I have been considering using Skype for a VOIP telephone. Just wondered if anyone has pros and cons about using this service. It appears to be pretty reasonable price wise. I would like to know the quality of the sound. Dawn

I have on ly used this in connection with my son and his overseas travel..the call quality is ok and the connection is as reliable as your internet connection which when overseas can be iffy but here in the US shouldn't be a problem. it is cheap and I know lots of poeple who like it a lot to avoid long distance charges

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Cheryl Richey
Carte Blanche Assistance, LLC
Virtual Assistance...Creating Time for You!

Originally Posted by dawndmd

I have been considering using Skype for a VOIP telephone. Just wondered if anyone has pros and cons about using this service. It appears to be pretty reasonable price wise. I would like to know the quality of the sound. Dawn

I've used Skype for my business since 2005. I've had the same SkypeIn number since 2006. Since I operate as a solo VA and don't use the phone much, I find Skype suits my needs perfectly. I wanted to have a phone number for prospects who wanted to speak to me and Skype is a great alternative. It's the least expensive option over RingCentral and GotVMail but it is limited in what it can do.

Generally, the connection is great and no one knows I'm speaking to them through my computer. However, there are times when the connection gets lost or broken up. I don't think I would use Skype if my business involved talking on the phone all day because it can be unpredictable. But, for once in awhile, it's a good option.

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

I recently uninstalled Skype from one of my computers after both my mom and I began having similar troubles. I've also read more on Skype as a peer to peer network, which means that when you sign up with them, you are basically giving them permission to access your computer AND to use your bandwidth. In most cases, this isn't a problem, but in some cases the extra bandwidth they are using can put over your download limit (if you have one) or can cause other computer use problems because you are basically allowing Skype to route other users calls through your computer. They also only agree to make their best effort at keeping your privacy.

They don't hide this, it's in the End User License Agreement.

Quote:

4.1 Utilization of Your computer. You hereby acknowledge that the Skype Software may utilize the processor and bandwidth of the computer (or other applicable device) You are utilizing, for the limited purpose of facilitating the communication between Skype Software users.

I know it's a good affordable option, but keep in mind why it's affordable. It's just good to be informed of what you are agreeing to. Do a search on "Skype" and using bandwidth and you'll come up with more information.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

My son uses skype to chat with his friends on myspace. If you have a myspace account you can test it out to see if you like it at no charge. I've never used it but from what I hear, it seems to be pretty reliable.

Would Vonage be an alternative?

Eva

I used to have Vonage when I had an 800#, again it is as reliable as your internet connection, there was free long distance and I had the 500 minutes per moth plan which was about $15/month. You do not have to talk on your computer you can use a regular phone hooked up through a modem. I think they make you sign a two year contract though, so be careful before you sign up with them. I found that I was not on the phone enough to justify the cost and just use my cell phone now.

hope this helps.
Kim

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Kim Beckers
Online Business Manager

Skype says that it isn't a substitute for VOIP. When there are a lot of users on Skype, the sound is sometimes lower quality. Also, Skype to a number recorded as a cell phone costs about $0.13/minute. London, downtown near the palaces, have landlines recorded as cell phones quite a bit, but it's still cheaper than most overseas calls.

Skype to Skype calls are free.

I don't know that I'd use Skype all day, but I do use it and like it and have little trouble with it.

When I first started out as a VA, I discovered Skype and thought it was great. However, it didn't take long before I started having serious issues with sound quality. While it is the solution for some VAs and it works out great, I found it to be unreliable enough to revert to using my cell phone.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

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Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

I would not use VOIP for my business. I tried Vonage and at the time we were using a not-so good Internet connection. I now have a T1, but still prefer my landline. I only pay$24.95 a month (probably $50 with all the taxes LOL) and it has unlimited long distance for the US and Canada. I just feel more comfy with it.

I do use Skype with a client and we both have a web cam. We use it for business calls, chat, and our annual Virtual Christmas Party. :-)

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Kyle Sheldon-Chandler
KSC Virtual Assistant Services

I have been researching VOIP services on a regular basis. The problem I am discovering is that because I am in Canada, there are not many company's that can supply a local number and if they can the services are very limited.
One solution that I may have found is MagicJack. It sounds wonderful but I haven't given it a try. According to the website it's a plug and play. Again NO numbers in Canada.
MagicJack may be an option for others.

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Internet Marketing Specialist
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