Both M1 and Singtel mobile users can’t call TMS’s Starhub Pfingo L3 number
(Update 09:00am March 28, 2007: The same friend on Singtel mobile was finally able to call themediaslut on the L3 number. A friend on M1 mobile said she was still unable to connect the Starhub L3 number, she gets a "number not in use" whenever she tries.)
themediaslut has been spending the last few days on the Pfingo VoIP service when she is hooked onto a wireless AP in office or home.
While themedialsut is able to make VoIP calls out to Starhub, M1 and Singtel users, only friends using Starhub mobile service can call her back.
Friends on M1 and Singtel mobile were unable to call the Level 3 numbers and was prompted that the number could not be connected.
Interestingly, Starhub and Singtel mobile users can see the Level 3 number on their mobile phone when themediaslut call them.
As most home landlines belong to Singtel, themediaslut was also unable to call the Level 3 number from home.
For M1 mobile users, the number remains hidden.
themediaslut could not find any IDA (Singapore’s Infocomm Development Authority) annoucement that it is legal requirement that the competiting mobile phone operators to connect to their respective VoIP numbers.
A IDA spokesperson, however,did highlight the inter-operatability issues at the recent CommunicAsia 2006.
From Computerworld Singapore:
These VOIP operators will also be required to allow other operators to interconnect with their networks, must offer number portability, and will only be able to offer these services to domestic subscribers, Leong said, noting that these are standards required of fixed-line operators.
The spokesperson is Leong Keng Thai, the IDA’s deputy chief executive and director general of telecommunications.
This could be the trial period and maybe all three telcos, Starhub, M1 and Singtel, have not switched on their interoperability servers just yet.
However, if potential Pfingo users cannot get their friends on M1 or Singtel mobile call them back via the L3 numbers, it could potentially prevent them from signing up for the Pfingo service.
PS: Kudos to the Starhub Mobile and Pfingo for reading and reacting to themediaslut and to the other blogs as well. themediaslut highlighted in an earlier post that the overview page at the Pfingo Talk website did not show clear instructions to set up the service for the PC and mobile phone. The Pfingo team has since added the instructions on the overview site with the necessary instructions. Well done.
pfingo
I am having problems viewing certain websites with my IE after installing pfingo talk. However this is possible when I use free proxy server. Any idea?
I am trying to set pfingo talk on xten.com (xlite) which I have been using for the past few years, anyone with the settings?
Good points: QoS one of the best voice quality so far, Free Trial, Singapore number
Current Disadvantages: Intermediate connection, IE7 problem for me, Address book does not allow adding contacts without email address (put a . on the email field), SIP setup manual on website since it uses SIP,
I dont think the L3 number is going to be a big selling point for mobile users, because WIFI connection will allow maybe 2 hours of battery life, hardly call that standby time. The L3 number is useful for PC uses at this moment in time.
For outgoing call, voipstunt.com, voipbuster.com (maybe the same company) and etc charges EU$10 for 4 months with unlimited free calls to lots of countries which allows settings for the E65 and etc. Skype also came out a unlimited usage deal which is also quite cost effective.
Singtel provides a PC to landline service with incoming calls number for S$8/month (S$5 for Singnet users), with free 30 mins video 3G call / mth from your PC to Singtel mobiles, free incoming calls but you will need to pay the standard rate of local calls which is something like 80 cents per hour in the day and 40 at night. (Very Cheap)
Gizmoproject provides free landline and mobile call to certain countries for regular users of it PC to PC calling service and and multi platform messenger.
sipgate.co.uk which provides free landline (similar to L3) number in a number of countries, without a monthly sub. service, and relatively cheap outgoing calls.
Comparing the above, Pfingo will need to consider its pricing very carefully. Since most of the above runs on SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), all you need is the sip proxy settings and you can use it on most of your mobile phones e.g. E61, E65, N80I, N95 and etc. Truephone.com and fring.com also provides VOIP on mobile phones.
I believe that VOIP/messenger on mobile is the next trend. M1 is in the right direction on having the unlimited broadband on the 3G sim card S$22/month, one fixed data price for the messenger and VOIP and etc.
Currently three.co.uk is giving £5/mth for unlimited data including using MSN and Skype, T-mobile.co.uk provide unlimted web surfing for £7.50/mth, Orange.co.uk provide £1 maximum/day for unlimted data (if you dont use data everyday) and I heard from a staff who works in Vodafone said that unlimited data will be at approx. £7/month in July 07. All these are on 3G with all have the bandwidth to support VOIP on mobile (this will allow you to turn on your pfingo all the time (significants for the L3 number). As for Wifi, I think you may need a few more batteries, or bring a charger everywhere you go (not very mobile for a mobile phone).
[…] s useful for PC uses at this moment in time. Read the rest of his comments here.Thanks for the comments, 7yearofVoIP.
L […]
Thank you for your feedback!
M1 and Singtel numbers can now dial into pfingo level 3 numbers. :)