~Toughbooktalk~

They have started talk again about maybe not letting us bring our cell phones out to the rig. So I am back researching this as I don't want to be with out something in case of an emergency. There is no real safety issue here, just someone in the office being a pain not wanting camera's out here so they just want to do all phones. Not just camera phones. I am researching wwan with voice for either my CF-19 or maybe even my M11X. I have found a couple of cards that do have the voice option, but I am still looking for more. Still need to look up what networks they will work on, etc. Has anyone had any luck with this so far? I know some of the older CF-18's you could get a dedicated port and card for voice over wwan.

here is one interesting thing i have run across.

"Huawei EM770 & EM770W - Very fast DL/UL with excellent sensitivity in poor signal reception areas - both support PCM voice over USB (with correct firmware), enabling voice calls through the thinkpads internal mic & speakers or via bluetooth headset. They also support simultaneous Data & Voice providing your Sim & mobile network support it "

How about a software phone, connected via a BT headset?

Can't you just use Skype? Why complicate things?

Bandwidth is a major issue on the rig. There are anywhere between 70 and 95 people on-board and just one internet connection. When one crew knocks off it's just about impossible to use big bandwidth programs like Skype. I have my old Samsung Jack unlocked for all networks. By buying a prepaid sims card here in Saudi I can call home for about 40 to 60 dollars a month. Mobile data though them is pricey, but phone is cheap.


Canuckcam, What are you calling a "software phone"?

Software phone....

best cheap (free) one I've used is Dellvoice.ca (basically fongo.com) .... gives you a phone number, uses your phone's data plan and has a Windows app (use a headset.) ... if you want to use any SIP hardware you have to pay but otherwise it's free.

I'm using voip.ms right now and I'm quite pleased with it using Premium routing. The value routing (half a cent cheaper) is a hit and miss, but I'm the high-roller paying a half cent more. :p