Yesterday we have briefly talked the call and sms rates of Skype. Today we will share our experience on using the Skype as VoIP calls service with you.
Pricing
When we are in Malaysia, we usually do not use VoIP service to call within Malaysia. Same theory, when we calls to Malaysia, we usually are in oversea.
If you monthly call not less than 170 minutes to landline with more than 20 calls, you should subscribe to Unlimited Country for just €3.95/month. Why?
170 minutes x €0.017 + 20 x €0.039 = €2.89 + €0.78 = €3.67
But, as our experience, Skype will not charge you €0.017/minute but will be €0.02/minute. They will round the €0.017 to €0.02. So, the new calculation should be as followed:
170 minutes x €0.02 + 20 x €0.04 = €3.40 + €0.80 = €4.20
For calling to mobile, if you always calls to mobile, then you should not use Skype, you should add the number to your current mobile line favorite numbers, it comparative cheaper than using Skype to call.
Quality
Quality of the Skype is very depends on your connection speed and stability of your internet connectivity. We found that Skype calls is quite good and clear, but sometimes we encounter some common problems of other VoIP service providers like:
- Start charging but the phone still ringing
- Voice delay
- Background noise
- Call echo
- Words cut
- The other side can hear us, but we can’t and vice versa
The above problems are very common for VoIP service, and we found that it’s rarely happened in Skype.
Hidden Condition
As usual, many service providers have hidden condition like hidden charges, limit of usage and so on. Skype have it too.
Connection fee €0.039 or €0.079 which imposed on every calls for pay as you go plan.
Fair use policy of 10,000 minutes (166 hours 40 minutes) per user per month, with a maximum of 6 hours per day. Also, no more than 50 different numbers in total can be called per day.
Charging block of 1 minute. It means when you call for just 1 minute 1 second, or 1 minute 59 seconds you will be billed as same as 2 minutes.
Skype credit only active for 180 days after your last successful calls (excluded SMS) or you have to re-activate it.
Comments:
Skype calls to mobile is expensive if compare to other VoIP providers which we will continue to show you later.
Pay as you go plan is very expensive compare to other VoIP providers which we will show you later.
We are not recommend to use Skype to calls to Mobile. But if you subscribe to Monthly plans like Unlimited Country, then Skype is the best choice for you.
What do you think? Give you comments here. 