How do I get a quality line between US and UK?

[Richard93102]

Hi,
I live in the US, and my parents are in the UK.
The quality of the phone connection we get is poor, and not as good as I have had in the past. I've updated the phones at both ends, and they're fine when not being used on an international call.
So it must be the phone line.
My carrier, AT&T, have checked the line several times, and tell me it's OK.

(I currently use one of those phone card long distance companies, but I've tried a couple, and AT&T tell me it wouldn't be clearer reception using them).

Any suggestions?
Many thanks,
Richard

[Will.Spencer]

If the problem is an international trunk, all you can do is use a company which uses a different international trunk.

It sounds like AT&T is your Local Exchange Carrier and you are trying different long-distance companies by using different calling cards.

These calling card companies are often just reselling service on other carriers. It is difficult or impossible to determine whose long-distance network you are actually using when you use these resellers.

To ensure which long-distance network your calls are routed on, you might try going directly with a tier-1 carrier such as MCI or Sprint. Who is the default long distance carrier provisioned on your telephone line?

Are you always initiating the call? Do your parents ever initiate the calls?

Have you considered using VoIP. You may not get better quality, but you'll pay less.

[Richard93102]

Thanks for the reply, Will.
Usually the line quality is better when the call is from the UK to the US... but not always.
Today I signed up with a 'proper' long distance carrier, AT&T, who are my phone company.
If the quality isn't better with them, I can follow your advice and try MCI or Sprint.
Good to know more info, now, thanks.

I've heard about VoIP, but at least for now my parents wouldn't be sitting in front of a PC... although it has crossed my mind to look into a video phone / webcams... The audio quality is the main concern, though, as my Mum is a bit hard of hearing.
Thanks again...
Richard

[Will.Spencer]

Originally Posted by Richard93102

I've heard about VoIP, but at least for now my parents wouldn't be sitting in front of a PC...

For that, try something like the Linksys Cordless Internet Telephony Kit for Skype:



Here's the blurb on the "phone":

Get cordless handset convenience when you use Skyp. Now you don't have to sit in front of your computer when you want to talk to your friends. The Linksys Cordless Internet Telephony Kit comes with the handset and its charger, and a USB Base Station that plugs into your computer. With the included Skype program running on your PC, the handset can read and display your contact list on its built-in illuminated display. Just choose whom you want to talk to from the menu, press a button, and get ready to talk.

The handset supports SkypeOut dialing as well as your Skype contact list. It rings when you have a Skype or SkypeIn call coming in, and shows the caller's ID on the screen. The handset also supports call waiting and Skype's optional Voicemail service. When you're on a call, you can hit the Mute button for privacy, or use the speakerphone function to let everyone join in. You can even use the phone as an intercom -- each Base Station supports up to four Handsets. In short, the Linksys Cordless Internet Telephony Kit gives you all the functionality of a regular phone, through Skype. You'll get the convenience of a cordless phone and all its features, plus the high-quality voice reception that you get from Skype on your PC, without being tied to your computer.

Features and Benefits

• * You don't have to sit in front of your computer to talk to your friends with Skype
  * USB Base Station connects to your PC and puts your Skype contact list on the handset's screen -- just choose and talk
  * Handset features illuminated Caller ID screen, speakerphone, call waiting, and intercom to other (optional) handsets
  * Also supports SkypeOut dialing incoming SkypeIn calls and Skype VoiceMail
  * Expandable up to 4 handsets with a single base station