The Phone Discussions- International, VOIP, Mobile
-
excerpts from the NBN Yahoo discussion group.
Telephone Number Porting(Keep your US Number) You can take your current North American phone number with you to Israel (transferred to a VOIP carrier). You can stay connected to friends, family and business contacts in North America. This process must be completed BEFORE your current telephone service is canceled. Once you turn off your phone line you cannot get your number back.
One company that provides assistance with making the arrangements to "port" your current telephone number as well as provide VOIP services is Broadfone.
For details, you can be in touch directly with: Reuven Grossman (NBN Oleh) reuven@broadfone.com
052-579-0958 mobile in Israel
877-223-2290 toll-free from US
Re: Hot Service and Linksys Router
HOT uses either PPTP or L2TP. Both are types of VPN, or "virtual
private network", protocols. My personal experience is that most types of
US-purchased routers cannot adequately handle either protocol for use with
HOT in Israel.
If you're dialing in with a computer (you have no router, and only one
computer connecting to the Internet), this should not pose much of a
problem as both Macs and Windows computers should be able to do at least
one of those 2 protocols. But if you have a router, it's more complicated.
You have 2 solutions:
1. Purchase a new router here in Israel
2. Beg and plead your "sapak" (internet service provider) to give you a
static IP address
Bezeq DSL uses PPPoE. If you have a US-purchased router, that might be one
advantage to using DSL over cable Internet.
----
Chaim Kram
NBN: Ann Arbor, MI -> Modi'in, August 2004
Macintosh & Mac OS X Consultant
chaimk@umich.edu
08-975-0016
---------- Forwarded Message ----------
Re: Hot Service and Linksys Router
Wed Jan 31, 2007 1:39 pm (PST)
Nearly all Israeli ISPs use PPPoE for your connection. You need to make sure
your username and password are both entered in your connection or WAN
settings on the router
_____
From: nefeshbnefesh@yahoogroups.com [mailto:nefeshbnefesh@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of dbfrom1
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 5:37 PM
To: nefeshbnefesh@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [nefeshbnefesh] Hot Service and Linksys Router
Hi all,
We're having some trouble setting up our wireless router. Does anyone
know what configuration to use for a Linksys Wireless-G Broadband
Router with speedbooster (model # WRT54GS) using the Hot service?
Thank you in advance.
Doreen From
NYC->Moshav Gimzo
Sept '06
DISCLAIMER: Following are an eclectic collection of postings from the NBN Yahoo list, starting approx Dec 2004. Rates may have changed, technical bugs may have been worked out, suppliers may be out of business, and new operations have started. PLEASE send me an email if you you agree, disagree or feel there is an ommission. (make sure the word PHONE appears in the subject). Some of the postings are by commericial entities with NBN employees.
The NBN Yahoo list will no longer repeat the discussions below, although if there is a new issue, I'll let it through to the list.
NBN has no commercial relationship with any of the suppliers, although we will give an extra plug for those entities employing NBN olim.
Use the search feature on your browser to search for specific terms.
Enjoy.I'll try and keep this page updated.
Danny Oberman danny@nbn.org.il
Re: [nefeshbnefesh] Advice: Looking to add an American phone line to cell phone
Most of the VOIP services have call forwarding as a feature. What this
means is that you can set up a VOIP number through Vonage, Packet8, Delta3,
etc., and have that number forwarded to any phone, inlcuding your Israeli
cell phone. The talk time on inbound calls will then be treated as calls
from your VOIP number to an Israeli cell phone. This is exactly what I do
with my US business line and it works great. It also means that when I'm
travelling in the US, I can change the forwarding to my US cell phone, so my
clients can reach me wherever I am by calling just the one number.
I am trying to find out info on how I can get an American phone number
added on to my Israeli cell phone. i have tried contacting Net2phone,
but haven't heard back from them.
Anyone have any information on how I can get this.
After much research, I decided to go with TalkNSave...it is not an
exaggeration to say that Shlomo Benzaquen & his staff have made certain aspects
of my aliyah an incredibly smooth experience...from my first phone call to
Shlomo, while still in Teaneck, he answered all of my questions, returned my
phone calls/emails within minutes, helped me to set up a US phone #, so that I
would not miss a beat with my business contacts, getting me exactly what I
wanted in terms of phone equipment, physically being there at Ben Gurion when
the NBN flight arrived(& I actually needed help with my voicemail immediately
when I arrived, as it had a quirky system problem), following up with me while I
was in the cab headed towards Jerusalem & finally still being there for me 10
months later, when issues arise.
No one could ask for better customer service than TalkNSave provides. Make
this 1 less thing to agonize over when making those myriad of aliyah decisions.
Just do it!
Ruthie Levi
Bergen2Baka Dec 2005
PS:I have no financial interest in the company, nor did anyone from TalkNSave
ask me to write this!
