Features

VOIP calls on high speed connection

VOL 10.3

AT THE RECENT Horizon 2005 show put on by Cable and Wireless Jamaica, I saw several new products and services that will be launched within the coming weeks. One such product is their new VOIP device which will allow subscribers of their high speed internet service to make local and long distance (overseas) calls over the Internet.

I wanted to bring some insight on this topic, not just focusing on C&W VOIP device, but instead telling you about other similar services and products that are available.

Voice over IP a.k.a "VOIP" is no stranger to the Jamaican market, and C&W is late in this game. Still they will be able to make some head way by bundling their solutions and lowering the cost to the consumer.

This service is highly recommended for customers who make a lot of international calls, such as parents with children at overseas schools and residents with overseas friends and family. Customers must have a high-speed Internet connection with an Ethernet modem enabled with Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). You can purchase an ATA device (VOIP device) and use with your regular phone handset. There is also a soft version which can be run from your computer.

There are several of these VOIP companies, as a matter of fact I know of some of these companies here in Jamaica. However my testing for this article was done with over four (4) different companies.

- Net2phone - www.net2phone.com

- Iconnecthere - www.iconnecthere.com

- Vonage - www.vonage.com

- Stanaphone - www.stanaphone.com

Vonage had the best quality and reliability during my testing. They are also the most expensive, so I guess you get what you pay for. On the other hand Stanaphone is not bad, they give you a free US number, 1-800 numbers, and calls to other Stanaphone. You will have to purchase credit to call other numbers. I am currently using this service, since my middle name is all over it, "free".

Send your comments or suggestions to thestartech@yahoo.com . You can also write to StarTech c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston.