How do you use this app on the road?

[marvin]

This is probably a very naive question but after 2 days on the Dell Voice app, both on my Win7 partition (where's the linux client?) and my Galaxy Nexus phone, I've not been able to connect, or at best, I'd login but get the "Port 13000 should be available" error and can't make a single call.

I tried it from the wifi in my hotel. I tried it at the airport's wifi. It just won't work. Skype works flawlessly on the same PC and the same phone on both wifi networks. I don't get the part with the ports 13000 or others. One can't tell the hotel, airplane, airport, anyone in this world what they have to do with ports just because I want to use my app there.

Am I missing something very basic here or all that marketing talk about being able to call back home and talk to my family is plain BS?

Thanks in advance,
Marv

[FONGO_kris]

One thing Skype does differently is route all their traffic through common HTTP ports (80), which generally remain unblocked wherever you go. We use common SIP ports which unlike port 80 are blocked in many public areas such as airports and hotels.

As for the Linux client, there are quite a number of people waiting on this including myself, and know the developers are aware of the demand. Unfortunately, I'm unable to give a timeline on this, as currently we're working on improving our existing products first.

[marvin]

Thanks for the reply. This still sounds like false advertising, which, AFAIK, is illegal in most countries.

How would I use an app that works over "your existing data plan (3G/4G) or nearby WiFi connection" if I can't use it anywhere I go, over any of the "nearby WiFi connections"? If it does work in a lab or some well controlled environment where one has access to firewalls, ports, etc, the app should really be advertised as such?

Apart from Skype, I just tested my native SIP client on my Andorid phone, Yahoo voice and Google Talk. They all worked just fine on Bells 4G network and Starbucks' wifi, while Dell Voice app failed consistently.

Still looking to a very basic answer, I believe.
Thanks, M

[FONGO_steve]

Marvin - I apologize for any confusion that may have come up from the above discussion.

Dell Voice is a SIP app and operates over the standard SIP ports. There are other offerings on the market that offer voice and video calling, like Skype and Windows Live, but they use proprietary technologies to connect the end user to their servers. A lot of these technologies "look" like regular web traffic to firewalls thus making them easy to use in even the most firewalled places - or even in places where traditional "VoIP" (as we know it) may be outlawed.

We use a true VoIP solution which is far more powerful and customizable than those - and since we provide a free service we do not yet have the resources available to start developing something propriatary.

You can use Dell Voice on any 3G or WiFi network, but keep in mind that some WiFi networks may be subject to firewalls or traffic control policies that are controlled by the WiFi network operator.

We have extensively tested Dell Voice in-house on hundreds of phones and on all major Canadian 3G providers and experienced no issues. Any sort of interop issues would have stalled us from coming to market.

In terms of WiFi, we have also extensively tested it on private (home) and public WiFi connections with no issues found - however, like I said earlier, if the WiFi operator has tight restrictions or firewalls on their network then it may limit use. This is no different than a WiFi operater deciding to block email ports, IRC ports, or any other service they wish. I've personally used Dell Voice on the WiFi networks of two major tech conventions along with at a coffee shop and various friends/public WiFi networks.

If you are experiencing any abnormal performance or issues on your app then please call us - we have a great support team who works closely with our developers and we will ensure to assist you in any way we can.

[djc]

I have a question about the block ports/firewalls etc.

If the network operator has tight restrictions, would you still be able to connect to the servers but not be able to make calls? Or are they linked, meaning if you are able to connect, then you should be able to make calls. If you can't connect, then it's because of the restrictions.

I'm asking this in regards to the other thread I made about using Dell Voice in China since my gf said she's able to connect but calls don't go through outgoing or incoming. Just trying to figure out if VOIP is indeed banned in China. My Dad will be going there in several months and this would be a good use if it works.

[adminsly]

one thing that no one mention, is a lot of wi-fi public need to be , aprouve or accept the condition. to have access to this wi-fi you need to open a browser windows and accept the terms.... than the wi-fi start working and the phone can connect. it happen to me a couple time in the last 2-3 month.

sly

[FONGO_mike]

one thing that no one mention, is a lot of wi-fi public need to be , aprouve or accept the condition. to have access to this wi-fi you need to open a browser windows and accept the terms.... than the wi-fi start working and the phone can connect. it happen to me a couple time in the last 2-3 month.

sly

Having travelled with VIA rail a number of times, i have seen this come up. This will help a lot of the time (i have never had issues using Fongo/Dell Voice on their service)
However at some locations when when the internet is open, they will have certain ports locked. Either by choice or by the provider. With Voip phones becoming more and more popular, it may be done to help prevent scams.