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Thread ID: 74649 2006-11-30 05:03:00 Data usage for VOIP Skype ephesus (2509) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
503235 2006-11-30 05:03:00 Can anyone provide any indication of data usage for VOIP on Skype. I am checking the feasibility of using skype for communication for someone who does not have a landline and will depend on either using some sort of mobile broadband ie. Vodafone Vodem or Telecom. Vodafone limit is 1Gb/mth. How long does this equate to for VOIP. Thanks. ephesus (2509)
503236 2006-11-30 06:02:00 Google suggests that an uncompressed VOIP conversation uses around 72 MB per hour. But apparently this varies significantly depending on the codec used, and there may be some significant "overheads" in data management that could inflate that a bit. godfather (25)
503237 2006-11-30 06:45:00 I think if your router/modem is active Skype acts as a relay of sorts also. SolMiester (139)
503238 2006-11-30 07:25:00 I think if your router/modem is active Skype acts as a relay of sorts also.

Good point. You can be used as a local "server" by agreeing to the terms of use of some VOIP service suppliers, that could in some circumstances give huge (and uncalculatable) traffic levels if connected for long periods.
godfather (25)
503239 2006-11-30 07:56:00 Does Skype work all right on dial-up?

Cheers :)
Renmoo (66)
503240 2006-11-30 08:03:00 Good point. You can be used as a local "server" by agreeing to the terms of use of some VOIP service suppliers, that could in some circumstances give huge (and uncalculatable) traffic levels if connected for long periods.

Thanks to both replies. Yes I vaguely remember reading somewhere about Skype user being used as local "server" for using Skype. But if the 72MB per hour usage data is accurate, theoratically one shoud be able to make over 10 hours of VOIP on vodafone 1GB plan. Not bad if you can call computer to computer for free or for a nominal charge to local/overseas landline.

Would signing off from Skype when not in use and making shorter calls solve the "server" usage problem?
ephesus (2509)
503241 2006-11-30 09:50:00 You could try iTalk (slingshot's VOIP service) - I just signed up for that, and it works brilliantly. Net traffic is a consistant 20kbits/sec up & 30kbits/sec down. Sounds basically like a normal phone. $10/month, and you get a proper landline number, free local calling, voicemail etc etc. But don't ever need tech support - it's as if they only have one person manning the phones for the whole company. Erayd (23)
503242 2006-12-01 02:13:00 I remember reading on Skype why you can end up being a "server" has to do with the way it gets around firewalls.

If both users of skype have firewalls then neither party will be able to connect to the other one so each connects to a non-firewalled third party to initiate the phone call and hence the third party is hosting the call unawares, eating up their bandwidth allowance!!!
pico (4752)
503243 2008-08-28 08:15:00 Okay friends, I have been using Gizmo for VOIP for over a year. I purchased and used D-Link VOIP Router 1402S so I could use a regular headset or cordless phone. I am no longer using Gizmo. Question: Does Yahoo Messenger allow me to use this router and phone? If so, where can I find information on what is needed to set it up. How to Use D-Link VOIP 1402S to make call-outs? soviski (11552)
503244 2008-08-28 08:26:00 As far as I'm aware, you cannot use any SIP device with Yahoo Messenger - which means you won't be able to use this router the way you want. Erayd (23)
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