Internet phones

[xud]

Has anyone any knowledge or experience of internet phone services.
Just recently, I picked up a leaflet from Tesco. After I read it, it just seemed too good to be true.
Are they suggesting I could in theory have my landline phone disconnected and use the internet phone all of the time at a fraction of the cost?

I am tempted but I want to hear about other peoples' experiences first. It does seem a bit like Skype, of which I have heard mixed reports. There has got to be a catch somewhere.

Thanks
Mike

[Buenchico]

How do you connect to the internet? If it's with a cable provider then, yes, you can have your landline phone disconnected. However, if you connect via a BT line, you'll still have to pay the line rental in order to maintain your broadband connection.

Remember that internet phones only work when you're connected to the internet. You'll either have to leave your PC switched on, and online, 24/7 (which isn't good for your electricity bills or for the planet) or boot it up, and go online, whenever you want to make an outgoing call (or expect an incoming one).

It would certainly make sense to have an 'ordinary' phone as well (although a mobile might do the job) because you can't use the Tesco internet phone to dial the emergency services (or when there's a power cut). Also remember that your old phone number won't work with your new phone.

Reviews:
http://www.techdigest.tv/2006/07/review_tesco_ in.html

http://www.vnunet.com/personal-computer-world/ hardware/2154283/tesco-internet-phone

http://www.ciao.co.uk/Reviews/tescointernetpho ne_com__6485667

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/94200/tesco-int ernet-phone-e337.html

Chris

[rojash]

Some IP phones can connect direct to your modem/router, and these will not require you to have the computer on 24/7. As Buenchico says, it would be very unwise to rely on such a phone as your only means of communication.

You should also be aware that the quality of calls can vary enormously from hour to hour as the signal is split into packets and routed via the net in exactly the same way as all the other internet traffic. This quality variation is down to the nature of the net, and is regardless of whether the supplier is Skype, or any other VOIP provider.

[webdude]

Our ISP is Orange and they provide a VOIP phone service over their wirlesss broadband routers. As rojash says the quality does vary and it is never as good as a BT connection.

I would think twice about giving up my BT line in favour of VOIP no matter who is providing it.

[Ethel]

Just seen this so sorry for lateness of reply.

I have Virgin cable internet and do not have any form of landline - this saves me at least �120 per annum in line rental alone.

I use Skype for all my calls. My phone has its own 'router' which connects to my broadband router, meaning it works without my computer being switched on. All in all the phone quality is excellent, the charges very reasonable for calling ordinary landline numbers and people calling me have no idea they are calling a skype number. They get charged the same as calling a bt landline number.

I wouldn't go back to a landline phone as long as I have the option to use broadband phone.

[brentpain]

Internet phone service or VoIP (voice over internet protocol) have more features and function that traditional phones. Check here for more details about voip features: http://www.ringcentral.com/