Telkom ADSL speed upgrades… but you have to call to get it

Seems like the current Telkom ADSL speed increases don’t “just happen”… you need to call them to actually get the speed increase – well, that’s what I had to do.

Here are the steps that are involved:
1) Check whether you are in fact still at the old, slower speeds by using MyBroadBand’s speed test [use the “South African” option]: http://speedtest.mybroadband.co.za
2) Check that your line speed has been increased at the exchange http://www.telkom.co.za/checkadsl by entering your telephone number:
3) Then call 10210 (a toll free number if you are calling from a Telkom land line)
4) Navigate the voice menus to the DSL technical guys
5) Ask your friendly Telkom contact centre agent to increase your line speed – you will lose Internet connection and when it comes back you will have a faster connection to the Internet! :)
6) Check your speed again… much faster :) :
 
Thanks to Michal Mierzwa who commented on this article on MyBroadband: New Telkom ADSL speed upgrades start

iPad solution for cheaper calls than Telkom [Solved]

I recently replied to a question on the MyBroadBand forums. Ettiene69 asked: “Is there any VOIP App or service provider which I can use on my iPad, which IS ACTUALLY CHEAPER than normal Telkom or Cell Phone Rates?”

I provided this 3 step solution:
Step 1: Install the MobileVoip app (available for iPhone, iPad, iPod, Symbian, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone):  iStore link here: http://itunes.apple.com/app/mobilevoip/id362528311?mt=8
 
Step 2: Register and purchase 10 Euros of any Voip provider - for South Africa I recommend Rynga: http://www.rynga.com/calling-rates.html#letter-S
Rates comparison:
Rynga rate for South Africa (Landline)  FREE (for 120 days, then R0.31c per minute)  [Telkom rate is R0.57c per min]
Rynga rate for South Africa (Mobile)    R0.558 per minute [Telkom rate is R1.35 per min]
Telkom rates from here:  http://www.telkom.co.za/general/pricelist/automaticexchanges_worldcall.html
See Rynga’s rates list here: http://www.rynga.com/en/calling-rates.html

Step 3: Purchase data for your iPad - for low usage per month, I recommend CellC prepaid:
http://handytechtips.blogspot.com/2012/04/winner-of-no-contract-non-expiring-pre.html 

Remember to add the CellC data costs per minute to your total call cost comparison… Working on about 1MB per minute for a voice call – add CellC’s rate of 16c per minute to the call:

Rynga rate for South Africa (Landline) FREE+16c per minute (for 120 days, then 31c+16c=47c per minute) [Telkom rate is R0.57c per min]
Rynga rate for South Africa (Mobile) 56c+16c=72c per minute [Telkom rate is R1.35 per min]


So, with all 3 steps done you should be able to take your iPad anywhere in South Africa, start up the MobileVoip app and make calls cheaper than using Telkom and cell phone rates :) :)
At home or when within range of WiFi point, switch to WiFi and save even more. 

Let me know if it works for you.

Cheap International calls from South Africa using Calling Cards (no computer necessary): another HTT calculator to compare offerings

Yes, I’ve blogged about VOIP and SkypeOut and VoipBuster and NimBuzz and Fring and Dect-to-Voip but all of those require a computer or cell phone, and Internet connection (preferably ADSL or 3G/Edge).  Some of my readers and friends have asked for a much simpler way of making international calls and save money – in fact they are already using calling cards. 
Calling cards are more expensive than using your ADSL connection (probably slightly more than paying for the data charges on your cell phone unless you have a data bundle), but the low cost (relative to Telkom), simplicity and convenience of using a calling card from any phone is a very good option for a lot of people.

This blog article attempts to find a few services that are available in South Africa and compares their rates:
(Please note that I haven’t tried any of these web services, although I have purchased some physical calling cards from ‘Talk Time’;
Also, rates are taken from the services’ web sites and might differ from their actual charges;
Don’t forget to consider the costs of the local call to the calling card’s local service number (that’s the cost of the Telkom call) – call at Call-More-Time {weekends and on weekdays: after 19h00 to 06h59} else get a Telkom ‘Closer Plan’)

   
 

Please note that HTT has not tried any of these services so cannot guarantee their services at all.  Quality of call, and rates might not be as depicted on their web sites.

