|
|
Post by Kapusta11 on May 15, 2013 1:47:29 GMT
All,
My family and I are preparing for our arrival in Dhahran and would like to receive some real feedback from users of MagicJack, Vonage or any other phone system that will allow us to call from the KSA back to the United States for as cheaply and reliable as possible. We regularly use Skype for family purposes (International and Domestic calls) and are happy with that, but are looking for a system we can use outside of family. I have read reviews of MagicJack and it seems there are a lot of unhappy users of that product. Vonage seems to work well, but costs more. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your responses.
|
|
|
|
Post by vpainter on May 15, 2013 21:28:53 GMT
We've been using Vonage for years. No problems except when Aramco internet is a problem. Good connections, easy to talk on, no delays.
|
|
zsb
Advanced Member
Posts: 59
|
Post by zsb on May 16, 2013 0:18:11 GMT
I agree with Vpainter. We have been using Vonage for years in the US and have had no problems. Actually my extended family and friends all use Vonage (some in states and some international) with no issue. One of my brother uses Magic Jack in US and the service is not that great and it depends on how many online devices (TV, Internet) he is running when making a call. I'd say go ahead with vonage if you don't mind monthly fee of $35-40 (monthly). As long as you have good internet service, vonage should be fine.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hadia on May 16, 2013 4:09:53 GMT
When I was comparing the two devices, I could have sworn I read somewhere that Magic Jack requires your computer to be turned on in order to work, and I wasn't sure what it offered for voice mail or other features. It seemed split, the comments from users: about half said MJ never worked, and half said it worked great. We've had family members in the Gulf region tell us that they couldn't get MJ to work properly. Can anyone with MJ please comment on what I had heard, and correct anything wrong I've said?
We chose Vonage because: (1) we knew it was independent of a computer, just needed to hook up to the wireless unit; (2) we knew for sure we could select our home area and exchange code so it looked to callers and businesses like we never left town; (3) it offered a lot of digital features in conjunction with our email; (4) Vonage had phone units we could buy as a set for the whole house; and (5)it came with a higher recommendation by expats (not just Saudi Aramco but other expat web sites I checked out). We also don't think that $35 USD/month is unreasonable for a generous calling plan for US/Canada. For us, it's been worth peace of mind knowing that family can reach us reliably and vice versa any time of the day or night, and it is basically free for them.
BTW, do a Google on KSA and Skype. It's been in the news recently. Also chat programs like WhatsApp.
|
|
|
|
Post by SayRT on May 16, 2013 4:36:11 GMT
there are different types of MJ devices. one requires direct connection to a computer, where your pc must be on for the MJ/phone to function. another connects directly to a router and to the phone without requiring a computer. the latter works on more permanent bases as a stand alone; it is slightly more expensive.
BTW, i would install and test whichever device you purchase in the U.S. before you leave in order to have access to (and call) customer service if needed.
|
|
Nola
Member
Posts: 22
|
Post by Nola on May 16, 2013 6:29:17 GMT
One of the things we really love about Vonage...We were able to port our US cell phone numbers to it. Now, when anyone in the US calls our cell phone numbers that we have had for 10+ years, it rings to our home here in KSA. This definitely helped make the transition to here easier with friends and family when they knew they could just pick up the phone and call us like always.
The downside? We get calls from the US in the middle of the night sometimes...
Someday, when we move back to the US, we should be able to port our numbers back to our cell phones.
|
|
|
|
Post by waderand on May 16, 2013 11:31:49 GMT
I have a Skype phone number (which you can port from an existing number). I have used it all over the world without problem. It costs about $90 a year for unlimited use. I can call any number in the U.S. - when signing up, you have to choose which country or countries you want to call. The more you choose the more expensive. You have to pay for the number and a subscription plan (for 1 country calling and the number its $90) a year. It works really well, has voice mail, etc. I like it also because you can integrate all your phone information (numbers) with those with Skype and Facebook. You can also set-up different groups etc. I use it in the U.S for my regular number which works great because it rings where ever my computer is - no other devices needed. If I am not logged on it goes to voice mail. It tracks all your calls, IMs etc. I use a headset with the computer so I can be hands free. I plan on using Skype when I get to Saudi.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hadia on May 16, 2013 12:38:36 GMT
I hope Skype continues to be an option for us in KSA. So far, it looks like it's not being banned, however, there has been the recent threat of that. Here's a recent article: english.alarabiya.net/en/busines ... reat-.html |
|
|
|
Post by GroveWanderer on May 16, 2013 14:01:56 GMT
I used to use Skype for voice calls but changed to Vonage. At the time I switched (several years ago now) the quality of Skype calls had become really poor. I don't know what it's like now as I haven't used it for voice calls since then, though I do use it for video calls.
To me, the main advantage of the Vonage system is that I don't have to have my computer with me (or switched on) for it to work. I just have to carry my Vonage box (small enough to fit in a shirt pocket) with me. OK, there's a power adapter that I have to carry as well, but it's pretty small as well.
Sometimes if I'm travelling light (just a carry on) it's nice not to have to take my laptop with me but still be able to make and receive Vonage calls wherever I am.
At least with the UK package, Vonage also works out cheaper than Skype used to, with unlimited calls to landlines and mobiles in the US, Canada and various Asian countries (including my wife's home country) plus unlimited calls to landlines in several European countries including the UK, for only £8.99 a month.
|
|
|
|
Post by CheeseyPouf on May 16, 2013 22:30:01 GMT
For MJ vs Vonage, I'll note that my folks, who live part-time in Mexico, had really py connections using MJ, so they switched to V, and have had pretty good call quality since.
Also, I had several contracts that brought me to Dhahran in the past few years. While staying at Steineke, I had several calls using Skype with people in the US, with varying degrees of (poor) quality. During one conference call, there was so much echo that people joked that the military was trying to listen in. Apparently, the quality became crystal clear after I dropped out.
So, take that as you will.
CP
|
|
|
|
Post by waderand on May 17, 2013 0:47:03 GMT
Microsoft owns Skype now. I rarely have issues with Skype and it does depend on the quality of the internet connection. You can also use it on your cell phone so you do not have to have a computer with you. I have used in about 20 or more countries with rarely a problem. I use it for conference calls as well. I heard about Saudi possibly blocking Skype but that would not be an issue with a VPN which I plan on having anyway.
|
|
|
|
Post by UmmRiyam on May 17, 2013 7:25:30 GMT
We didn't have too many problems using the original magic jack, and now they make one that doesn't require you to use your computer. You plug it directly into the router. but, we decided to just use the FREE magic jack app on the iPad or mobile phone instead of renewing the magic jack. We also use skype and have used ooVoo as well.
We don't talk on the phone enough to justify the cost of vonage. I prefer talking to my mom with the webcam via skype or ooVoo so she can see the kids growing up.
|
|
|
|
Post by NISKI-1968 on May 25, 2013 0:56:26 GMT
I have used MJ in the states; the version which is called MJ plus; this one is connected the same way the Vonage modem is connected to the router. The voice quality is the same for both of them additionally, MJ is much cheaper. The MJ and one year subscription is for $69.99; if you would like to port your existing phone number whether it's a land line or Vongae you pay a yearly maintenance fee of $10 which is ridiculous but overall the cost is much cheaper than Vonage.
If Vonage is working in SA, I do not find a technical reason why MJ should not work!
|
|
|
|
Post by vpainter on May 25, 2013 10:39:24 GMT
We pay $40/ month for our Vonage line.
|
|
|
|
Post by gbhatia on May 25, 2013 14:23:34 GMT
From Canada, Vonage costs $24.99 per month for their world plan which includes free calls to 60 countries. The sign up bonus is that they offer it for $14.99 for the first three months. Given my wife's mother lives in the UK, my family is in Canada, we have friends in Australia and all over the US and Asia, its the best investment we made. We use it to stay in touch with everyone around the world for one low price  |
|
