abroadband
 

my abroadband - abroadband.com

Someone used this service?
It seems to be postpaid and it also seems to be owned by A1 Austria Telekom.
€ 0,59/MB everywhere is not that bad and it has a yearly fee of € 10.00 too.

Could be interesting for low data usage.

I don't have it but it looks intriguing.

The flat rate is very reasonable for most countries and they have a good list of roaming countries, but not everywhere I would need them. Doesn't have non-US Caribbean or Bermuda (which would be roaming on Digicel or LIME/Cable & Wireless plus a few local providers). Does have U.S. but they are cheaper options for that location (either prepaid or postpaid). Do like that they offer a sim card and USB stick modem package and it is both PC and Mac compatible. If they added some Caribbean service, I might consider going with them.

Could you put the SIM in a BlackBerry which is easy to tether to a computer - thus using your phone as a modem?
I should know the answer - but how much data per minute does a voice call use - like over Skype?

...mike

It's a fraction of the price my home carrier (TMobile U.S. charges to roam for data - $15/mb. Truphone seems to charge $2.17/mb in most countries. This is less than $1/mb.

between 300k and 1 meg per minute, depending which encoding skype will use.

Chris

If that's the case, then it would pay to use this SIM for voice calls as well. Am I overlooking anything? Which would be the best/easiest method to use? Skype? Someone else? I assume someone like Skype has an app for most smart phones to make calling seamless?
Is there much diff. in voice quality between 300K and 1000?
And, can you designate the codec on Skype or someone else to attempt to save money? At 500K, you would be paying approx. 40 cents/min.
IF there is a seamless way of setting up a service like Skype on a phone - wouldn't this be a big game changer?

...mike

Skype can definitely be used on a mobile device. Used to have an AT&T Tilt on prepaid AT&T service for a year or two. Had Skype mobile installed under Windows Mobile. Skype also has various clients for other devices including Blackberry, Android and non-PC's (such as the MacBook I'm penning this response on), and on my Sony Mylo wi-fi device.

If using Skype over a cellular connection, 3G seems to work best (EDGE is just too slow under many conditions for decent quality VOIP).

yes, there is some difference between the differnet codings.
With 500kbyte/min skype uses a codec similar to the one that the DECT digital cordless phones use which have a data rate of 32kbps+IP overhead.
Otherwise skype uses the ISDN like codec with 64kbps+IP overhead.

You can not set the quality by yourself, skype calculates the line quality before establishing a voice connection. On mobile phones i suppose that they always will use the low bandwidth codec.

Chris

Chris -
So, it sounds like this SIM might be suitable for roaming for voice as well as inexpensive data. They cover 50 countries, most of Europe and the main places in Asia. Except for U.S. and Canada, nothing in the Americas.
The initial cost because of expensive shipping is close to $50. Cheaper if one is in Europe.

...mike

...mike

I accidentally made a roaming data call from my phone using Fring, Justvoip and 3g data a couple of years ago - the accident was I thought I was using wi-fi, and because I hadn't gone through all the settings Fring swapped to the O2 access point without me noticing.

Fortunately it was only a 2 minute call, so the damage wasn't too great

This used 350k of data, so a megabyte would cover about 6 minutes. I have no idea what codec was used.

On Nokia phones with SIP, Nokia's SIP VoIP Settings program can be installed to control a wider range of settings, and I assume that selection of codec would be an option, but I haven't looked into this yet

Andy - Definitely sounds that this would be the way to make low cost voice calls. Since they just started selling product 11 days ago, there don't seem to be any reviews out there yet. I am not sure I want to spend $40 incl. shipping to try it out when in Spain and Portugal the end of next month.
I need to do some research on how much data various voice options would likely use. Skype an option? Fring (which I've never used). I would use it in an older BlackBerry. Since I am slow, technically speaking, might just wait.

Just tried doing some research.
Here is a quote from their help section at Abroadband:

====
How much can I surf with one MB?

One MB allows you to send about 40 e-mails (avarage size 25 KB), make around 80 Google searches, surf on Facebook, Linkedln or Expedia 5 times.
On Skype, one MB is enough to send and receive about 15 messages a day and make two Skype calls of about 2 minutes each - every day in one month (Source: Skype).

============
Sounds unbelievable. I found that quote on the Skype site myself.

...mike

Yeah, but for 1 MB each day ;-) Then the calculation is right.

