Skype to be shutdown in May

[PomPolo]

  On 3/1/2025 at 5:06 AM, lordgrinz said:

 

I believe Google Voice won't allow us to do so, as previously mentioned.

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• Cost: Free for the US (calls to US landlines and mobiles), but you might need to port your existing number or set up a new Google Voice number.
• Features: Google Voice gives you a free local US number and allows you to make and receive calls to US numbers for free. You can also send text messages for free within the US. The catch is that it doesn't offer international calling for free, but the rates are low.
• Limitations: If you need to call international numbers, you’ll need to buy credits, but for US calls and texts, it's completely free.

[lordgrinz]

  On 3/1/2025 at 5:08 AM, PomPolo said:

More importantly I had just topped up  my Skype before the announcement so have $23 credit wonder where that will go nothing in the user alerts about it!!

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I believe the amount is moved over to Teams.

[PomPolo]

  On 3/1/2025 at 5:09 AM, lordgrinz said:

 

I believe the amount is moved over to Teams.

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Perfect @lordgrinz didn't know and didn't say in any of the comms, I use the same Microsoft account on both so hopefully will be transparent I know its only $23 but that's usually enough for me to message and call for about a year the amount of times I use it!  Assuming Teams call costs will be similar pricing to Skype's but haven't looked into it.

[lordgrinz]

  On 3/1/2025 at 5:09 AM, PomPolo said:

• Cost: Free for the US (calls to US landlines and mobiles), but you might need to port your existing number or set up a new Google Voice number.
• Features: Google Voice gives you a free local US number and allows you to make and receive calls to US numbers for free. You can also send text messages for free within the US. The catch is that it doesn't offer international calling for free, but the rates are low.
• Limitations: If you need to call international numbers, you’ll need to buy credits, but for US calls and texts, it's completely free.

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Try making an account then get back to us, they will port the service through your mobile phone number, if that's even allowed with a Thai SIM card. Plus I don't think they will even give you a USA local number when you set it up from Thailand.

[PomPolo]

  On 3/1/2025 at 5:13 AM, lordgrinz said:

 

Try making an account then get back to us, they will port the service through your mobile phone number, if that's even allowed with a Thai SIM card. Plus I don't think they will even give you a USA local number when you set it up from Thailand.

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VPN?

[lordgrinz]

  On 3/1/2025 at 5:12 AM, PomPolo said:

Perfect @lordgrinz didn't know and didn't say in any of the comms, I use the same Microsoft account on both so hopefully will be transparent I know its only $23 but that's usually enough for me to message and call for about a year the amount of times I use it!  Assuming Teams call costs will be similar pricing to Skype's but haven't looked into it.

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I know nothing about Teams, so not sure what the money can be used for. I was hoping they would just port services from Skype to Teams, but the email they sent doesn't mention Skype Numbers or services being ported over, just that they recommend Teams going forward.

[lordgrinz]

  On 3/1/2025 at 5:15 AM, PomPolo said:

VPN?

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Your mileage will vary on that one, I think as soon as they see the Thai SIM card, they may deny the service. That's why I never did the setup on it, just kept the app using text only from when I set it up in the USA. It worked fine when I bought a new phone here too, but did try getting me to connect the mobile number, which I denied access to, it asks me this almost every time I open it, i just skip it.

[PomPolo]

  On 3/1/2025 at 5:12 AM, PomPolo said:

Perfect @lordgrinz didn't know and didn't say in any of the comms, I use the same Microsoft account on both so hopefully will be transparent I know its only $23 but that's usually enough for me to message and call for about a year the amount of times I use it!  Assuming Teams call costs will be similar pricing to Skype's but haven't looked into it.

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I am adding my MS account to teams now where I have a couple of business accounts registered, I'll let you guys know my findings 🙂

[SMIAI]

  On 3/1/2025 at 3:56 AM, AhFarangJa said:

Lots of helpful info, thanks to members for taking the time to post, However, they mostly seem to be concentrating on business use with monthly subscriptions. I use Skype with a prepaid 10 pounds sterling, with automatic top up when it went to 1 pound. I only use it to call my UK bank, or the government pension people, so a monthly fee would be a waste of money. Any tips for a system that is only used about eight times a year?........cue the jokes now.........

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https://www.localphone.com

 

Set it up using a phone number from your country via the Web and then install the Application to your Smartphone(or use the Web application).

[PomPolo]

Actually looks pretty good you can also link Teams to your mobile and get SMS's directly to teams.
I like the integration to Office 365 that I have a paid plan for also.
The only pain is no static number, can pay for an MS Business plan to get this but damn expensive!

[lordgrinz]

  On 3/1/2025 at 5:31 AM, PomPolo said:

The only pain is no static number, can pay for an MS Business plan to get this but damn expensive!

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That's what I was afraid of 😭 

 

I have a subscription for 365 also, hopefully they (MS) give us some more communication on this, but I doubt they care.