Download HTT’s calling card calculator – download and read the “ReadMe” worksheet for instructions: HTT’s PhoneCallingCardsRatesCalculator
Note: the spreadsheet also compares VoipBuster and SkypeOut rates – did I say that VoipBuster rocks??!!! 
That DECT to VoipBuster solution is really convenient too :)




HelloHowzit: is dedicated to provide a low cost, high quality phone service offering discounted overseas international telephone calls.

Phone IT also known as: http://www.hellohowzit.com or http://www.phonehome.co.za 

They sell international phonecards for inexpensive international calls.  I think this is the service that provides the “Talk Time International Calling Cards”. 
Access numbers are: 011 - 232 9792 or 011 - 555 9600 or 021 – 673 6730

They also have a dial through service using the 087 8063555 access number, which is useful if you have free cellphone minutes to use up.

International phonecard rates start at R0.36 to most land line destinations. See the website for a whole list of countries.

Free R50.00 signup bonus on new South African call-through accounts!
This offer is valid for a limited time when opening a new R300 account.

The CARE project calling cards:
Make Free International Calls from you mobile or landline and support The C.A.R.E Project.  Save time and energy by using our free service and pay local call rates.  Use you mobile free minutes to effectively make free calls to overseas destinations. YES... It's FREE and support a charity organisation as well!
”
C.A.R.E (Caring. Assisting. Reaching. Empowering) is a non-profit organization formed to combat poverty and assist those less fortunate in realizing their potential towards self-empowerment.  The organization aims to do so by providing food and other products to poverty stricken communities, and advocating programmes for self- development and sustainability.
“

Dial the local access number (010 590 4444) and make free calls to over 60 countries. It's that SIMPLE!
Cellphone free minutes do apply, no PIN required, pay local mobile or fixed line rates.

All profits will be used to fund their social development projects which include:
  *) Funding and support of an orphanage
  *) Homeless feeding schemes
  *) Other social development projects to be initiated

1. How does it work ?
  i) Dial our local access number, 010 590 4444
  ii) Wait for the voice prompt
  iii) Dial your Destination number follows :
         00 <country code> <destination number>   e.g    00 44 207 3457654  (UK London)

2. What's the catch ?
Well... There is no catch.  You dial our access number, we obtain rebates from the service providers and the profits are used to fund social development and charity projects.

3. How much does it cost ?
Calls to global destinations are FREE!

Calls from your mobile provider depends on local call rates available on the package you have subscribed to.
Free mobile minutes may apply. This is not a premium rated service and you will be charged at local cellular rates to call our access number.  Peak and off peak rates apply thus determining the Free destinations available.

Calls from your Telkom landline to our access number are charged at R0.78 per minute during peak hours and R0.40 during off-peak.

4. Do I need a PIN number ?
NO. You do not require a PIN so call at your convenience

HTT comment: excellent rates to a limited list of 127 countries (and some cell phones).



Telesaver Phone Cards
http://telesaver.co.za/pricing.htm

HTT comment: Excellent per minute rates BUT, beware: the cards expire: R50 expires 6 months after first use.  R20 expires 1 month after first use.  Recharging makes a card last for an extra 6 months per R50.
The rates listed are awesome!  Some are even better than VoipBuster!

HippoCom allows payment by credit card.
The International Pre-Paid Calling Cards are available in R25, R50 and R80 denominations. These cards allow you access to all our international destinations at the lowest prices.

Access Numbers: 031-251 8100 and 031-765 2248

See here for their FAQs: FAQs

  
Phone4You allows payment by credit card.
Web site is (still) undergoing an upgrade but shows the rates and compares them with Telkom rates (and % saving).

Updated on 09Jan2010 @ 17h00: added WorldChat and SunDial telecom (and updated WorldChat to calculator .xls)
{Didn’t change the verdict tho)


WorldChat: allows payment by credit card
Calls are billed per minute.