Chris

Even at that, it could be worth while to set up a "system" to route calls via "something" like Skype. I am not sophisticated enuf to do that - but could follow instructions if someone posted how to set up a method to route voice calls over a 100% data connection - which the Abroadband SIM is. If I read the Skype site correctly, they only have an app for Verizon phones in the U.S. Google Talk (which seems to be a VOIP version of Google Voice) says they don't have an app for mobiles "at this time".
Anybody have any other EASY to use suggestions for setting up voice calling over data?
Even if a voice of data call burns 400-500 Kb/second - you are talking about spending 35-45 cents/min. As a comparison, to call back to the U.S. using Truphone costs 86 cents/min. Using a U.S. SIM from TMobile or ATT costs $1/min.

...mike

I have the official skype client on my Andorid based phone and it works flawlessly (but drains the battery quite fast as well).
Alternatively you can install a SIP client and use any SIP-based VoIP service. Many VoIP providers also offer a client which is pre-configured for their service or detailed instructions on how to do so. Decend Nokia-phones even have a build in SIP client.

Chris

Chris - I need a little hand holding here<G>. Would is there a Skype client for the BB? And what is a "client"? Is that the same thing as an "app"? Can you recommend a "client" that would work with a BB? Are these "clients" easy to use?
I have an old BB I would use w. this card. It only operates on EDGE - not 3G.

Thanks.

...mike

To get Skype on your Blackberry, try this link. They will send the software to your Blackberry. Other VOIP providers likely have a similar service.

Skype mobile? for BlackBerry® smartphones

Did something like this for an AT&T Tilt I used to own that ran Windows Mobile.

Yes, with client i mean "App" (I hate the word app so i use the old fashioned ways... hehe).
GadgetKen already provided you with the link.
On EDGE it works OK but not well, the latency of the packets is much higher on EDGE than on 3G.

Chris

Well, it looks like Skype is now totally locked to Verizon in the U.S.. When I went to their web site they only mention Verizon phones. I tried downloading it to my 3G Blackberry on TMobile and msg. on phone said "Your phone is not supported" Their web site has a msg saying "Windows devices are no longer supported".
Anybody have another provider that has a simple app? I would order this data SIM and give it a try. A Skype like service even based outside the U.S., as long as its in English, altho that might
I'd have to get an overseas number.

...mike

abroadband is a postpaid service as far as i know

I have an E-71 unlocked phone I use T-Mobile, and I have Skype on the phone. I had no problem with downloading from the Skype website. I wonder if it is locked to T-mobile. How would the website know this?

Skype is definitely not locked to verizon (how can it). I have it on my iphone4 and my nokia E63 and works flawlessly on both.

Here is the message I get on my BB when I attempt to log on to skype.com/m:
====
Sorry, Skype mobile™ is not available for your phone.

Upgrade to one of Verizon's best-selling BlackBerry® and Android™ 3G smartphones.

Visit Download Skype mobile? to your Verizon Wireless phone today! to learn more.



Help

Skype.com
=================
...mike

looks like on the BB you will have to google for a cracked installer package :-(

I'm wondering what happens if someone connects a US blackberry to a foreign wifi spot and tries to download SKype there. I'm wondering if someone inside the US and someone outside the US should look at the same page on Skype and see if they are seeing a different page. Inside the US, the Skype for Android page looks very Verizon-centric:

http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-...obile/android/

If someone doesn't beat me to the punch, I will pull the page from a Canadian IP address in a day or two and compare the results.

If i look on the german website they dont even have Blackberries in the list of supported devices. Seems that verizon made a good deal with them...


Chris

There are different versions of Skype, depending on the relationship between Skype and the network you are using.

On networks like 3, and I assume also the deal with Verizon (but I could be wrong for that part), the specific application there is using mainly callthrough on an access number which has been zero-tariffed by the network, plus a small amount of data for presence info, and this data is also free. As it is mainly an ordinary phone call, then it should even still work with only a 2g signal, such as the 2g roaming arrangements which the various 3 networks have for areas where their 3g signal is patchy or non-existent, e.g. 3 UK on Orange UK, 3 Ireland on Vodafone Ireland.

That is a customised version of a program called iSkoot, and there is also a general version, also based on callthrough, but then the access number is a call charged at the network's tariff, plus a bit of data I suppose. However, a brief search to check on this shows me that this was being shut down a couple of weeks ago. This closedown doesn't seem to affect the custom 3/Skype application, which is still working.

Skype also offers, or did offer but no longer seems to, its own similar program called Skype Lite, also based on callthrough access, or so it seemed from the description. That seemed to available for a fairly wide range of phones

In addition, Skype offers an arrangement called Skype To Go, which seems to be creating a different number to call for each contact, so that number will again be charged at the mobile network's tariff.

But what is being looked for in the context of this thread is a Skype application which uses only 3g data to make the call, on top of course of using wi-fi when available. I believe that when I looked at this a while ago, there was some ambiguity about which phones it could be used with, as it didn't seem to be ubiquitous.

