Skype to be shutdown in May

[Thailandbuckeye]

I should have stated that I used Iphone/Ipad to try Google Voice. 

[spidermike007]

1 hour ago, lordgrinz said:

 

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.

I contacted the Microsoft teams people and they said they would get back to me within a couple of days, but I sense you are right, that it's created for larger groups rather than a very small business. 

 

But I will report back here with information that I'm able to find out, once I talk to them. 

[PomPolo]

First limitation found on google voice I can't get a static UK number with a Thai sim card would have to be a US number.
Textnow looks like my best option in my situation for a UK static number and Thai sim card

[spidermike007]

2 minutes ago, Galong said:

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!! 😤

Fanytel business does that. But in addition I need a very dependable dedicated number that people can call me at here. 

[jaywalker2]

3 hours ago, Galong said:

My problem too... the video aspect of Skype can easily be replaced. It's the 2FA and OTP for US gov agencies and banks that I need to get 100% right. 

you can't set up google voice in Thailand but you can have someone transfer you a google voice number, if you can find someone in the US willing to do that.

[Jingthing]

1 minute ago, jaywalker2 said:

you can't set up google voice in Thailand but you can have someone transfer you a google voice number, if you can find someone in the US willing to do that.

I think a problem with that is it will be tied to the identity of the US person doing that.

To do it cleanly, you need a U.S. mobile number IN YOUR NAME. 

[PomPolo]

Textnow still looks quite expensive 10$ a month for static number on a paid plan.
Sonetel has anyone used this? 1$ a month to get a static UK number and looks like you can do most stuff but some limitations if you are not an advanced business user etc.

[jwest10]

14 hours ago, Thailandbuckeye said:

Doing some quick searches Sonetel looks like a viable alternative. I will try it out in the next couple of days.I didn’t find anything else of interest but someone else may come up with something.

 

It appears that you can no longer add credit to Skype.

Yes you can use existing credits until they run out and tried Team as a matter of interest and could not get in and used Skype via my home computer and was useful for things confirming id and sadly proof of life forms from DWP is beyond their capabilities which is not difficult to do,
Team apparently can be used on home computer and tried it but can not get in and maybe leave it until end of April!!!

[lordgrinz]

8 minutes ago, PomPolo said:

First limitation found on google voice I can't get a static UK number with a Thai sim card would have to be a US number.
Textnow looks like my best option in my situation for a UK static number and Thai sim card

 

Pretty much what I thought would happen, I had my static number setup in the USA years  before i came here, so it stayed on my account.

[NoDisplayName]

Could someone recommend a simple replacement for Skype used ONLY for calling toll free numbers?  Prefer something I can load onto the laptop, so I can research while talking, send emails, read the news while on hold, and have the cellphone free if an OTP is sent.

 

Don't need to call cellphones or private numbers, don't need a static number, don't need to receive OTP's through the app.  Oh, and don't want endless popup ads of course.

 

Just wanna call toll-free numbers.

[jwest10]

3 hours ago, Thailandbuckeye said:

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

 

I mentioned Sonetel earlier in thread, didn’t get any yay or nay on it. Here is their info as an alternative to Skype. 
 

Easy Setup that Lets You Focus on What Matters 

1. Choose number
   Choose your virtual number in a country of your choice, such as the US. You can also port your existing number to Sonetel.
2. Sign up
   Most types of numbers offer a free trial.
3. Forward incoming calls
   Forward incoming calls to any phone number at the cost of a local call (free if included in the selected plan).
4. Make calls
   Make calls worldwide at the cost of local calls, from your mobile or computer, with the Sonetel app.
5. Activate AI Features
   Get a written summary after each call you make or receive. Get draft follow up emails that you can send to the person you spoke with. Get meetings summarized. Get a score for every customer call you handle, and get suggestions on how to improve.

Why Switch Now 

As Microsoft phases out Skype’s pay-as-you-go model, Sonetel stands out as a reliable, affordable Skype alternative.

You’ll get a professional phone number at a lower monthly cost than Skype’s old pricing, plus advanced features that help you run your business more efficiently.

Switch to Sonetel today and experience a seamless way to manage your business calls worldwide, all while saving money and sounding more professional than ever.

Can not use home computer for Sonetel and tried and only mobile number and most have a home computer.

[jaywalker2]

3 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I think a problem with that is it will be tied to the identity of the US person doing that.

To do it cleanly, you need a U.S. mobile number IN YOUR NAME. 

