At 22 Feb 2008 12:55:35 -0800 Joel Koltner wrote:

> "Todd Allcock" <elecconnec@AmericaOnLine.com> wrote in message
> news:9Ysvj.36$OB5.12@fe127.usenetserver.com...
> > Perhaps, but many businesses use VoIP themselves these days (but under
> > ideal balanced network conditions vs. those at home)
>
> That's a big difference in my mind. :-)


I agree. I guess the point I was trying to make, was I'm less leery of
using VoIP if it's being used commercially as a "backhaul" by a provider
(like an LD/calling card company) than if I'm using it at home on a flakey
consumer broadband connection.


> I probably am too pessimistic about this based on personal mediocre
> experiences with VoIP for international calls.

My experience is similar- I've made a lot of lousy quality LD calls from
home via VoIP on my own equipment, but have received decent service using
low-cost LD providers like OneSuite who I assume uses VoIP themselves as a
method of connection, and through Voicestick's "cellular bridge" service.

The weak link in the VoIP chain, IMO, is on the consumer's end. Eliminate
that (by using POTS or cellular) and VoIP seems to work a lot more
consistently, at least for me!