How can I make and receive good quality low cost calls over the
Internet?

I am hoping to get a system in place ASAP - like by Wednesday or end
week.

I currently have Optimum Online Cable hookup.

My rudimentary understanding is that the audio quality methods using
software loaded to a computer and headset plugged into a soundcard is
poor. So services like dial pad or any others using this method would
be inferior.

At Vonage Digital Voice: Make Telephone Calls On The Internet
(http://www.rootsforum.com/telephony/voip.htm ) Dick Eastman
recommends using a regular telephone with an ATA hooked up to the
cable modem that bypasses firing up a computer. (And you get the
package of services such as caller ID and voicemail, etc.)

However $40 a month plus tax added to my current phone and cable bills
is a bit much.

(They say on both quality is equivalent to "digital cell phone" but
that is clearly inferior to land based.)

I'll bet there are cheaper high quality way to make and receive
telephone calls over the Internet?  Are there?

Thank you!

Lynn

HI hunt99!

I am not able to take the time to answer right now, but I'm sure
someone else will get to this momentarily.

This is a huge market that is exploding right now.

Vonage has a $25.99 plan
https://secure.vonage.com/vonage-subscribe/subscribe/Default.do

Personally, I have used Net2Phone and consider them to be the standard
in the industry, the sound is great.

Net2Phone
http://web.net2phone.com/products/
..."Net2Phone is the leading provider of voice and enhanced Internet
communication services to individuals and businesses. Our suite of
services provides low-cost, high quality phone calls using personal
computers, traditional phones, and Internet devices..."

There are several options, but these 2 seem to be the most popular:
PC based calls to any phone, using your PC, and Broadband phone
service.

Here's another example:

QuikTelco
http://www.quiktelco.com/
..."High Quality and Low Cost with Phone Jack and Line
Jack....Internet based voice calls (from your PC to a standard phone)
and Internet based faxes (from your PC to a fax machine or multiple
fax machines and/or to email addresses)..."


I'll be checking back soon to see the answer, as I too am wanting to
tell Ma Bell I don't need her anymore, EVER!


--Cynthia

Although it is improved from where it started, Internet telephony is
not perfect. If you want quality, stick with landlines. If you want
cheap, you can find usable services on the Internet, but quality will
vary based on things such as compression, bandwidth availability, and
processor speed.

You mentioned Vonage, however you probably don't realize that you
don't have to keep your phone number (unless it's your DSL). That'll
save you money right there.

Other popular services:

www.dialpad.com
www.deltathree.com

Again, you need to be a real power user in most cases to really take
advantage of significant savings. For most people, dial-around
services provide a better compromise. Here's one that has good rates
currently:

www.1015335.com

If you're a hardcore phone user to one person (especially overseas)
the Aplio/Phone may work for you. One Aplio/Phone is required at each
end of the call, however after you buy them that's it. No more phone
bills. They currently cost $169 each, down from $235.

http://www.aplio.com