Re: [nefeshbnefesh] American number through TalknSave?
Shalom All,
Just a few issues to consider when deciding between a VOIP system and the
Talk'n'Save/TCS int'l calling plans...
Although you may pay somewhat more than the VOIP systems, with Talk'n'Save's
Int'l calling plans you get a whole lot more for your money. Some of the
benefits of the Talk'n'Save program are listed below:
No Time Committment!
No Equipment Fees!
Reliability - does not depend on status of internet
Call quality - system works through regular Bezeq/HOT phone lines
Easy to use, traditional long distance
NO equipment necessary!
NO installation required!
No internet involved
No added costs for internet
Free you bandwidth for better "www" surfing
Detailed itemized bills in English
Local customer service ENGLISH - majority of staff are American olim
Option to have your USA int'l calling plans set up ready to be used upon arrival
in Israel
600 minute plan (USA/Canada/UK-landlines) - $17.99/month
Unlimited Calling (USA/Canada/UK-landlines) - $39.99/month
USA number on cell phones available
To order your Int'l calling plan, please log on to www.talknsave.net/olim If you
have any questions, please call me at 052-569-0200 (in Israel) or 1-877-246-7143
(toll free from USA/Canada)
Shlomo Benzaquen
NBN Oleh - July 2003
>
>----- Original Message ----
>From: yael <yaelchai@...>
>To: nefeshbnefesh@yahoogroups.com
>Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 11:04:30 AM
>Subject: [nefeshbnefesh] American number through TalknSave?
>
>
>Does anyone have experience with talknsave's american number program?
>It does not use internet.
>
>Yael
>Miami to RBS (soon)
>
>
>
>Please remember to sign your postings, together with the year of
>aliyah and your present location.
>Get updates on oleh issues. Visit our resource update page:
>http://www.nbn.org.il/NefeshBNefeshUpdates.htm
>
>Searching for an English speaking handyman? Need to rent a cell
>phone? Looking for a speech therapist for your child? Check out the
>updated BUSINESSES OF NBN OLIM at
>http://www.nbn.org.il/klita/oleh_business.htm for a full listing of
>services offered by Nefesh B'Nefesh Olim.
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
--- End forwarded message ---
RE: [nefeshbnefesh] SUNROCKET VOIP
Ari, and others
I am a little surprised you are still down, as it seems as far as I know
Sunrocket has opened access again for all international users. If you want
to call me at 057-319-1066 I would be glad to help you try and determine
where the problem is (and it is relatively simple to see if it is Sunrocket
blocking still). Never the less you mentioned in your private email to me
you are with Netvision. Once upon a time I highly recommended Netvison, as I
felt despite a premium cost they had the best access to North America. Then
Netvision came out with their VOIP based LD service. They had massive
problems with it and solved it by dedicating bandwidth to it, at the expense
of their Internet service. Since then they have had a pretty lousy
connection to North America.
I therefore now recommend one of two companies. The first is Internet Zahav,
however I have found they have the best connection ONLY if you pay for what
we call a static IP. For somebody using it for business it may well be worth
the premium. Otherwise I would recommend that you switch to Bezeq Ben Leumi.
As an additional "bonus" as you actually noted in your email to me SunRocket
when they were blocking international users for one reason or other, were
not blocking Bezeq Ben Leumi customers.
A senior support rep at Sunrocket tells me he doesn't think this kind of
outage is likely to ever happen again. Though it was instituted temporarily
to help track down some fraudulent users and cut their access, they did not
foresee the number of users using their devices internationally, and
therefore the backlash that it created.
There were some email messages recently regarding Sunrocket, and loss
of service here in Israel. This happened to us. If this happened to
you, what did you do to get it working again. Sunrocket service
refuses to help, since we are currently not in the USA. I have been
able to restore partial service, meaning I have a green VOIP light,
and can get incoming calls. But, I can not call out. As soon as I
dial the first digit, I get a busy signal. Can anyone explain why
this is happaning, and what I can do to fix this problem.
Thank you,
Ari
aridebbie@msn. <mailto:aridebbie%40msn.com> com
Chashmonaim 2004
RE: [nefeshbnefesh] VOIP
Firstly I want to note most people are happy with Vonage service. Likely if
you have serious problems with Vonage you will with Spacephone as well. You
will likely find your best solution is looking at your current internet
connection. Having said that however:
In terms of porting over your 212 number it depends on 2 things. If it is
"your own" number that you ported once upon a time to Vonage in the first
place you are the owner of the number and can certainly port it to
spacephone by law. If however it is a number that Vonage assigned to you,
your contract states that you do not own the number (in fact Vonage does)
and it is merely being leased to you for the duration of your service.
