Skype on STJ?

[ToonMann]

Given that we are Verizon customers, we typically use an AT&T Go Phone for cell phone voice calls on STJ.

We're curious if anyone has used Skype to make voice calls on STJ -- laptop, tablet or smartphone -- and how well this works as an alternative to a cell phone call.

Thanks.

TM

[News of St. John]

I used Oovoo to make calls when I was down there earlier this year and it worked well. Oovoo is just like Skype.

[P-600]

Skype is the only thing I can get to work here on STJ. Facetime doesn't work at all, I even upgraded my internet and it still doesn't work.

[norman_t]

I'm on Verizon too. While on STJ, I've used Skype to landlines from a netbook using a bluetooth headset over a wireless connection and it worked well. Make sure you get a good wireless connection before making the call.

I've also used a voice over IP (VOIP) service and an android app called SIPDroid from my smart phone using wireless internet and that worked even better. The called party said the call quality was better. I think because I used the smart phone instead of the computer.

If the place your staying has DSL you should be OK. If they use satellite Internet it's questionable.

[ToonMann]

Thanks for your replies on this. We'll give Skype a try on our upcoming STJ visit.

Although the AT&T Go Phone seems to be the best way for Verizon customers like us to make voice calls on STJ, we hear an echo on the Go Phone, and our callers notice it, too. Even more noticeable when we try to use a headset.

Does this happen to anyone else?

TM

[RickG]

I use ATT, skype and an iphone voip client (Bria). ATT works best when I have line of site to a tower. The voip client works better than skype for straight voice calls and gives me free calling over wifi when I'm in the BVI.

For echo on a mobile phone, that's frequently a handset problem. What usually happens with a cheap gsm/cdma phone is that echo cancellation is not detected, both ends try to do echo cancellation and you end up with double echo cancellation causing echo. Try changing (disabling/enabling) echo cancellation and see if it works better.

Delay? Can't help the speed of light or crappy networks.

Cheers, RickG

[Chet]

I use ATT, skype and an iphone voip client (Bria). ATT works best when I have line of site to a tower...

Alta Vista - excellent signal, no line of site issues...

[Mary L]

I used oovoo and it worked great.