Re:Ask HN: Is there a better VoIP provider than Skype?
by solardev on Wednesday June 26, 2024 @02:22PM
(#40802876)
> I did take a look at Twilio but it came across as more of a construction set for voice applications and not a softphone for general use though I guess I could build or find that application. Building something big with Twilio looks like it would be a lot of fun though.
I think it's just a "bring your own softphone app" situation, like find any generic SIP app on the app store and hook it up to Twilio or SignalWire. You don't necessarily have to build your own.
> My take is Google comms products are decidedly inferior to competitors when your connection isn't the best.
Yeah, I'd avoid the Google stuff in this area. (Although I do really like Google Fi, their cellular MVNO. But that probably won't help your reception issues.)
> To be fair my son has an Android Go phone with AT&T prepaid and that sends calls over WiFi when it has to
Calling over WiFi (both sending and receiving) is a pretty standard feature for any carrier now, I think, and it would solve your need to have a separate VOIP line. You'd still get reception anywhere you have WiFi, as you do now, but can also use it as, well, a cell phone.
Google Fi for example only costs $20/mo for unlimited calls and texts (metered data, but who cares since you're on WiFi anyway).
I think it's just a "bring your own softphone app" situation, like find any generic SIP app on the app store and hook it up to Twilio or SignalWire. You don't necessarily have to build your own.
> My take is Google comms products are decidedly inferior to competitors when your connection isn't the best.
Yeah, I'd avoid the Google stuff in this area. (Although I do really like Google Fi, their cellular MVNO. But that probably won't help your reception issues.)
> To be fair my son has an Android Go phone with AT&T prepaid and that sends calls over WiFi when it has to
Calling over WiFi (both sending and receiving) is a pretty standard feature for any carrier now, I think, and it would solve your need to have a separate VOIP line. You'd still get reception anywhere you have WiFi, as you do now, but can also use it as, well, a cell phone.
Google Fi for example only costs $20/mo for unlimited calls and texts (metered data, but who cares since you're on WiFi anyway).
FYI there are also a bunch of active cellular signal amplifiers: https://www.weboost.com/boosters/cell-phone-signal-boosters