I use both Skype and Voipfone. SkypeIn UK number and wifi phone off my home network, Voipfone through a Linksys PAP2T hanging off the same router with a couple of DECT phones. I use both services at the same time (belts and braces)

I'm in France and communicate mainly with the UK, landlines and mobiles. I have only recently started to use Voipfone, so I'll give you my view on the services FWIW.

- Skype is well hyped and marketed
- Skype's billing system is MUCH more difficult to use
- For calls to and from PSTN the Skype wifi phone (Netgear) has excellent audio. Phones attached directly to the PC not so good, calls to mobiles are at best very spotty.
- Skype customer service doesn't exist
- Skype are cheap, but Voipfone is as cost effective for me, given where I mainly call
- Cost is important BUT and it is a big one; Voipfone quality of service is much better. Generally better audio quality in and out to landlines and mobiles.
- AND there seems to be a customer service organisation (I haven't really tested it yet, so don't disappoint me)

So, great service so far - market yourselves more, there are lots of punters out here who will use the service.

Yes, we do exist and thanks for the comments

I regularly visit the Skype forum. It is very rare to get any responses from Skype people.

Thanks for replying and showing interest.

and merry Christmas.

I just wanted to say that Voipfone's customer support department is excellent. Not only do they exist, but they are available just as they say they are - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Spent about 5 hours on Sunday to-ing and fro-ing with the support personnel by email to sort a problem and it was great not having to wait until normal business hours on Monday.

So, Daragh, don't worry - if you need their support then you'll find the Voipfone staff ready and waiting for your email.

They can be contacted at support@voipfone.co.uk

After the problems I've had, I certainly give them 98/99 points out of 100!

By the way, when you start analysing Skype prices (I'm with them as well) you'll find that they aren't always cheaper than Voipfone. Don't forget that Skype charge per minute or part thereof whereas Voipfone are clever - these guys can count in seconds!!!