[KhunHeineken]

  On 3/1/2025 at 4:58 AM, Galong said:

Teams is out! ☹️

"You cannot directly receive bank verification codes through Microsoft Teams on Windows 11; Teams is primarily a communication platform and does not have the capability to deliver verification codes for banking purposes. "

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Some members may need to have a prepaid sim card posted over to them from their home country. 

[PomPolo]

  On 3/1/2025 at 5:33 AM, lordgrinz said:

 

That's what I was afraid of 😭 

 

I have a subscription for 365 also, hopefully they (MS) give us some more communication on this, but I doubt they care.

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I think you are correct we can't be the only people that found that feature useful,  I am guessing after it shuts down in April there will be a lot of people up in arms about it, just curious if they are actually trying top figure out some sort of way to transfer people with Skype numbers but a huge amount of development I guess, but both companies owned by Microsoft so you would think with Bill Gates idea of microchipping people that transferring and allowing Skype numbers should be a walk in the park for him!

[topt]

  On 3/1/2025 at 4:47 AM, PomPolo said:

who talks on Landlines anymore! 

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Pretty much any and every UK government office for starters and many businesses.....

 

A number of previous posters already mentioned this.

[PomPolo]

  On 3/1/2025 at 5:40 AM, topt said:

Pretty much any and every UK government office for starters and many businesses.....

 

A number of previous posters already mentioned this.

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If I want to contact HMRC I will do it through my HMRC app on mobile or via email or by Website contact forms also pretty much everywhere these days has social media or web form contact methods, stresses me out when I actually have to talk to those kinds of places but if you are old school then yes make a phone call 🙂

[rough diamond]

  On 3/1/2025 at 4:47 AM, PomPolo said:

who talks on Landlines anymore! 

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All big businesses and Government departments around the world use them.

[spidermike007]

I have been using Skype for many years as I still do business in the US and the greatest feature is the dedicated Skype number that rings right into my desktop, laptop or cell phone.

 

Does anybody know of another comparable service that offers this feature, and in addition for an annual subscription fee I'm able to make unlimited calls to the U.S. I don't know of any other service comparable to that.

 

Microsoft is offering an alternative service but I don't know anything about it, has anybody used it? I think it is calwld Microsoft teams? 

[PomPolo]

  On 3/1/2025 at 5:52 AM, rough diamond said:

All big businesses and Government departments around the world use them.

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Can't be that big a business or must be Mongolian Government departments if they don't have electronic means of communication!

[Nid_Noi]

As a north American resident I have used Magic Jack for ages.

It works all over the world on your desktop, laptop, Ipad, Smartphone and all land lines.

You can choose your phone number in any north American area codes and the small device for landlines can be used anywhere (I use the handset in the hotel room to plug my device.

It works for faxing if you connect your device to a fax machine or have a fax application on your computer.

For prices:

 

http://www.magicjack.com/account/mjLandingpages.do?page=plans

 

I have no experience for countries codes different from +1 (North American + Bahamas + a few other Caribbean nations.

 

 

[jaywalker2]

  On 3/1/2025 at 1:12 AM, thesetat said:

The story in the link said to begin using the Microsoft Teams app. They will shut down Skype in May. 

I am curious what happens to the money I have in Skype for Skype calling. I have sent a request for information relating to this already with Microsoft. Awaiting a reply about it. 

The Teams app automatically added all my email contacts with Outlook email. Which I was not happy about. It does not import previous Skype messages also. 

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I read that Skype will extend the service for people who have money in it but I don't know how long that will be for.

 

I believe Microsoft Teams is more for organizations than individuals. And the organization has to have a callling plan. But I've never used it myself so I'm not sure of the details.

[Nid_Noi]

  On 3/1/2025 at 5:54 AM, spidermike007 said:

I have been using Skype for many years as I still do business in the US and the greatest feature is the dedicated Skype number that rings right into my desktop, laptop or cell phone.

 

Does anybody know of another comparable service that offers this feature, and in addition for an annual subscription fee I'm able to make unlimited calls to the U.S. I don't know of any other service comparable to that.

 

Microsoft is offering an alternative service but I don't know anything about it, has anybody used it? I think it is calwld Microsoft teams? 

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Magic Jack

 

https://www.magicjack.com/account/mjLandingpages.do?page=index

[PomPolo]

  On 3/1/2025 at 5:54 AM, spidermike007 said:

I have been using Skype for many years as I still do business in the US and the greatest feature is the dedicated Skype number that rings right into my desktop, laptop or cell phone.

 

Does anybody know of another comparable service that offers this feature, and in addition for an annual subscription fee I'm able to make unlimited calls to the U.S. I don't know of any other service comparable to that.

 

Microsoft is offering an alternative service but I don't know anything about it, has anybody used it? I think it is calwld Microsoft teams? 

