VOIP Information in the UK

www.connectotel.com

I recently discovered this FREE service which allows you to send a text message to a SKYPE user, Its very easy to use and is based on the m-mail service that they also offer. This company has many usefull services like SMSalert and SMScast.

I recently purchased a PDA from ebay IPAQ 5450, It has built in Wireless and bluetooth, I downloaded the latest version of Skype PPC, the minimum requirements for Skype Pocket pc are

Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC
400 MHz processor
WiFi-enabled

I installed it everything went smoothly no problem, i logged in with current skype account and made a test call, Worked a treat!

The volume level on the IPAQ's are not very loud so headphones worked better with conversations, it does have a built in microphone
and the other caller could hear me clearly with no distortion. I decided to try out my Bluetooth headset, I checked the services available on
bluetooth, nothing listed for headsets, i scanned the internet for information regarding bluetooth and the IPAQ 5450, It turns out bluetooth
headsets service is supported but not implemented without a registry tweak.


HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Widcomm\BtConfig\Services\0005\Enabled
change the value from 0 to 1. This should allow it to work

If you have the same like me the headset icon came up in services but no sound to the bluetooth headset i then had to edit the registry again
HKLM/DRIVERS/BuiltIn/wavedev
change the wavedev.dll into btceif.dll

I hadn't logged into voipbuster for a few weeks, i had a long call to make so decided to load up Voipbuster, i made a call to a normal 0208 number, but once connected i noticed it didn't say "This call is FREE". I disconnected and checked my account balance and it had taken o.02 euro's. I went onto the website and checked the free calls list and the United Kingdom was not on there, I sent a email asking if they have stopped free calls to the UK now, but sadly i still haven't heard anything from them.

Taiwan-based Accton Technology will soon launch a new Skype-friendly Wi-Fi phone, called the SkyFone WM1185-T.

The new device can be used to make free peer-to-peer VoIP phone calls, You don't even need to have your PC or PDA around. Market sources say that it will have a stand by battery life of up to 20 hours and talk time of 4 hours, the cost will be around $150 so hopefully around £100 for the UK market.

'Skype Me' published by Syngress, will be available just in time for Christmas. If your new to voip and thinking about using skype, this is a good book to get you started. You can download and read the first two chapters from the link below. The book also has information on setting up skype in the workplace.
skype me sample