That's not correct. The person transfers their google number to your google account. You don't need a mobile number for that. I did it last year. My sister transferred her google number to me. I got a notification from google and that was all that was required.

 

The two stipulations are that each person can only have one google number and the person transferring the number can't apply for a new number for 90 days.

[lordgrinz]

16 minutes ago, jaywalker2 said:

you can't set up google voice in Thailand but you can have someone transfer you a google voice number, if you can find someone in the US willing to do that.

 

But can you make and receive voice calls from it while in Thailand using a Thai SIM? I don't believe so, but willing to be corrected. I know the texting works, but I believe voice calls either won't setup, or they may close the account. Technically, we aren't supposed be using the service from here.

[PomPolo]

Sorry for posting straight out of ChatGPT everyone (just want to share the info found) I am looking for a solution myself, I may have slightly different requirements to other people with the UK static number, but I think I am definitely going to try Sonetel later today after an AI (which isn't always correct) comparison 🙂
 

TextNow

Pros:

1. Affordable: The paid plan, which provides a static UK number, is $9.99/month (about $120/year), making it relatively affordable for a virtual UK number.
2. Free and Paid Options: You can get a UK number with a paid plan, but the app also offers a free version with ads (although it may not include a UK number).
3. Cross-Platform: TextNow works on multiple platforms, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. You can make and receive calls and texts from any internet-connected device.
4. Unlimited Calling: With the paid plan, you get unlimited calling to US/Canada, which can be a bonus if you make calls to North America in addition to the UK.
5. Texting: Allows unlimited texting within the supported regions (like the US and Canada).
6. No Need for a SIM: Since it’s a VoIP service, it doesn’t rely on your Thai SIM card. It works over Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Cons:

1. Ads on Free Plan: If you use the free plan, you’ll have ads, which may not be desirable for all users. You need to pay for the $9.99/month plan to remove ads and get a UK number.
2. Limited International Calling: Calls to countries outside the US/Canada (like the UK) are not free and can incur additional costs, depending on the destination.
3. Availability of UK Numbers: UK numbers may not always be available on the free plan, so you would need the paid plan to select and use a UK number.
4. Limited Features for Free Plan: The free version lacks some advanced features like better call forwarding, voicemail, and professional call management options, which are available in the paid plan.

---

Sonetel

Pros:

1. Extremely Cheap: Sonetel offers UK virtual numbers starting at $1/month, which is incredibly affordable for a static UK number.
2. Simple Setup: The process to get a UK number and start receiving calls is straightforward. No need for complex configuration.
3. Affordable International Calls: Sonetel provides very low-cost international calling rates, so it’s a good option for users who may need to make international calls from their UK number.
4. Forwarding to Any Device: You can forward calls from your UK number to any phone or device (including your Thai number) via the Sonetel platform.
5. No Ads: There are no ads in the service, even at the lowest price tier.
6. Global Reach: Sonetel allows you to use your UK number globally, so you can forward calls or use it as a business or personal number from anywhere.

Cons:

1. Limited Features in the Basic Plan: For $1/month, you only get basic functionality like receiving calls. To access additional features like call forwarding, voicemail, and enhanced call management, you will need to upgrade to higher plans.
2. No Texting: Sonetel doesn’t offer SMS or text messaging functionality, which could be a limitation if you need to send texts to your contacts in the UK or other regions.
3. Limited Customer Support: The lower-tier plans may have limited customer support options, which could be an issue if you need assistance with setup or issues.
4. Basic User Interface: The interface might be less intuitive and streamlined compared to other services like Google Voice or Skype.

[Yellowtail]

I just maintain a US phone (old ipone) and use WiFi calling. Same number year after year, under $200 a year. 

[SMIAI]

Just now, Yellowtail said:

I just maintain a US phone (old ipone) and use WiFi calling. Same number year after year, under $200 a month. 

 

US$200 monthly seems a lot.....or you might need one of the periods/full stops that I have provided for you in this post.

[Yellowtail]

Just now, SMIAI said:

 

US$200 monthly seems a lot.....or you might need one of the periods/full stops that I have provided for you in this post.

Sorry, I meant per year. 

[SMIAI]

1 minute ago, Yellowtail said:

Sorry, I meant per year. 

 

Still relatively expensive. I guess that why many have escaped the U.S.A. 

[Jingthing]

10 minutes ago, jaywalker2 said:

That's not correct. The person transfers their google number to your google account. You don't need a mobile number for that. I did it last year. My sister transferred her google number to me. I got a notification from google and that was all that was required.

