Skype replacements

[SYD]

Absolutely.
However, as we are on a Skype replacement thread - I assumed that readers would have known that the service needs data to function.

Yes, the point being that one of the cheap local Oz telco bundles (not the $5 / $10 daily stuff), is probably ok for a reasonable chunk of people, most of the time. And generally just works. No need to forward calls etc. Plus sending / receiving SMS also keeps working.

Unfortunately, plenty of peeps might be locked to a particular telco or plan, so can’t take advantage of these alternate plans / bundles.

As an aside, I actually hadn’t used Skype credit for well over 6-7 yrs (no longer needed it), and until I saw this thread the other day, I was oblivious that it was going end of life. Odd they’re not rolling over the credit system to Teams on O365. Although, I’d personally prefer not to use Teams, Zoom etc for basic calls/messaging. God knows what they’re doing with the data.

 

[Flashback]

I'm wondering whether those that have balances sitting with them, can get them refunded back or whether that credit will be..... lost.

Any alternative needs to work the same way, allowing PAYG rather than a monthly payment for a service you don't really need and only occasionally use.

 

[asterix]

I'm wondering whether those that have balances sitting with them, can get them refunded back or whether that credit will be..... lost.

Any alternative needs to work the same way, allowing PAYG rather than a monthly payment for a service you don't really need and only occasionally use.

I've got a few dollars left in my Skype account, I still haven't received any direct communication from Microsoft that Skype is being shutdown.

VOIP providers like Crazytel and Siptalk do have casual plans that don't have a monthly fee. I pay 35c a month for my Sydney number, but if I didn't have that I could not pay anything each month and just use it as a PAYG account.

 

[stm1sydney]

I use Crazytel, I purchased a local Sydney number and forward my Boost mobile to it all the time, as long as I've got data I can receive calls on my mobile.

Could you please explain how this is different/better than just using my Australian mobile number with wifi calling to receive calls when I am o/s (and connected to my hotel wifi, for example). Thanks.

 

[SYD]

Could you please explain how this is different/better than just using my Australian mobile number with wifi calling to receive calls when I am o/s (and connected to my hotel wifi, for example). Thanks.

If you’re on Telstra (and can access wifi calling), it probably isn’t better.

If you can’t access wifi calling or your phone doesn’t roam OS, then it’s a work around.

As far as making OS calls when already OS, it’s a PAYG option instead of triggering $5 or $10 roaming charges (as applicable).

 

[asterix]

Could you please explain how this is different/better than just using my Australian mobile number with wifi calling to receive calls when I am o/s (and connected to my hotel wifi, for example). Thanks.

I find it useful as I normally buy an esim from Airalo or Flexiroam and the backup calling doesn't tend to work with those providers so I can only make and receive calls when I'm at the hotel if they haven't blocked the wifi calling ports.

 

[MikeG]

I use Skype to host a US number and get calls to/from the US, and also SMS as if I have a US mobile number. Just did a quick Google. Justcall.io seems to fit the bill for US$19/month - way more than Skype costed... Teams does a minimum of 5 users for $8pppm+GST, so $40/month+GST if you only want one line. Maybe I just need to rethink whether I bother... If I had an android phone I could get a free USA number app... I do have a free German landline app and a free NZ mobile number that diverts to me, which have been quite useful.

 

[qaz]

I've been using Crazytel recently and the service has been great and it's based in Australia.

Completely free to set-up - can call other crazytel numbers completely free of charge.
They have their app on Iphone and Android which is an easy SIP portal.

Also possible to buy an australian landline number for a dollar a month and their international rates are pretty good - need to top up to be able to call internationally.

Otherwise, I also suggest to have a look at Boost Mobile - lots of international destinations included over Telstra's network.
Similar with Amaysim, Lebara & co.

+1

 

[Balad2005]

Now that Microsoft is about to shutdown Skype , many of us that have used Skype to call Internationally to Airline call centres, banks, hotels will need a reliable high quality service that has zero or minimal charges.

I need to select something pretty soon, as I will need to book a few complex itineraries with Aeroplan and BA in a few weeks. Looking forward to hearing what others are using.

Well not anything from microsoft , try whatsapp one can make calls by switching off your data network and running off wifi. Its worked for me when calling Qantas from overseas.Perhaps when overseas buy an e-sim,there is a discussion page on this and a kind AFF member k_sheep has put up an e-sim comparison table.

 

[zig]

I've got a few dollars left in my Skype account, I still haven't received any direct communication from Microsoft that Skype is being shutdown.

VOIP providers like Crazytel and Siptalk do have casual plans that don't have a monthly fee. I pay 35c a month for my Sydney number, but if I didn't have that I could not pay anything each month and just use it as a PAYG account.

I also have a small credit sitting in my Skype account and haven't received any communication about it being shut down, so was wondering what refund options might be offered. I will continue to wait. If I lose the small amount of credit, so be it.

 

[SYD]

Well not anything from microsoft , try whatsapp one can make calls by switching off your data network and running off wifi. Its worked for me when calling Qantas from overseas.Perhaps when overseas buy an e-sim,there is a discussion page on this and a kind AFF member k_sheep has put up an e-sim comparison table.

WhatsApp is great where it’s used but can’t be relied on 100% (much less really).

Most eSIMs are data only, so don’t really help with cheap calls/text when travelling BUT there are some rare pearls out there that do offer a local number with calls / txt.