Despite this many people have succeeded with much effort in porting over a
Vonage number, however you should understand that this is not your legal
right and you may or may not succeed and likely it will require a fair
amount of work on your end.
In addition, if you cancel your service with Vonage (or any other Telco) and
then attempt to port over your number you will find you no longer own the
number and CAN NOT port it. You must in any event keep the original service
until the number is successfully ported. That includes if you a transferring
from a "regular" POTS provider in the US to any VOIP service.
I recommend switching to our service (The SpacePhone Service) and
porting over your same telephone number.
Please see our details at our website (listed below) and feel free to
call/email with any questions.
I think your total cost will be about the same or you may even save a
little bit each month when switching.
Reuven
www.thespacephone.com
rgrossman@milsresea <mailto:rgrossman%40milsresearch.com> rch.com
877-223-2290 US Toll-Free
503-625-7795 US Direct
052-579-0958 Israel mobile
At 12:11 PM 9/18/2006, you wrote:
>I am finally getting ready to get rid of Vonage-the voice quality is
>deteriorating, and reliability is poor.
>
>However: I would like to keep my current 212 number.
>
>Any suggestions?
>
>Leah Gniwesch, Ph.D.
>Psychologist/Life Coach
>02.563.1482
Re: [nefeshbnefesh] Re: I'd recommend Netvision (was: High speed internet - best deal!
Were you downloading from US or Israeli websites?
Also, the HOT technician was measuring download speed within Israel, not
from the US.
I repeat that I conducted a concurrent test of Netvision, Bezeqint and
Internet Zahav over a number of days using testyourvoip.com, and have the
numbers proving that Bezeqint is much better than Netvision on VOIP calls to
the US. (Not to mention that this is my informal experience as well.)
Kol tuv,
Moshe
NBN 2003
Neve Daniel
On 9/6/06, dkeatsny <dkeatsny@...> wrote:
>
> I'm not sure what you are talking about but perhaps results vary by
> user or that something else was causing your problem with
> netvision. Since we signed up with netvision, we've had nothing but
> smooth sailing and speedy internet. I've downloaded several tv
> shows or surfed the web while talking on skype with zero
> difficulty. Plus the English customer service was very helpful, not
> to mention whenever I have a question I can call the manager I was
> dealing with directly and she has been great plus speaks fluent
> English..
>
> AND AT ONLY 20 SHEKEL A MONTH, I TRULY THINK IT IS THE BEST INTERNET
> DEAL!!!
>
> Has anyone seen it for less? I spent hours talking to every single
> internet provider in Israel and no one else came close! I was
> surprised too becuase I always heard netvision was the best service
> but charged the most.
>
> We have HOT cable modem though so I can not speak for ADSL users.
> But when the HOT technician was here I asked him to test my speed
> and he said it was very high and far better than he usually sees on
> only 1.5 speed.
>
> Boaz & Danielle Berkowitz
> NY ---> Raanana July 06
>
> --- In nefeshbnefesh@yahoogroups.com <nefeshbnefesh%40yahoogroups.com>,
> "Moshe Feldman"
> <moshe.feldman@...> wrote:
> >
> > The issue is not the connection from Netvision-Israel to the end
> user, but
> > from Netvision-Israel via its cable to Europe/U.S.--i.e.,
> Netvision doesn't
> > have large enough bandwidth on that cable. I would think that
> whether you
> > have DSL or cable, you'd have the same problem. The problem with
> the
> > Israeli reviews of Netvision is that they don't focus on its
> connection to
> > the US.
> >
> > Kol tuv,
> > Moshe
> >
> > NBN 2003
> > Neve Daniel
> >
> >
> > On 8/29/06, Ellen Solomon <esolomon2@...> wrote:
> > >
> > > We also have a poor connection with Netvision. However, we
> have WOW &
> > > Netvision - in other words, DSL. I was under the impression that
> Netvision
> > > cable has very good reviews. (And the previous poster mentioned
> his deal
> > > was with a cable connection.) Can anyone provide more
> information on
> > > Netvision cable?
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Ellen Solomon
> > > NYC->RBS 2005
> > >
Re: Problems installing Voip and Router - Can anyone help?
VoIP works fine with cable. I've been using Vonage successfully for over a
year now with my HOT cable Internet connection. Our Vonage setup works
wonderfully -- no static or other artifacts on the line, aside from a mild
delay. (The delay here is, by the way, greater than what we experienced
this summer when we brought our Vonage equipment back to the States with us
-- so being in Israel definitely adds some latency to the calls. Even
still, the call quality is very good and we call the States all the time
with nary a thought.)