I installed it on an E51 a year or two ago, but it didn't seem to be in offer for all Symbian phones at that time. I have scarcely used it, so certainly can't be counted an expert. In addition, for a while, Fring and Nimbuzz clients could be used with Skype accounts, which would have helped for phones where no Skype client was in offer, but these agreements have been ended, with stated reasons which seem to imply differences of opinion or interest between the companies.

Given that things seem to be changing every few months, and it was fairly difficult to find some of these things anyway - I can remember ambiguities between what 3 and Skype were saying, and links from one's website to the other and a dead page at the other end (or different 3/Skype versions on different phones handling for instance caller ID differently) - it's no wonder it's a bit tricky to keep up with what is going on with all of this ......... so maybe SIP is easier.

True VOIP on a Blackberry used to be an impossibility and is just starting to be rolled out. My wife has a Torch and I've been playing with it on that phone. It is getting close on wifi, but I haven't been happy over 3g. Conversely, my iPhone works like a champ over 3g. I presume Androids are just as good. As we get duo-core phones, it will only get better.

Thanks to some private hand-holding from Stu - this is what I've come up with:
Stu suggested the "Zoom we3g-4520 Radio Modem". It is on Amazon and elsewhere. You just stick the SIM card in and get a wifi signal within 30 feet for your phone, computer etc. to access. It supports both EDGE and 3G. Stu said he has used it.
What I would do with my BB is use the UMA feature to make calls. The key to usefulness would be how much data UMA burns. Stu ran a test using an iphone 3G running Toktumi and a 3 minute call used about 1/2 a mb. If that data rate holds, voice calls would be 15 cents/U.S./min (approx.)
SO - I attempted to order the Abroadband SIM. In filling out the required info, you are asked to enter your country as one of the address fields. A pop-up appears and the U.S. is NOT one of the choices!!!! On their FAQ page they say they can sell the SIM in any of the 50 countries where the SIM operates. U.S. is on the list!
I just sent an email to customer support.

...mike

In reading Chris's msg., I am surprised that Skype seems to have cut off lots of mobile phone service, even outside of the U.S. How cutting off mobile apps outside of the U.S. would help their deal w. Verizon is beyond me.

Again - I want to publicly thank Stu for his help. IF I can get this SIM delivered, I'll try it out in Spain and Portugal (and U.S.) in the next 3 weeks.

Many mobile network operators fear VoIP applications as the water fears the fire. Here in germany most operators even forbid VoIP in their terms of service because they want to earn on the airtime. Maybe thats why skype is very restrictive with handheld devices and operators.

Chris

Frustration reigns! One place on their web site says they ship to any of the 53 countries they provide service. That includes the U.S. Another place indicates you can go online and implies you can order from any place in the world.
Just got an email saying they only ship to 28 countries, and sent me a list. Most are EU altho the UK is one of the 28.
I just sent another email asking why they limit delivery options. Also asked if they would deliver to a hotel in Spain? (Spain is one of the 28.)


Stu - In answer to another question about the "radio modem", they said:
"When you put the SIM card into a modem, it will connect automatically."

...mike

No Answer at phone at Abroadband
 

Tried a few times between 4:25 and 4:50PM their time. Will try again in morning. The phone number they show on their web site is a MOBILE number - 19 cents/min to call via Google Voice. The web site claims they are open 9-5.

My impression is - they aren't yet ready for prime time. They only ship to a limited number of countries. And, there is no excuse for a communications company to make it hard to communicate! The phone just rings. No answering machine. No voice mail.
I figured I'd have them ship to a hotel in Spain - but I can't get someone on the phone to see if that's possible. I sent an email via their web site contact system a couple days ago to ask - but no response. Just sent another. Two earlier emails a week ago asking general questions did get a response within a day.

I just found the folloowing on their web site:
=========
How much can I surf with one MB?
One MB allows you to send about 40 text e-mails, make around 80 Google searches, surf on Facebook or LinkedIn 5 times.
With Skype mobile, one MB is enough to send and receive about 15 messages a day and make one Skype call of about 4 minutes.
============
It would appear that they expect people to use the service to make voice calls. Using their figure of 4 min per mb - cost would be 20 cents/min U.S.

...mike

my abroadband - abroadband.com
They say:
abroadband products are available in the online shop. Benefit from fast delivery and secure payment options - 24 hours a day.
Shipping within the EU (incl. Switzerland).

