?

    • Answers
  • Bora

    You are on the right path: you will need a SIP provider, like Skype is, only with better software and extras.

    As I have been experiencing with them, most SIP providers are international. I've been using FreeCall for some time now. The prices are okay, almost always available, their software doesn't suck, though I almost exclusively use the web based client.

    At home I have an VoIP router (AVM Fritz 7270) which transparently chooses the right SIP provider depending on the number being called.

    On my mobile device (Nokia N97) i installed their Symbian app (also available for Android and iPhone ) to make phone calls, using phone contacts seamlessly. I am looking forward to see an update which will allow to send text messages (SMS).

  • pcunite

    You want to go with a standard SIP provider and then you can use a standard phone connected to a voip gateway (Linksys SPA3102) or do like I have done and get a Snom 370 or other IP Phone. With either you simply connect it to your Voip account from someone like callcentric.com or Voip.ms ... I do with the pay as you go plans and I've been averaging $12 month in calls.

  • Simon Sheehan

    I posted about this just recently actually, so here was my response before:

    I assume you're switching due to today's business deal between Skype and Microsoft. You aren't alone!

    An easy one to acquire now is Google Talk. It's quite similar to Skype, with full video calling and chat. Living in the USA, Canada, and some other countries, you can even make calls for free; there is a browser plugin directly from Gmail that will do that. Almost all the features can be used from the site, with a small plugin.

    Requires Windows XP +
    or Mac OS X 10.4 +
    or Linux

    Google is definitely leading something interesting here, just from the browser.

    My Main concern with this is that it may not be available in your country, but you can try.


    • Related Question

    software rec - How to call landline or mobile numbers from the internet?
  • joe

    How can I make calls to landline or mobile numbers from the internet? Is there any free providers in UK? Primarily for India


    • Related Answers
  • alexs

    Use Skype Skype.com

  • Samuel K

    There are a number of providers, but most are not free.

    • Skype - Calls to India are 0.054 GBP/minute including VAT (or 0.106 USD/minute including VAT).
    • Gizmo5 - Calls to India from a computer are 0.09 USD/minute.
    • Google Voice - Calls to India are 0.07 USD/minute, however Google Voice requires an existing US number in order to sign up.
  • joe

    From http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080323055302AAFe5Nr

    If you're on the PC and they are on a phone:

Go to https://www.gizmocall.com/

Steps from their site:
1. Go to Gizmo Call and login or register
2. Type the telephone number of the person you want to be able to call you.
(They can be in any country around the world.)
3. Immediately a free local number for that country is assigned and displayed 
  to you
4. The person you called can now call you back using this new local number

    Note : That all for 20 mins

  • Chris Tarazi

    Heard from friends that this works great.

    http://www.talkster.com/

  • Journeyman Geek

    Considering phone calls arn't free, you'll probably end up having to cover costs one way or the other- and phone companies do profit a fair amount from international calls. Cheap is plausible, but other than google voice and possibly skype, i don't think there's any way to make free calls, and both of those are (or were) US only. You're best off using skype or similar on both ends.

    So.. i don't think there is an answer other than 'there isn't one'

  • Phantom Yoda

    I think you should look at PennyTel. If you use an internet connected device like iPhone or your computer, you can make calls to India for 0.02 AUD per minute.