Denominations of airtime: R25, R50, R100, R200

Please note all cards expire within 90 days of initial use.
R200 cards will expire 180 days after initial use
A trick: to add another 90 days credit to your expired card & have access to your expired airtime, recharge online.  Even by recharging with the smallest denomination (R25 for which you'll only pay R22.50) you will get access to your expired credit as well as the extra credit you have recharged by!

Access numbers:
  *) Durban     031 2048090
  *) Johannesburg     011 2312800
  *) Cape Town      021 4871040
  *) Tollfree (but rates per minute to International countries is higher): 0800 1WORLD (0800 196753)



SunDial telecom:
Per minute charge varies according to the calling card denomination that you have purchased – the more expensive the card, the lower the per minute rate.

The advertised web site is not working: http://www.calltheworld.co.za/ rather use: SunDial telecom

Access numbers:
Nationwide Share Call 0860 104649 – you pay for a local call (to Telkom) – this is NOT toll free.
CellSave 087 941 5000

Cape Town 021 402 0164
Johannesburg 011 252 1157
Pretoria 012 313 6930
Nelspruit 013 752 9524
Vereeniging 016 420 6447
Klerksdorp 018 406 2018
Rustenburg 014 590 2002
Standerton 017 727 8261
Kimberley 053 838 2040
Bloemfontein 051 411 0781
Durban 031 582 8218
Port Elizabeth 041 397 9805
East London 043 700 3005

Calls can be made to the 087 Cellsave access number from your cellular phone to use your free minutes (you receive a 30c discount on the per minute rate.) 
All calling card and subscriber calls made to the Toll Free access number (you don't pay local call charges)

See here for rates: SunDial telecom rates

HTT verdict: based on a random selection of countries (listed in the default filtered list in the spreadsheet) it is obvious that the Telesaver International Phone Card rates are the best – but, if you don’t use up your card within the expiry time, then you will lose your money! 
{R50 expires 6 months after first use. R20 expires 1 month after first use. Recharging makes a card last for an extra 6 months per R50.}
Don’t forget though, if you have ADSL, then VoipBuster is the best and cheapest!

Some tips: BEWARE of services that have 0861 access numbers – the rates are probably cheaper BUT they get a kick-back from Telkom per minute of the LOCAL call costs (to the calling card’s access number).


Here’s an excellent (although a bit dated) article from ‘Personal Finance’: Ten ways to cut your phone bill

My DECT cordless phone is now actually working with Skype and SkypeOut and VoipBuster and VOIP calls – cool, and so convenient!

My USB Phone Adapter (TelBox USB to RJ11 converter [USB-B2K]) arrived and now I can use my Panasonic DECT cordless phone to make and receive Skype, SkypeOut, VoipBuster and any other type of SIP calls.  Here’s how I did it for under R400 (including some tricks to get the hash to work):
1) If you haven’t read my first article on the device and the software then read it now: Hooray, I’ve found a way to use my cordless DECT phone to make Skype and SIP VoipBuster calls – Solved :)

2) Unpack the device and the included cables: 1x USB cable, 1x telephone RJ11 cable (no external power needed – gr8!)
3) Connect the TelBox to the USB port on the PC; and take the Telkom line from the cordless phone to the TelBox’s “Line” input; and connect the new RJ11 cable to the cordless phone’s “Line” input and the TelBox’s “Phone” input.  Test the connection by checking for dial tone on the cordless phone – if there’s no dial tone, then you’ve connected the wires up incorrectly (so read step 3 again).
What’s nice is that when the PC is off or TelBox is disconnected from the USB port, then the TelBox turns off and the cordless phone still works (as if there was no TelBox in the loop).