They seem to say different things in diff. places.
Quote from website:
====
Fast delivery with DHL
We will send your abroadband package by standard parcel post. Choose express delivery to have your abroadband package delivered more quickly. You can order abroadband easily online – 24 hours a day, from anywhere in the world. Benefit from our advantages when ordering online.
===========
This implies anywhere in the world.
==========
===========
Elsewhere on site:
===============
What requirements are there for online orders?

Orders may be made by all persons aged 18 or older. Deliveries can be sent to the following countries: my abroadband - abroadband.com
=======================
When you click on that link about deliveries: It gives you a list of the 53 countries where they offer service.

My point is: They obviously aren't ready for prime time. Why would they have a product that is useful to people all over the world - who travel - but make it difficult to buy! They didn't even answer their phone during business hours. Don't even have a recording that could at least say "Please call back later".

So far, haven't seen a post anywhere about/from someone who has used this product -- Not even on their Facebook page.

....mike

The text in english is a bit misunderstanding.
In german its very clear:

They offer roaming service in 53 countries, thats the country list you referred to.
They are shipping to the EU and switzerland only. This is quite common for online shops here as within EU they can be sure to be hassle free with customs and delivery times.

Chris

BTW, i've just received the sim ordered last sunday. I'm going to try it :)

Very good so let us know the result of the test . I guess you are trying in Italy, also regarding the voip through skype or any sip.

A speed test: http://www.speedtest.net/result/1192327498.png (i can get speeds just like the customers of Vodafone IT. Usually, in roaming, you get slower speeds than your home network. good :D)
In general, navigation is fast and you can see your usage in real-time in the Cost Manager on the website. The first time you get online you have to register the sim, and then wait for 2-3 mins to get the sim activated. Then you can surf the web as you do with any internet key.

For Skype, which version should I try? PC or Android? :)

@mingelli: yes, in province of Milan.

You can try it on both PC and Android if you can and check out the connection quality and amount of data used and charged then in account management per minute. Ciao Grazie

Tux -
We will be waiting for your review. What kind of delivery option did you use? I am thinking of using the "express" (DHL) option and gamble by having them send it to our hotel in Spain. How long did it take for you to get the order?
How does the billing work? Do you set up an account on line after you get it? They say, somewhere, they warn you if your bill hits 60 Euros.
I definitely would be interested in knowing how it works with Skype. Our primary use would be for Voice. Would like to know the data usage when making a voice call.

Chris -
You said lots of online sellers only want to sell within the EU. That makes no sense for a product like this that is meant to be used by "outsiders". I have ordered 2 or 3 SIMS from Europe in the past with no problem. After all, they provide the ability to use it everywhere from Israel, to the U.S. to Australia. If I want to buy it to use the next time we go to Israel, I can't buy it here or or there.
I offered to "hold them harmless" if they ship it here and it gets stopped because of customs. Never got a response.

...mike

@snidely:
I used standard delivery; they always use DHL, even for the standard method. I ordered the sim on Sunday 6th afternoon, they shipped my sim on Monday and I got the sim this morning.
The billing works in this way: after you register the sim, every 14 days they generate a bill which you pay with your debit/credit card or with PayPal (I use PayPal), but only if you surfed the web. You are debited per kB.
After you have put the sim into the internet key (and have configured the dashboard for the internet key), you just open the browser and you are automatically redirected to an abroadband page where you have to put your invoice number, your details and the payment method.
They are obliged to advise you when you reach 60€ of traffic because of the European legislation. I don't know if they block internet for the remaining days of billing, but I think they do.

By the way, I've just tried a Skype-to-Skype call of about 2 minutes between 2 PCs, and I've been debited 0.66€ (1.05MB). The quality of the voice is quite perfect :)

Here in Italy they use Vodafone, and where I live Vodafone has an average speed of about 3Mbps in download and 1.50Mbps in upload. Navigation, so, is quite fast. But this depends on the traffic on the BTS you are connected. The ping is about 130ms, but i didn't notice a significant delay in voice calls.

IMHO this is a good service :thumbup:

Tux -
Thanks for quick reply. Why pay the extra amount if they ship DHL on "standard". We would use it with a Blackberry using UMA over wifi. We would insert the SIM into a Zoom We3G 4520 Radio Modem. Abroadband said it should set up automatically. This generates a wifi signal within a 10 meter radius. While mainly for voice, might use it with an Ipad to dl Google Maps.
Am disappointed you only got 2 min./mb. They claimed on their web site that with Skype you would get 4 min. Still would pay to use for voice in some circumstances.
One good deal is there is no monthly fee. You just need to use it once a year to stay active.
I wonder if Skype to Skype burns more or less than "Skype to phone"? Hmm. Unfortunately, I would guess less.

Thanks again.

...mike