Skype – Tell It Like It Is – by Paul Jenkins
You probably have heard of Skype. Skype is the big guy on the block. They now collect more in long distance charges than any other telecom on the planet. And just to be clear, when I talk about Skype I’m not referring to the Skype service that allows you to chat with someone who is already online. I’m referring to the Skype service that allows you to call and/or answer regular phone numbers (Skype-out/Skype-in).These services are available from the same Skype software – you just need an extra subscription fee to be able to phone into the regular phone system (Skype-out) and/or to have a phone number that people can reach you with (Skype-in).
Why It Rocks
Skype has great technology. Something that a lot of people don’t know is that Skype is one of the very few companies that uses the Internet’s existing infrastructure, so that they don’t have to provide a lot of infrastructure themselves. For instance, when I make a call from say Mexico to Europe, the routing of my voice is automatically done between a number of computers (i.e. Sally’s in Arizona, or Bob’s in Pennsylvania, or maybe even yours) that have Skype software running on them.
Well, it probably isn’t your computer that the call is being routed through, as the computers that they use have to have public IP addresses (for example, they can’t be behind a router in the home) and they also need a hefty amount of resources. But it could be yours if you have a small business or if you’re using a computer at a university. This also means that unlike other companies, Skype does not use centralized gateways. And therefore, Skype is more likely to work in more places and in more remote places, because they are using other people’s infrastructure. So it’s like having all the advantages of close gateways without having to implement them.
Skype is super efficient. Skype runs its own codecs automatically. With other internet phone companies you have to set the codec that you want manually. But Skype software senses, just before the call what the network conditions are like and sets up the call with a codec that provides the right mix of size and quality. The codecs they use are really good. Not only can they handle bad internet connections (they can adjust to a higher compression codec similar to G.729) automatically, but when the internet connection is good, they can adjust way up to high-definition sound quality – if the conversation is between two Skype users.
You can use Skype on several devices. Not only can you call from one of their specialized phones, but also from your computer or smartphone.
One of their cool features is that you can teleconference with up to 9 voice users (if you and the rest are all computer-based users) in their non-telephone communications software, as well as video-conference with up to 9, etc.
Finally, because Skype uses such little amounts of their own infrastructure, their service is reasonably priced and they offer pay as you go. So, you can buy prepaid minutes or you can get an even better deal if you sign up for a monthly, 3 month or yearly subscription.
Where It Strikes Out
Skype is different because they like to do things their own way. This can be beneficial to the customer in several ways (as you’ve seen above), but at the same time it can also limit the customer’s options. Skype unlike other companies has its own proprietary methods. In other words, they do not follow the same standards that other internet phone companies follow – they have their own.
One of their standards is that if you want to set up an actual (hard) phone, then you can only do it with a dedicated Skype phone. This means you can’t BYOD (bring your own device) and nor can you bring your own phone, you have to use one of theirs. These phones are not cheap, and they can’t be used for anything else – for example as a regular phone, or with another internet service provider. Other companies however will let you use any old phone. The other problem with Skype phones is that as of now, they are still not upgradable. For instance, when Skype recently released a new codec [SILK] – their most efficient codec ever, those who had purchased Skype-only phones were out of luck. If they wanted the new codec they couldn’t simply upload it to their current Skype phone, they had to replace the whole phone. For many, I’m sure, a costly and annoying task.
The fact that you can only use a Skype phone also means that you don’t have flexibility. If you decide to switch providers, you’ll be stuck with Skype equipment that is unusable. Some internet phone providers, on the other hand, let you use generic equipment that works well with any provider, so if you switch providers you can use the same equipment and don’t waste any money. For these reasons, Skype “hard” internet phones are not too popular, nor do I recommend them. If you are addicted to Skype and do want to get a hard phone – Belkin makes a model for around $100 that allows you to connect over Wi-Fi that seems promising.
But for now, most people use Skype as a soft phone – which runs on their computer. This way they don’t have to spend money on any specialized Skype equipment. The main problem with Skype as a soft phone, however, is that you need your computer running. Therefore, if you’re looking for a more permanent setup, Skype is probably not the best way to go. This is because if you want an internet phone that rings at all times, this would mean you would need your computer running at all times – not the most cost-efficient solution (i.e. wear-and-tear & electricity costs).
Another limitation of Skype for Canadians is that you can’t get a Canadian phone number with Skype. They do, however, have a variety of American and other International area codes.
Finally, the most commonly cited limitation of Skype is that you cannot get emergency phone service (911) for your phone. This used to be one of the biggest complaints of all internet phones, but now many providers now offer emergency phone service.
The Last Word
Skype has been a real leader in the internet phone industry. It has substantially brought down the overall cost of internet phone service. It is the 800-pound elephant and it could well end-up as a monopoly in the long run. But, because of some of the limitations I mention above, it isn’t quite ready for that now.
My Straight-up Advice: Skype is a great soft phone choice to phone out on. But if you’re expecting to receive calls regularly, there are cheaper providers to go with. It is not an ideal home phone setup, rather it is better to use Skype in addition to another phone. It is great for long distance calling, and if you’re on the go or travelling, it is also a good choice.
SOME EXTRA TIPS ABOUT Skype…
One service you should know about is a free one called Ring2Skype.com. They offer local phone numbers in 100 worldwide cities with an extension. People dial “your” number (which is shared with strangers), get an auto-attendant and then enter your extension. This will pass the call over to you on your Skype account. It does have Canadian numbers (unlike Skype proper) even for my birthplace of Nova Scotia (which is a rarity in the internet phone world).
How To Get Your Cell Phone Number as Your Caller ID for Skype: If you need to make calls and look like you are phoning from your smartphone you can. First you install Skype on your smartphone. Then there is a process that you send Skype a text, they respond within 24 hours and then the number that was used to make the text from is registered to your account. From then on every phone call that you make with Skype has the caller ID of your cellphone.