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Hi @spidermike007

I haven't set up before in Thailand @lordgrinz said there might be an issue if it recognises a Thai sim card etc so not 100% on that one but should be able to register through a VPN and test it, I'm probably going to try and set it up and some point seems like one of the cheapest and similar options to Skype, also Textnow seems quite a popular option again not sure on the setting up from Thailand sit-rep, goignto try that one also if there are issues on setting up Google Voice

1. Device Synchronization: Google Voice can ring on multiple devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) when an incoming call is made to your Google Voice number.
2. Web Interface: You can also receive calls on the Google Voice website if you're logged in on a computer.
3. Call Forwarding: Calls to your Google Voice number can be forwarded to other phone numbers, allowing them to ring on multiple devices.
4. Customization Options: You can manage which devices receive calls and adjust voicemail or call forwarding settings.
5. Limitations: Calls can ring on multiple devices, but once answered on one device, it stops ringing on the others.

Pricing for Google Voice:

• Google Voice Number: Free for personal use in the US.
• Receiving and Making Calls:
  • Domestic calls: Free to US and Canada.
  • International calls: Low rates, typically around $0.01 to $0.02 per minute to many countries.
  • Call Forwarding: Free for forwarding to US numbers, but charges may apply for forwarding to international numbers.

[NoDisplayName]

  On 3/1/2025 at 3:01 AM, Thailandbuckeye said:

I tried Google Voice and it stated it wasn’t available in my country, with and without VPN.

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There are alternative sources for download.

This one appears to be trustworthy, but you never know.

I've used some downloads from here, not available locally, no problems to report.

 

Latest update version of Google Voice was.........today.

 

https://www.apkmirror.com/?post_type=app_release&searchtype=apk&bundles[]=apkm_bundles&bundles[]=apk_files&s=google+voice

[spidermike007]

  On 3/1/2025 at 6:15 AM, NoDisplayName said:

 

There are alternative sources for download.

This one appears to be trustworthy, but you never know.

I've used some downloads from here, not available locally, no problems to report.

 

Latest update version of Google Voice was.........today.

 

https://www.apkmirror.com/?post_type=app_release&searchtype=apk&bundles[]=apkm_bundles&bundles[]=apk_files&s=google+voice

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Are you saying that you got Google Voice to work properly and that the Google number rang directly into your phone without using a VPN? 

[PomPolo]

1. Access to Google Voice:

• Google Voice is available in Thailand, so you can access the service via the Google Voice app or website from your devices.
• You can receive calls on your Google Voice number if it's linked to your account, and make calls through the app or website.

2. Making International Calls:

• If you're in Thailand and want to make calls to the US or other countries, Google Voice allows you to do so at low international rates. Rates for international calls from Thailand will be higher than domestic calls but remain affordable.
• To call local Thai numbers or international numbers from Thailand, Google Voice can forward your calls to your device or allow you to dial directly through the app.

3. Local Number Availability:

• Obtaining a Google Voice number: While you can use Google Voice from Thailand, you cannot get a new Google Voice number with a Thai area code. You’ll need to have a US-based phone number to set up your Google Voice number. However, once set up, you can use the Google Voice number to receive and make calls globally.

4. Call Forwarding:

• You can forward your Google Voice number to a local Thai phone number, but international forwarding can incur additional charges.

[PomPolo]

ChatGPT my points by the way team doing research for myself as I do need a static number for a couple of different reasons so sharing the chatGPT convo!

[lordgrinz]

  On 3/1/2025 at 6:17 AM, spidermike007 said:

Are you saying that you got Google Voice to work properly and that the Google number rang directly into your phone without using a VPN? 

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I can confirm the texting works without VPN, been using that for years, not sure on voice, but think they won't allow it.

[NoDisplayName]

  On 3/1/2025 at 6:17 AM, spidermike007 said:

Are you saying that you got Google Voice to work properly and that the Google number rang directly into your phone without using a VPN? 

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No, I was responding (I think) to someone saying they could not download the program files in Thailand without a VPN.

 

The mirror sites allow you to do that.  You can download and install.

 

Whether the programs/applications run without a VPN, or provide the services you need, or you are able to set up outside the US without a US SIM,  I can not say.

 

I did not download Google Voice, just found a resource.

 

I did get the Navy FCU application from this site.  The NFCU app was unavailable outside the US.  Essential as their website is not accessible from Thailand for much of the time.  The downloaded NFCU app from this site installs and runs fine.

 

 

[spidermike007]

  On 3/1/2025 at 6:20 AM, lordgrinz said:

 

I can confirm the texting works without VPN, been using that for years, not sure on voice, but think they won't allow it.

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OK thanks. I need a dedicated number that I can give out to clients and they can call me directly, which rings Into my Thai cell phone. 

 

Does anybody have any experience with Fanytel business? I've used that app a little bit and it does seem to work. 

[Galong]

  On 3/1/2025 at 1:49 AM, isaanistical said:

Hardly any of the 'alternatives' to Skype enable Skype's basic advantage: calls to landlines worldwide. Like many here, I have a sub and rarely use it, but I also have several Skype numbers - with annual sub - that enable me to be "based"  in other cities so someone calling me from (eg) Melbourne thinks it's just a local call.

Does anyone have any serious ideas for an alternative to these numbers? Would appreciate constructive suggestions.

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I've been at this since this morning and ain't found anything that I like.  This is frustrating.  Finding an app that does short text messaging for bank codes and OTP is either confusing or not cheap. 🤦  Curse you Skype!! 😤