Vo IP User - Features

Features

The VoIP User network was designed to operate within a community environment and therefore differs substantially from most other VoIP networks. The main highlighted difference being that users can call PSTN phone numbers through VoIP User's PSTN gateway without incurring any call charges. The way that VoIP User is funded is noteworthy: Calls into VoIP User’s numbers generate a small amount of per minute revenue (the “termination charge”), and this money goes into a community account or “pot”. Outbound calls from VoIP User then call upon this pot and use the accrued call minutes. This means that if all users are community-minded then there is a balance between incoming and outgoing calls that keeps the pot at a constant level.

There is a cap on call routes (which may vary) meaning the VoIP User PSTN gateway will only route calls to any country which can be achieved for 2.5p/min (pence a minute) or less. This is mostly landlines, but does include some mobile phones. A full country list is available, as is a fair use policy. The maximum allowed call time per call is currently 10 minutes.

The cost of calls to different countries/cities is determined according to rate tables that come from VoIP User’s own PSTN line provider(s), so costs vary over time as they do for fully commercial international telcos. Such variations are affected by changes in international currency exchange rates, commercial negotiations between large international carriers and commercial policies. Where VoIP User varies from a commercial telco, though, is that the intention is not to make large profits from connecting calls, but rather to broadly break even. This methodology is frequently referred to as "minute neutral".

Data on calls routed between the PSTN and the internet by the VoIP User network can be seen on their analytics page.

Members can obtain a UK non-geographic inbound phone number at no cost which can be routed to any landline throughout the world, or any SIP or IAX2 based VoIP device.