[General] Good US-based VOIP for Use in Japan Page 2

[General] Good US-based VOIP for Use in Japan Page 2
Links: home · search · speed test · login · more ·

Links: Reply New Topic
Forums » Voice Over IP - VOIP » VOIP Tech Chat » [General] Good US-based VOIP for Use in Japan
page: 1 · 2
meister_sd @ 22nd Sep 03:47PM:
Re: [General] Good US-based VOIP for Use in Japan

said by dajabon :

Anyway, after I implemented his recommendations (after viewing the screenshots I sent him of my settings) everything just worked!

When I was there last month, I used my X10000P and voipstunt to make calls and I didn't have any problems. When I needed to call Nitzan, I just used my Tokyo cell phone. ;)

I used my F9 account when I was there too, and it worked well.

Also, you can get a Tokyo DID from F9 for pretty cheap and have a system much cheaper than the phone company. Even calls to cell phones are very reasonable.
reply

dajabon @ 22nd Sep 06:04PM:
Re: [General] Good US-based VOIP for Use in Japan

I have a prepaid Japanese Softbank cell phone and I'm thinking that I will use the "callback" feature as it has a Tokyo interface number and would result in a savings to any calls I generate while away from my ATA and not near any Wireless hotspots.

Getting a Tokyo DID sounds like an interesting idea. Wow, then I will really look less like a tourist! With thei new laws and my new Softbank preparid flip phone I already look like I've been here for years. Now if my home phone were a Tokyo DID... just imagine. Oh wait, I don't really care what others think. ;-) :-P
reply

nitzan @ 23rd Sep 12:20AM:
Re: [General] Good US-based VOIP for Use in Japan

The problem with callback is the latency- you're essentially going across the world twice (once to call you - once to call the destination) so the latency can get noticable. It will however work if you need to make a few calls on the road. Make sure to enter your cell number to the No-CID list in both formats: 090xxx 819xxx

Another thing to note is we do not currently have CID termination to Japan. Will probably have that in the future, but not just yet.
reply

dajabon @ 23rd Sep 02:32AM:
Re: [General] Good US-based VOIP for Use in Japan

Thanks Nitzan! I was wondering about both things. I will test them out.

I owe some recognition/explanation to/of Nuvio (Radius). I only dropped the service because of the hefty monthly charge (relative to ViaTalk) and the fact that toll-free calls counted against their 500 minute outgoing quote of the cheaper plan. To be honest, Nuvio worked like a charm, even when using it through Internet Connection Sharing from a laptop with a wireless LAN connection. So if you are reading this and you want options (a famously reliable one too) than Nuvio is a great VOIP service to use in Tokyo too.

**************

UPDATE 2: I had what I thought a hiccup (call would not go through) this morning/evening (who know anymore) but sicne ViaTalk was still working I tried teh call using it as well and experience the same issue. So I think the problem was in the telephone network to which I was calling (which as I recall has had issues before).

So I can still say that F9 is kicking butt from Tokyo still. Thanks!
reply

dajabon @ 2nd Nov 11:57AM:
Re: [General] Good US-based VOIP for Use in Japan

UPDATE November 2, 2009
********************************
I ended up cancelling ViaTalk, it was useless from Tokyo and they just kept billing $3-4 each month for E911 that I was not using. I still need to follow-up with them to see what I get back. I think I returned all of the equipment and box for their ATA.

I ordered a new Linksys-PAP2T ATA from Future-Nine and it worked out of the box. F9's service has worked everytime. On some calls I do notice a random half second of missed audio, but this happens maybe once in a 30 minute call and there is never any delay or echo. I suppose I could look at putting the ATA in the DMZ or maybe even adding a switch and taking it off my router. As it is right now I just attached it to the router and started using it without any QoS of any other configuration on the router.

Voicemail did not work immediately, but F9 worked some instant magic and it was good to go. So far, there have been no dropped calls, no lag, no echo, and service downtime.

I have opted to use it with Google Voice, but I haven't tested it rigorously with it. I did not a slight echo when I connected calls initially using Google Voice.

Also, I obtained a free sipgate number and added that as Line 2 on the ATA. This will be my fallback and secondary line. I have added it to Google Voice to complete the fallback solution.

I am not sure if F9 and nitzan were able to get that west coast server up and running yet. If not then I suspect I can only expect things to get better when they do. Regardless, I am very satisfied with F9, nitzan, and this forum. Thanks to all!
reply

burgerwars @ 2nd Nov 02:51PM:
Re: [General] Good US-based VOIP for Use in Japan

When I was in Japan in September, I couldn't get Future-Nine to register (using SipPhone for iPhone on an iPod Touch 2nd generation). VOIP.MS was reliable. I found myself needing to head to the Apple Store in Ginza to make calls (a free WiFi spot). I didn't bring an ATA or laptop with a softphone, so I can't say how good that would have worked.

In early December I'm off to Hong Kong. I'll be trying the same set up for making calls. I like to travel light, so I won't be bringing my laptop. I'm thinking of getting a netbook, but probably won't be purchasing one before my trip.
reply

jmelcher @ 3rd Nov 08:34PM:
Re: [General] Good US-based VOIP for Use in Japan

I just recently returned from Iraq where I had great luck using Vonage on a 256K/128K satellite ISP shot. Had to set the bandwidth setting on the adapter to 30K, but quality was like talking next door.

Skype also worked great.
--
Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia. (Charles Schultz)
reply

wadonoel @ 12th Nov 08:42AM:
Re: [General] Good US-based VOIP for Use in Japan

At the time of the old post, I was using Lingo and Stanaphone. This summer, I used T-Mobile's Hot Spot phone and Skype with Jcom cable internet service. Both worked with no problem.
reply