 
4a) For VoipBuster: download and install VoipBuster and VoipBusterMate and purchase credits
4b) Change the VoipBuster audio settings to use the new TelBox device: VoipBuster->Tools->Options->Sound Devices->Audio In=USB device  and  Audio Out=USB device.
4c) I prefer to dial 2 stars (**) to make the TelBox dial using the USB port, so change the settings as follows:
(from “How to Change * Key Used by USB Adapter”):
Close VoipBusterMate: in system tray, right click the VoipBusterMate icon and select Exit.  Click on Start->Run and type in %appdata%
The ApplicationData folder will appear in a window, open the VoipBusterMate folder; Edit the "Custom.ini" file and find the following line (located about 3/4 of the way down): szBoxTurnCommand = *
Change to: szBoxTurnCommand = **
Save and close Custom.ini and restart VoipBusterMate. Now when you want to switch between landline and VoipBuster mode, dial ** on your phone's keypad.
Note: the two stars works better on my setup – it seems that one star is not as reliable as using 2 stars.
4d) Open VoipBuster and create speed dials for the contacts that you want to dial on your DECT cordless phone: VoipBuster->Contacts tab->right click on the contact->Set speed dial->100
Note: I found that my Panasonic KX-TCD430 base station or KX-A143 handset didn’t dial the hash # unless the speed dials were at least 3 digits long!  The hash is needed to tell VoipBuster to “Call”.  I found that using a single digit speed dial, say 1 or 01, would cause VoipBuster (and Skype) to wait until the “Call” button was pressed using the mouse.  I suspect that the handset didn’t dial the hash unless more than 3 digits had been dialled.
4e) Then to make the call, I dial **100# and the TelBox is activated (USB light turns on), and VoipBuster dials speed dial 100 and the call is connected :)  Awesome!


5a) For Skype: download and install Skype and SkypeMate
5b) Change the Skype audio settings to use the new TelBox device: Skype->Tools->Options->Audio Settings->Microphone=USB device  and  Speakers=USB device.
5c) I prefer to dial 2 stars (**) to make the TelBox dial using the USB port, so change the settings as follows:
(from “How to Change * Key Used by USB Skype Adapter”):
Close Skype : in system tray, right click the Skype icon and select Exit.  Click on Start->Run and type in %appdata%
The ApplicationData folder will appear in a window, open the SkypeMate folder; Edit the "Custom.ini" file and find the following line (located about 3/4 of the way down): szBoxTurnCommand = *
Change to: szBoxTurnCommand = **
Save and close Custom.ini and restart SkypeMate. Now when you want to switch between landline and SkypeMate mode, dial ** on your phone's keypad.
Note: the two stars works better on my setup – it seems that one star is not as reliable as using 2 stars.
5d) Creating speed dials in Skype 4.0 is not so easy… since they removed the speed dial feature from this version :(  There are a couple of workarounds for this:  i) Use SkypeSpeedDial from here [250Kb]: http://skypespeeddial.blogspot.com or ii) Use Skype’s Tracer from here: SkypeTracer.
Remember to use a speed dial number >= 100 else some phones will not dial the hash.
Set speed dials for the contacts that you want to dial on your DECT cordless phone.
Note: I found that my Panasonic KX-TCD430 base station or KX-A143 handset didn’t dial the hash # unless the speed dials were at least 3 digits long!  The hash is needed to tell VoipBuster to “Call”.  I found that using a single digit speed dial, say 1 or 01, would cause Skype (and VoipBuster) to wait until the “Call” button was pressed using the mouse.  I suspect that the handset didn’t dial the hash unless more than 3 digits had been dialled.
5e) Then to make the call, I dial **100# and the TelBox is activated (USB light turns on), and Skype dials speed dial 100 and the call is connected :)  Awesome!

For more details on using the TelBox USB to RJ11 converter: User Guide for USB-RJ11 Adapter (Windows)

Note: the “under R400” applies in my case since I already had a PC with USB port and a wireless phone, so all I needed to purchase was the TelBox USB adapter.

On the TelBox packaging: USB to RJ11 converter; USB Phone Adapter; Supports wireless phones; 1 USB interface to PC; 1 FXS for regular phone; 1 FXO for PSTN call relays; Driver built in; No external power needed.

Hooray, I’ve found a way to use my cordless DECT phone to make Skype and SIP VoipBuster calls – Solved :)

Further to my posting “VoipBuster over SkypeOut…” where I ask the question “How do you make calling over VoipBuster as convenient as using the DECT cordless Telkom phone? (for less than R600)”, I think I’ve found the answer for R348 R255. The box is called SkypeBox or Telbox or ‘Yealink USB-B2K’ USB adapter and, since it’s a USB device, it needs to be plugged into a computer (and that’s why it’s such a cost effective solution) that will connect to the Internet and runs the VOIPbuster software.  (I see that no external power is required – so that’s 1 less cable to plug in!)

