VOIP SP comparison for Android Phones

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TerryG

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hi all,

I wanted to know if anyone on this forum has experience and reviews of the popular VOIP clients on android with usage on South African Landlines and Mobile calls (i.e. only local calls).

The 3 that I looked at are:

Skype:
http://www.skype.com/en/rates/

Viber:
https://account.viber.com/

Fring:
http://www.fring.com/fringout

Which of the 3 offer the best quality? Are there better alternatives? I have a 2Gb data bundle to use.

appreciate any feedback.
 
For Viber to Viber calls, I found the sound to be very low, although clear (i.e. not crackling or noisy). This was tested using a Galaxy S4 to another Galaxy S4. Got the same experience using S4 to PC. I did not test with dialling landlines or mobiles.

For Skype to Skype calls, it works really well on Android. Tested with multiple Android devices. I also tested with calls to landlines and mobiles, though this was about 2 years ago, and it also worked well. Skype seems to be more mature and stable in my opinion.
 
http://www.nexus.co.za/voip.html

works nice too. You get a free number for people to call you if you wanted too.

It works with a number of android apps or build in voip sip options. I find that sipdroid with android is the most stable for me.
 
thanks for the feedback Saajid and cavedog, i'll give them all try today. I will also check out Nexus site, thanks cavedog.
 
With free on-net (theirs) calls Nexus VOIP looks hella interesting and, if it works properly, is a great way to (radically?) reduce call costs to your regulars. So, has anyone got any input on this?
 
bdt said:
With free on-net (theirs) calls Nexus VOIP looks hella interesting and, if it works properly, is a great way to (radically?) reduce call costs to your regulars. So, has anyone got any input on this?
Click to expand...

Yes; works great over adsl and 3g. If the connection is good, so is call quality.

If you're considering this know that Nexus is only a re seller of MWEB Talk. You will get cheaper call rates, more credit & better support by going direct.

Code: 
Non-authoritative answer:
Name:    sip.voip.mweb.net
Address:  196.28.95.12
Aliases:  sip.nexus.co.za
          sip.mweb.net
 
It looks like on MWEB Talk you can't get 010 (JHB landline number) having only cellular connection.
 
Brandon said:
By default they will allocate an 087 to the account, you can then add geographic numbers through MyAccount
Click to expand...
Thanks, interestng. How calls to these geographic numbers get billed? By example someone has free calls to Telkom landlines - can be used? Also for international callers, are they billed as for landline?
 
sajunky said:
Thanks, interestng. How calls to these geographic numbers get billed? By example someone has free calls to Telkom landlines - can be used? Also for international callers, are they billed as for landline?
Click to expand...

Billing is dependent on the service provider, some voip providers charge exorbitant interconnect rates to other providers - many of them fail to disclose the exact amount as it is a great profit maker.

Regarding outgoing calls from Mweb Talk, the rates are published on their website, it doesn't matter from which number you place the call as it's all the same provider.

Regarding incoming calls - AFAIK all Mweb Talk numbers (geographical and non) will be billed at the same rate. For example Vodacom charges the same to call an Mweb Talk number as a Telkom or MTN number (R2.37 per min). [edit] Telkom charges slightly cheaper rates to geographical numbers.

Telkom considers all voip providers as "other operators" and calls are billed off-net. Their "free" calls only apply to on-net (Telkom to Telkom) calls.

Telkom has a number verification tool on their site as well as a good explanation HERE. There is also a good "charge calculator" from them HERE. Otherwise download their latest tariff list HERE. All other registered providers are listed in there with their respective rates.

Regarding incoming calls from international destinations, you would need to consult the respective provider of that country to get an accurate rate - that said I have never actually tested calling in from another country to find out if they even allow it...
 
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Thanks Brandon, This is clear that there is no advantage of having geographical number other than reminder to the caller in which area you are located.

From my side prepaid SIM billed 60c/pm (MTN) or SIM-Sonke plus SIP provider for in/out international calls serves purpose. But for now, cellular calls to the most of destignations in Europe are pretty cheap around R1p/m (or lower, including cellular, per second billing from the first second and no connection charge), so SIP number would be used mostly for incoming international calls.

PS. Telkom is still charging minimum for one minute, from the moment the other side starts ringing.
 
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