Skype calls via mobile phones

Gibs

Apologies if this is already old news but I came across a product called IPdrum recently, which sounds really interesting. Wondering if anyone has used it?

For anyone who hasn't come across it, its essentially a cable that you plug into your computer that apparently allows you to use skype with your mobile phone from wherever you happen to be. :eek:

To use IPdrum, you need 2 cellphones - one remains permanently hooked up to the usb port and microphone input of your computer via the IPdrum cable, (i.e basically its a 'dummy' phone) while the other one remains in your pocket wherever you go. You dial the dummy phone from your current mobile phone, wherever you might happen to be, and then your dummy phone provides a bridge to skype via your adsl / broadband connection. If your dummy phone is a number that can be called for free under your mobile phone call-plan, you can then call anywhere in the world FROM YOUR MOBILE PHONE, either for free if its to a skype user, or for skype-out rates (which are pretty cheap) if its to a landline/cellphone. I think this sounds like a really huge development for pricing in the mobile phone market. Athough you do need a computer, if this does what it says on the tin, it is basically a stand alone skype mobile phone.

I am not trying to advertise the product, and I don't have it myself but I just wondered if anyone has bought it and used it?

Also found this product which appears to do a somewhat similar job: http://www.wispa.it/

bhickey

Gibs wrote:

If your dummy phone is a number that can be called for free under your mobile phone call-plan.........

Are there any such "free" mobile-mobile plans currently available from Irish operators? I know that there are ones where you pay an extra amount each month per mobile account using the service but these aren't cheap (e.g. €25-30 per account per month). Also there'd be the cost of having a second phone or account.

JimmySmith

Thats a fantastic product if it exists.
I too would be interested in hearing more

defib

Vodafone Business have free calls to mobiles in that company but yes you would have to pay about 30 euro a month.

JimmySmith

Dont some of them have a mobile that you nominate for free calls.
I have this with vodafone, but have had it a few years now.
Or some even have cheap calls to own network.

Now if only it would work without your PC turned on all the time.

Gibs

A fair point bhickey. I don't know either if there are 'free numbers' available from Irish mobile operators, but at the very least, it could be a way to make international calls at either national rates, or using the free minutes that come with your call plan.

bhickey

JimmySmith wrote:

Now if only it would work without your PC turned on all the time.

It's possible using a GSM gateway device connected to an ATA that allows PSTN-to-VoIP call origination. The Grandstream 488 and Sipura 3000 both allow this. You ring the GSM gateway (which will have a mobile SIM in it) and you get a dialtone, the number dialled then goes via VoIP. These GSM gateway devices are not cheap though (about €150-300).

Gibs

Here's another product, called the VoSky Call Center that does the same kind of thing as the IPdrum, and avoids the need to have 2 mobile phones (though you do need a home phone). Also need to have computer on all the time. It does, however, allow you to ring a landline (e.g. your own home?) from your mobile, then have the call routed through skype. Seems pretty useful. Only question is whether it will work with the Irish phone system :rolleyes:

bhickey

Gibs wrote:

Also need to have computer on all the time.

Any setup that means you have to have your PC on all the time is going to cost you a lot in electricity (€100+ per year depending on the type of PC). It's important to factor this cost in when weighing up all the various options. In my opinion Skype and other propietary PC-based products are messy and most people will get a better setup using a SIP provider.

HelterSkelter

There is an easier & cheaper way which I currently use for calling UK mobiles. You don't need any additional equipment or a PC. It goes something like this:

My Mobile Phone -> Blueface.ie Gateway -> UK Mobile phone

I call the blueface gateway which is an 01 number so is included in my monthly minutes plan. I then key in the UK mobile number and the gateway connects me to that number (similar to the way telestunt works). The blueface gateway recognises my mobile number and deductes the call cost from a pay as you go account I have with them. The rates are on their web site but for UK mobiles it costs 20c peak/10c off peak per minute.

Tav

Hi
I discovered that old post about making calls from mobile using Skype by installing IpDrum device.
Anyone there who acctually use it? I see that non of the UK resellers (addresses on the ipdrum site) doesn't stock that VoiceLink anymore is there a reason for this?

If you have 'free calls to a friend' this seems to be a good option, that's why im intrested in it.

Tav