Download the manual here [410KB]: USB-B2K USB adapter manual

In fact, this box of tricks seems to have created software drivers (in 2007, 2008 already!) so that it can interface to the following VOIP services: SkypeMate, VoipBusterMate, VoipBusterMate, MSNMate, YahooMate, X-TenMate (for X-Lite, X-Pro or eyeBeam), SJphoneMate, GoogleTalkMate, Net2phoneMate, NortelMate: 

For a full list, click on the VOIP product logos on this page: Yealink Easy VOIP ‘Solutions page’.  Once you have clicked on the VOIP provider logo, the instructions appear at the bottom of the screen along with the Yealink compatible hardware :) and links to download the software (eg: VoipBuster) and the ‘Mate’ driver (eg; VoipBusterMate):

From the USB-B2K manual: “USB Adaptor is analog telephone adaptor with one USB interface to PC, 1 FXS for regular phone and 1 FXO for PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) call relays.
All cordless phones and regular phones can be used to make and receive Skype call.  Phone can be used to make regular call at the same time.  Phone rings for all incoming Skype and PSTN calls. Skype or PSTN calls is switched by pressing phone key (*).
Supports DECT, 2.4G, 900M and any other wireless phones; Make/Receive both Skype calls and regular PSTN calls; Auto-detection and auto-switching to Skype or PSTN calls; Phone rings for all incoming Skype and PSTN calls; Use the phone keypad to dial.”
{Note: the manual refers to Skype calls, but has obviously not been updated for the other VOIP software products like VOIPbuster}

As you can see, there are a 11 hardware products listed in the VoipBuster compatible devices offered by Yealink.  I’m not really interested in corded USB/normal phones since then I may as well use my headset.  So, the devices that I will look at purchasing are the USB-B2K adapter or the USB-B3G adapter or the USB Wireless phones (USB-W1DL or USB-P8DH).

So, let’s find some online prices in South Africa:
SkypeBox or Telbox or ‘Yealink USB-B2K’ USB adapter:
R220.00 (+R35 delivery fee) from www.bidorbuy.co.za
R335.00 (+R40 delivery fee, else collect from Cape Town) from www.pcshopping.co.za
R348.00 (+delivery fee) from www.nanoelf.co.za

USB-B3G: (I couldn’t find any available online)

USB-W1DL USB Wireless phone:  
R683 (plus delivery fee, else collect from Cape Town) from www.voicesource.co.za

USB-P8DH: (I couldn’t find any available online)

Note: these are USB devices – which means that they need to be plugged into a computer that’s on and running the VOIP software (eg: VoipBuster and VoipBusterMate).  This brings the price down… if you want a stand-alone device, then they will be more expensive (about R900)

Please note that I haven’t actually purchased any of the above devices – if/when I do, then I will provide feedback.

Here’s a (bit old) discussion thread: SIP Phones/Skype phones and where to get them?

VoipBuster over SkypeOut: the verdict? Read this for hands on tips on saving on your phone bill

I’ve now proven to myself that SkypeOut has been beaten by price hands down! Further to the HTT calculator comparing rates of SkypeOut to FreeCall, the voice quality and reliability of the VoipBuster service has me so impressed that I’m searching for more hardware so that I can call using a cordless phone.

Oh, the 3 reasons why I eventually decided to go with VoipBuster over FreeCall: 1) VoipBuster offers 120 free call days (others offered 60 days); 2) I could purchase airtime using my credit card; 3) Airtime purchase could be done directly with VoipBuster so there were no middle-man charges.


Download (for your PC) and register for free to create your VoipBuster account [3.5MB]:  Download VoipBuster here.
You can even make some free trial calls (limited to 1 minute each) without even purchasing any credit.
Purchase credits here: Purchase VoipBuster credits

I have even set up my Symbian cell phone to call using the VoipBuster SIP settings.  I was surprised however that the Nokia 6110 Navigator allows you to enter the SIP settings but doesn’t come with the Internet Phone application to actually use the SIP connection!  WTF!

