VoIP with MTNL's Limited Plans

[AC1]

Hi guys,I'm trying to find a VoIP solution for my parents in Mumbai. They have a limited-use plan from MTNL as their internet connection (capped at 500 MB, I think).Not being very familiar with limited plans, my question is this - Is VoIP data counted as part of the "download limit"?Specifically, my concern is that if I were to use a solution like Magic Jack (btw, I would greatly appreciate reading about the experiences of anyone that has tried this), my parents would invariably go over the 500 MB limit. So, my second question is - What do you guys think is the minimum plan needed for VoIP to work on MTNL connections?Thanks

 

[Motorazor143]

yes, VOIP is also considered as data download.One hr of voice chat will consume around 40 - 50 MB.Go for unlimited plan if u plan to use VOIP on the regular basis.

 

[AC1]

yes, VOIP is also considered as data download.One hr of voice chat will consume around 40 - 50 MB.

Go for unlimited plan if u plan to use VOIP on the regular basis.

Thanks!

I'm considering the 256k unlimited plan. Your avatar tells me that's the one you are using currently. What's the VoIP quality like at that speed?

 

[cyberwiz]

If u use MTNL's voip service called pigeon then data used is not counted . But the service is crappy in terms of rates to most destinations..one would better off using betamax..As far is minimum ltd. plan for Voip is concerned, it depends on how much u wanna talk and which codec u use..i have personally used g.723 codec on a 1 GB plan..but the safest bet is an unltd plan

 

[AC1]

If u use MTNL's voip service called pigeon then data used is not counted . But the service is crappy in terms of rates to most destinations..one would better off using betamax..

As far is minimum ltd. plan for Voip is concerned, it depends on how much u wanna talk and which codec u use..i have personally used g.723 codec on a 1 GB plan..but the safest bet is an unltd plan

Thanks for the tip on Pigeon or Betamax. I hadn't heard about it at all. I'll do some research on it, and figure out the best option.

BTW, could either of you guys (or anyone else) tell me the approximate cost of an ATA in India? I'm thinking of bringing one down from the US in case magicJack doesn't work, but would rather buy it in India.

 

[cyberwiz]

I have an unlocked Linksys PAP2 bought in India for approx 2200/-INR..most other models/brands are not very freely available though

U can even order one from ebay india (costly option) which will be delivered to ur home..
eBay India: Linksys PAP2 Broadband/DSL 2 port VoIP Gateway (item 250369356430 end time 13-Feb-2009 18:09:45 IST)

 

[AC1]

I have an unlocked Linksys PAP2 bought in India for approx 2200/-INR..most other models/brands are not very freely available though

U can even order one from ebay india (costly option) which will be delivered to ur home..
eBay India: Linksys PAP2 Broadband/DSL 2 port VoIP Gateway (item 250369356430 end time 13-Feb-2009 18:09:45 IST)

Thanks for the link. That's pretty much the model I was looking to buy here in the US for more or less the same price. How hard was it for you to find the PAP2 outside of ebay (I understand that other models are not freely available)?

 

[superprash2003]

you can get one through vonage..

 

[cyberwiz]

@Ac1..what i meant was that ..pap2 is easily available in India as compared to other models made by Linksys or other companies

 

[Daddycool]

If u use MTNL's voip service called pigeon then data used is not counted . But the service is crappy in terms of rates to most destinations..one would better off using betamax..

As far is minimum ltd. plan for Voip is concerned, it depends on how much u wanna talk and which codec u use..i have personally used g.723 codec on a 1 GB plan..but the safest bet is an unltd plan

MTNL also has the VOIP plan C from Aksh. This one will be best for you. You go for two connections for which they will give you two ATAs. You install one at your parents place and one wherever you are.
It cost Rs 150/- rent per ATA per month and you get 400 minutes free. After that you pay Rs 0.20 per minute. This is not counted in your broadband usage.
Only question in my mind about this is whether the minutes and the rate are counted only on the side initiating the call or both sides. Taking typically what is common for telephone I would think the usage is counted for the initiating side only.
That gives you potentially 800 minutes of free time for Rs. 300/- rent and just 20 paise per minute thereafter.