 

The two stipulations are that each person can only have one google number and the person transferring the number can't apply for a new number for 90 days.

Interesting. I didn't know that. But google knows where your home account is. So if a US person did transfer to a Thai expat's google account, would it be fully usable or not?

[Yellowtail]

2 minutes ago, SMIAI said:

 

Still relatively expensive. I guess that why many have escaped the U.S.A. 

Compared to what? If you have banking and investments in the US that require a phone, how much is it worth? 

 

 

 

 

[SMIAI]

Just now, Yellowtail said:

Compared to what? If you have banking and investments in the US that require a phone, how much is it worth? 

 

 

 

 

 

Compared to other countries.

I didn't suggest that it wasn't worth it to you.

[lordgrinz]

I see someone online recommending porting the Skype number through voip.ms and using software called "zoiper", I guess I am going to have to investigate it a little closer to see if it will work for my situation.

 

https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/1j0lkvc/skype_ending_need_alternative_to_skype_for/

[jaywalker2]

34 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Interesting. I didn't know that. But google knows where your home account is. So if a US person did transfer to a Thai expat's google account, would it be fully usable or not?

Yes, it's fully functional.

[scubascuba3]

2 hours ago, Etaoin Shrdlu said:

 

No.

 

Viber has Viber Out, which for 59 baht per month supports unlimited phone calls to US landlines and mobiles, just like Skype. World-wide calling costs a bit more.

 

https://account.viber.com/en/

 

The major deficiency of Viber is the lack of an equivalent to the Skype Number for incoming calls.

Looks maybe ok for USA calls, relatively expensive for calls to UK

[jaywalker2]

50 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

 

But can you make and receive voice calls from it while in Thailand using a Thai SIM? I don't believe so, but willing to be corrected. I know the texting works, but I believe voice calls either won't setup, or they may close the account. Technically, we aren't supposed be using the service from here.

I haven't tried making voice calls though I have received them. I have friends who live abroad  and they've used Google voice for years with no problem.

 

I, on the other hand had one of my gmail accounts locked out of Google voice permanently for trying to open a GV account from abroad. I had to set up a new Gmail account for the transfer. That worked.

[lordgrinz]

10 minutes ago, jaywalker2 said:

I, on the other hand had one of my gmail accounts locked out of Google voice permanently for trying to open a GV account from abroad. I had to set up a new Gmail account for the transfer. That worked.

 

That would be really bad for me!

 

The following is from wiki, which I believe is why things won't work here.

 

"Google Voice is a telephone service that provides a U.S. phone number to Google Account customers[4] in the U.S. and Google Workspace (G Suite by October 2020[5]) customers in Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the contiguous United States."

[thaibeachlovers]

The bar girls will be distraught! I used to use an internet Cafe neat Buakhao and it usually had B Gs calling one of their friendly sponsors with Skype.

[dddave]

15 hours ago, PomPolo said:

Skype was Sht anyways used it a few times to make phone calls to landlines but many other viable, cheaper and reliable options.

Totally disagree.  How about you name your 

many other viable options to call landline phones? 

My SKYPE connections were usually very clear and stable.  Irreplaceable for calling phone numbers such as bank CS and government agencies which do not have online messaging apps as calling options.

 

Looks like soon, the only option will be non-human AI customer service for almost everything.

[PomPolo]

1 minute ago, thaibeachlovers said:

The bar girls will be distraught! I used to use an internet Cafe neat Buakhao and it usually had B Gs calling one of their friendly sponsors with Skype.

I think the BG's are probably quite resilient they will figure out a Line option in my experience

[PomPolo]

2 minutes ago, dddave said:

Totally disagree.  How about you name your 

many other viable options to call landline phones? 

My SKYPE connections were usually very clear and stable.  Irreplaceable for calling phone numbers such as bank CS and government agencies which do not have online messaging apps as calling options.

 

Looks like soon, the only option will be non-human AI customer service for almost everything.

I think many viable options have already been discussed in this thread if you read back to achieve even cheaper what your requirements sound like.

I am not sure why this is a shock to everyone Microsoft are maintaining two different Chat offerings Skype and Teams that apart from a couple of functions operate exactly the same and compete against each other.
Meta (Facebook) have their own messaging solution but also own Whatsapp which has most of the same functionality so I would be very surprised even given the large number of Whatsapp users that merging those has not been discussed as a company strategy as a single messaging platform.