So, NimBuzz to the rescue – which allows you create a SIP connection and call your contacts using this SIP connection (that’s VOIP over your data 3G connection).  This way, you can make a long distance call using your mobile phone’s data package…. and with Vodacom’s free bandwidth offer until end Aug 2009, you could really call for free!

BTW: if you aren’t using NimBuzz, then you’d better rush over to their web site and see how this amazing free program allows you to see all your Instant Messaging services in one place.  As on Aug 2009 v2.0.3.1535:  these are the communities supported by NimBuzz: AIM, Facebook, Gadu Gadu, Giovani, GoogleTalk, Hyves, ICQ, Jabber, MySpace, Orkut, schulerVZ, Skype, studiVZ/meinVZ, Twitter, Windows Live Messenger MSN), Yahoo Messenger.

Nimbuzz Mobile lets you call, chat, message, and send files, for free.  It combines all your buddies from Skype, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, AIM, Google Talk and more.  One login, one contact list, all accounts.  There are other Instant Message aggregators out there, but none (that I know of) that include Skype as well.
If that wasn’t enough… you can even download the PC version of NimBuzz that allows you to login on your PC (and save your cell phone’s battery and data bandwidth).
Oh, wait, there’s more: if you’re at an Internet Cafe, or a friend’s PC and you don’t want to download and install anything, then there’s a Web NimBuzz version – just use your browser to log on to NimBuzz.com from anywhere. It’s free.
For those of you that have web sites or blogs, then add the NimBuzz widget and stay in touch with your visitors.

NimBuzz default SIP settings offered (as on Aug 2009 v2.0.3.1535):  A1, MWeb, Vyke, SipGate, Gizmo5, Tpad, TerraSip, Global TeleLinks, Skytel Srbija, XeloQ, ApnaTelelink, Adepto Telecom, VoIP HIT, Voiceglobe, and ‘Other’ (that’s what I use for VoipBuster) by entering the following settings:
    SIP port: 5060
    Registrar: sip.voipbuster.com
    Proxy server: sip.voipbuster.com
    Outbound proxy server: leave empty
    Account name: your VoipBuster username
    Password: your VoipBuster password
    Display name/number: your VoipBuster username or voipnumber
    Stunserver (option): stun.voipbuster.com

Fring also does SIP calls and connects to FaceBook, Twitter, Skype, Google Talk, MSN messenger, ICQ, Yahoo, AIM, orkut, Yandex, WeFi, Last.fm.

Ooops, off at a tangent – sorry.  Let’s get back to VoipBuster… So, I’ve established that using VoipBuster allows calls at a much lower rate than SkypeOut and at very good quality.  For the first 120 days after purchasing credit (minimum of €10 Euro) calls to a lot of countries are free (you only pay for the data bandwidth used).
After the 120 free days period is over (or if you overuse the free service ie: more than 300 minutes per week of free calls, measured over the last 7 days and per unique IP address), then the VoipBuster normal rates apply.  The good news is that even these charged “normal rates” are much lower than Skypeout’s rates – so it’s a win-win situation!  For example: calls to USA on SkypeOut are 19.6c per minute, and on VoipBuster are 11.1c per minute (South African cents).
After the 120 free days, then purchase more credit for more free days or pay the normal rate.  Some people opt to buy more credit to get more free days to use on landline calls to free destinations and conserve their credit to use on cellular calls or calls to non-free destinations.

 

Here’s more details on some clever features from VoipBuster:
SIP setup for some popular SIP devices, VOIPin: get your own regular fixed telephone phone number - for only 1 Euro (not available in South Africa yet), certified VoipBuster devices (and I’m now searching for one of those cordless phones that can support Telkom and SIP), Phone-to-phone (callback service which enables you to make your VoipBuster call on your home or mobile phone), PC-to-PC free calls, VoipBuster mobile (download the app to your mobile phone), VoipSMS client for your Windows mobile phone, send cheap SMS (ZAR 33c per SMS to South Africa), Symbian contact import tool (to import your cell phone’s contacts into VoipBuster for easy dialling)

Come to think of it… the VoipBuster rate to call a South African cell phone is ZAR 88.7c per minute, compare this to the Telkom rate of R1.89 (peak) and R1.03 (off peak) per minute – it’s actually cheaper to use VoipBuster (even if you take the approx. 1MB per minute (ZAR 7c) ADSL data charges into account).

