New VoIP user can't get a dialtone-have ideas to help?On the Vonage VoIP Forum, this morning, new member licora88 identifies as a new user user, but one off to a comparatively inconstant start.Licora88 complains:"Problem no dial tone - only loud noise.February 21, 2005 by Russell Shaw in Networking
They've completed a Skype call from high over the AtlanticI've just read an itneresting post from blogger Ed Vielmetti in Ann Arbor, Michigan.Ed writes of his phone conversation with his friend Valdis Krebs.February 21, 2005 by Russell Shaw in Tech Industry
While some VoIP providers scratch their heads, Packet 8 expands E911While other VoIP providers are trying to figure out E-911, Packet8 is actually doing something about it. That's because Packet 8 has technology in place that automatically routes emergency calls and provides visual "screen pops" of caller information to emergency personnel stationed at E911 dispatch centers.February 18, 2005 by Russell Shaw in Networking
A big hurdle for VoIP over cell?Many in the VoIP community are excited about the prospect of VoIP-enabled cell phones that would enable calls on the cheap, and use GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) as a subset.Some of the newer 3G (third-generation cell phones) are equipped with GPRS.February 18, 2005 by Russell Shaw in Networking
E911 industry to Bush: please get the FCC off their ...One of VoIP's chief issues is that when callers use a VoIP service to dial 911 from a different computer than they register with their VoIP access provider, emergency services dispatchers will not be able to immediately identify the call's location. In a statement yesterday, Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) president Greg Ballentineasked President Bush to prod the Federal Communications Commission on this issue.February 18, 2005 by Russell Shaw in Government : US
This sector may not be "sexy," but it sure is hotThe VoIP testing market isn't exactly the sexiest sector in the IP telephony industry. Without testing tools, though, VoIP service providers would have to build and maintain their offerings via guesswork.February 16, 2005 by Russell Shaw in Networking
What about combining VoIP with enterprise 3G?Converge This! WLAN-3G is a new report from wireless analysis firm Unstrung Insider.February 16, 2005 by Russell Shaw in Networking
The SkypeOut Forum is a chamber of horror storiesAs our own Ben Charny reports today, users of Skype's new PC-to-phone SkypeOut service report multiple customer service problems.I've just come back from a point-and-click sessionon the SkypeOut section of the Skype Forum.February 16, 2005 by Russell Shaw in Tech Industry
After failing to land MCI, Qwest is between a rock and a hard placeNow that Verizon has announced it is acquiring MCI, and SBC is buying AT&T, where does that leave Qwest? Late last year, the smallest of the four major regional carriers had announced that a VoIP offering was imminent.February 15, 2005 by Russell Shaw in Networking
Ricky, don't lose that numberLast night I was talking tomy friend Rick.His apartment is going condo and he's going to have to move real soon.February 15, 2005 by Russell Shaw in Networking
Voice and data engineers: Venus-Mars in the network?"'Some days, if I'd had a gun, I would have shot them all,' she said laughingly.'"Of course North Carolina-based IT consultant Janet Smith was joshing when she expressed that sentiment to Computerworld magazine recently.February 14, 2005 by Russell Shaw in Networking
Motorola's Skype deal may tick off cell phone companiesAs my colleague Ben Charny reports, Motorola will be pre-loading Skype software to "a select number" of new Wi-Fi enabled cell phones it is planning.Motorola says to expect initial product sometime before July of this year.February 14, 2005 by Russell Shaw in Mobility
Vonage to FCC: get the telcos off our backAccording to Advanced Pipeline, Vonage has been complaining to the FCC that some telco competitors are blocking its service from reaching certain types of end-user devices.FCC Chair Michael Powell (yes, he is still in that position) is investigating.February 14, 2005 by Russell Shaw in Government : US
Russell Crows: I *Was* Right About Verizon Buying MCIWell, it's official. As you can read on our front page, Verizon is buying MCI for a total of $6.February 13, 2005 by Russell Shaw in Mobility
I may be right about Verizon-MCIOur own Maggie Reardon cites today's Wall Street Journal report that a deal for Verizon to buy MCI appears close at hand.Why would such a deal make sense?February 11, 2005 by Russell Shaw in Mobility