More detail on SIP calling using a wireless phone – the idea is to try and make calling over VoipBuster as convenient as using the DECT cordless Telkom phone.  I have successfully connected the cell phone’s bluetooth headset to my laptop and set up the VoipBuster program to use the bluetooth audio device.  But, the range is limited to about 5m… so, I decided to move my laptop with me, and use the laptop’s wireless LAN to provide mobility.  A more convenient solution would be to use a DECT phone and switch between Telkom and SIP connection – being able to browse through the VoipBuster list of contacts would also be a nice bonus!  So, I’m looking for one of the devices listed under ‘SIP Wireless phones” or “USB Bluetooth phones” or “USB wireless phones” here (or maybe even those ADSL routers or FRITZ!Box Fon).  Sure, there are devices costing over ZAR1,000 but I’m looking for a solution costing less than ZAR600.
Most South African households already have a DECT cordless phone, so, it would be nice to be able to use a similar phone to call your VoipBuster contacts.
Some suppliers are importing the Sedna SE-W3D VOiP/PSTN USB Wireless Handset, with LCD, built in soundcard, Keypad, speaker Phone, rechargeable, up to 50m range, no ext. power required for about R620.00… but, that’s a Skype phone – I need one that’s configurable to use SIP settings.

 

So, in other words, I agree with VoipBuster’s slogan:  “If you like Skype, you will love VoipBuster!”

Beware of scams that steal your money via your telephone bill

A colleague received an email from a recruitment agent (pasted below) that promises that she would "assist you with finding employment, or an income opportunity, that will suit you best." His initial thoughts were - "great" another person that could find him a good job. All he had to do was fax his updated CV etc. to the number and perhaps the right job will be just around the corner. Then he looked closer.... the email was very specific in the instructions on what to fax and emphasised that return email could not be used. Then, looking closer at the fax number, he realised that it was a premium call rate number: 0866 - which would attract a charge of R1.85 per minute!

{More details here: If you refer to the blog: "Don’t be fooled by this false advertising: "FREE fax to e-mail service"" you will see that these 0866 numbers are free to the person receiving the fax, but the sender pays R1.85 per page.}

That's the catch.... all the "recruitment agent" wanted was that you "forward your full detailed CV, together with all available supporting documents, such as reference letters and certificates, to our Fax no: 0866570156".

But where's the scam? How would they make money out of this?

Well, the instructions make sure that you fax all documents to this number - this ensures that the fax call is as long as possible. {I wouldn't be surprised if the fax fails a few times before finally accepting the fax! But, the scam is that the faxes are probably never looked at either!}

They make money (and you lose it) from the kick-back that they receive from Telkom for the premium rate call. So, for each call made a percentage is "earned" back from Telkom.

So, beware - don't react to this type of request where they try and entice you to dial premium numbers and so steal money via your (or your place of work's) telephone bill!

Here's the email:

From: Employment Specialists [mailto:@]
Sent: 22 July 2008 23:00
Subject: We want to assist you with finding employment, or an income opportunity, that will suit you best.

Hello Work hunter

We were recently informed that you are currectly job hunting.

I was appointed to assist you with finding employment, or an income opportunity, that will suit you best.

Please forward your full detailed CV, together with all available supporting documents, such as reference letters and certificates, to our Fax no: 0866570156

(Please do not email your CV & supporting documents, because most of the employers still prefer and insist on fax copies.)

On receipt of your CV and supporting documents we will evaluate your application, and pass your info on to employers that are currently in need of someone with your specific skills and expertise.

If you are chosen as one of the shortlist candidates, you will be contacted, in order to set-up an interview.

We now await your urgent response.

Yours faithfully,

Melani Lewis

The Employment Specialists

"Your career is our speciality"

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The Employment Specialists Disclaimer & Confidentiality Note

This e-mail, its attachments and any rights attaching hereto are, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the property of The Employment Specialists. It is confidential, private and intended for the addressee only.

Should you not be the addressee and receive this e-mail by mistake, kindly notify the sender, and delete this e-mail, immediately and do not disclose or use same in any manner whatsoever.

Views and opinions expressed in this e-mail are those of the sender unless clearly stated as those of the company.

The Employment Specialists accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damages whatsoever and howsoever incurred, or suffered, resulting, or arising, from the use of this email or its attachments.

The Employment Specialists do not warrant the integrity of this e-mail nor that it is free of errors, viruses, interception or interference.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SkypeOut: save money on long distance calls to real telephones... and get 20% discount when you purchase SkypeOut credit

Do you have an Internet connection, speakers and mic? Do you want to save money on international phone calls?
If the answers to all these questions are "YES", then you can benefit from “Free Internet Telephony that just works”.
All you need to do is install the Skype program (Download Skype), register a nickname (don’t give any personal information like home telephone number) then search for people already registered then click to speak or text – it’s that simple.
Go to Skype if you need more information.

Skype-to-Skype: calls are free (you pay for the Internet bandwidth, but nothing for the actual call). To anywhere in the world and at anytime, day, night, morning or weekends.
See here for more info: Skype more info.

Here's more info on the SkypeOut feature:
Using SkypeOut means that I can call a “normal” phone over the Internet by using my PC (and mic and speakers). The phone rings in the normal way and is answered as "usual". I pay the SkypeOut rate which is 2 Euro cents per minute! (about 25 SA cents).
The voice quality is great (just make sure that you're not downloading email or surfing at the same time).... and I'm using a standard 56k modem (no iSDN, nor ADSL) but if you have a faster connection then great (then try using the video too).
Tip: add echo123 to your contacts and test speech quality on the Skype robot before making the “real” call.

The registration process is simple and fast: you can purchase 10 or 25 Euros on a credit card. Your credits then get activated within 15 minutes, then you dial the number on the Skype screen and then the phone rings on the other end of the world - wonderful!!!

To get your 20% discount: register on fatwallet.co.za using this link: Register on FatWallet then purchase your SkypeOut credit using this link: Purchase SkypeOut credit
If you are not interested in getting the 20% discount then go to Skype directly here: Purchase SkypeOut credit

It’s just 1.7 euro cents per minute to the 30 most popular destinations, but there’s a big list of rates: (SkypeOut rates (in ZAR)) to destinations everywhere in the world.
Compare those SkypeOut rates with the Telkom rates: Telkom's International rates

Here's an added bonus: calls to 'toll free' numbers all over the world are free too!
Note: a connection fee of 4 Euro cents (about 50 SA cents) is charged per SkypeOut call.
SkypeOut is the great, wallet-friendly way to call phones and mobiles directly from Skype.

From Skype:
"
The most important fact about our rates is that you really don’t have to pay them. Help your friends, family and business contacts to use Skype and stop paying for talking to them. However, if you insist on calling regular phone numbers, feel free to do so. You can find out all about the rates for doing soon this and the following pages.
It does not matter where you’re calling from, only where you’re calling to. Sitting in London and calling your friend next door costs the same as sitting in Beijing and calling your friend in London.
"

Notes:
Sometimes Telkom is cheaper (to small countries, and for local SA calls, some mobile calls).
SkypeOut calls to mobile phones are more expensive (but usually cheaper than Telkom rates)


You can even send SMSs using your SkypeOut credits:
How much does it cost?
Just like sending texts from your mobile, you pay per SMS message you send from Skype, but they are usually much cheaper. The cost of each text depends on where in the world you’re sending it to (but not where you’re sending it from, however). It’s 7.8 Euro cents (that's about R1) to most places, but there’s a big list of rates to destinations worldwide: Skype's SMS rates

See here for more info: More info on Skype's SMS

Communicate with your Skype contacts using your cell phone: use Fring or NimBuzz.