Using HOT cable for your high-speed Internet does, however, add some setup
complexity. I'm saving a lot of money over using ADSL via Bezeq, but the
ADSL setup was more straightforward. Here's why: ADSL uses a protocol
called "PPPoE", short for "PPP over Ethernet". Our US-based wireless
router (that we made aliyah with) supported this flawlessly, as did my Mac
using Mac OS X 10.3.9. I believe that many high-speed companies in the
States use PPPoE so it's well-known and well-supported.
HOT, on the other hand and as others on this list have noted, uses one of
two types of VPN connections, either PPTP or L2TP. The latter is
supposedly preferred and I believe is the newer of the two protocols.
Neither of my US routers (the Vonage LinkSys nor a D-Link 802.11b) could
handle L2TP at all, and both could only handle PPTP crudely, requiring a
static IP address from my ISP (in my case, 012). And I couldn't figure out
how to setup my Mac to use these protocols to connect to HOT. This was a
balagan in a handbasket as getting a static IP address from your ISP is not
for the weak-willed. I finally gave up on that plan and spent my Israeli
shekels on a shiny new Edimax 802.11g wireless router from Machsanei
Hashmal which has full support for PPTP and L2TP. Problem solved -- I had
to outlay the extra dough for the router but I'm saving every month over
ADSL so in the end it still pays off.
One more thing regarding speeds: I have 1.5mbps download and (I think)
128kbps upload, which is (unfortunately) pretty typical in Israel.
Downloading a file and using VoIP simultaneously is usually not a problem,
and you can set up your router to limit the amount of bandwidth it reserves
for the VoIP if necessary. But UPLOADING is a different story -- because
the upload speed is already so constrained, you should AVOID LIKE THE
PLAGUE uploading anything whilst using VoIP because it will cause the VoIP
call to basically shut down. Most folks don't do much uploading but if you
do, make sure your wife isn't on the phone to the States when you start
your upload!
Hope this info helps someone.
----
Chaim Kram chaimk@...
Ann Arbor, MI -> Modi'in
August 2004
---------- Forwarded Message ----------
Date: 27 August 2006 08:34:09 +0000
From: nefeshbnefesh@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [nefeshbnefesh] Re: Problems installing Voip and Router - Can
anyone help?
voip usually will not work with cable....cable does not support the
protocol UDP which has to do with the voice packets etc
i use 012...i ordered the package with the highest upload possible and only
use this line for my phone....i use cable for my regular internet to surf
only
let me know if i can be of further help
zaq harrison
ranaana
nbn 05
From Rafael Pride NBN2003 refael@directalk.net
STAY CONNECTED!
The time is drawing near for many 2005 NBN olim!
With DirecTalk VoIP service, give your family, friends, and business contacts the comfort of knowing you're only a local phone call away.
DirecTalk, the Israel-based VoIP founded by three NBN olim (2003) also offers NBN olim a very special package with lots of great calling features like caller ID, call waiting, voicemail, faxing, and more.
You can get a free phone adapter if you sign up for one of our unlimited calling plans:
And you can sign up for additional "virtual" phone numbers in other area codes, giving you local numbers for family, friends, and customers around North America.
Contact us today to sign up! You can reach us in the US, in Canada, or in Israel.
Or, reach us via the Web at sales@directalk.net, and at www.directalk.net.
Mazal tov on your aliyah!
Date: Tue Jun 21, 2005 5:48am
Subject: cell phones
-- We are really confused about cell phone plans. We can not find an
ORange site in English, and the rest of the sites seem to be for short
term. We are considering buying unlocked phones here as we know they are
much cheaper, and than getting SIM cards, but can someone give us sites
we can read?
Debby
Debby & Avi <drdmd@massmed.org>
NBN July Boston-Jerusalem
From: "leorafischer" <leorafischer@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat Jun 18, 2005 7:55pm
Subject: Telephone rates US to Israel
Does anyone know of a good calling plan/pre-paid phone call
that gives a good rate from the US to an Israeli CELL PHONE?
There seem to be a lot of great plans to a landline but I am
looking for phone specifically to a cell phone. Any advice would
be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Leora
From: "rachelgelf" <rachelgelf@yahoo.com>
Date: Sun Jun 12, 2005 1:22pm
Subject: calls to us, europe 28 agurout....
I am working for a company called ATS and they are offering a NEW RATE
of 28 agurout which is the full price including tax, to call the
US,CANADA,ENGLAND AND FRANCE.Calling the UK is a NEW LOW PRICE of 28
agurout which also includes VAT (including
Germany,Belguim,Spain,Switzerland). YOU CAN USE THIS O13 OPTION FROM
ANY CELLCOM, PELEPHONE OR LANDLINE, AND ALSO ORANGE. IF YOU SPEAK
LESS THAN A MINUTE YOU ARE ONLY CHARGED PER SECOND!
There are no commitments and no other charges other than the calls you
make. This is a company working for Bezek for a few months and would
like to get customers because of all the competition, therefore
offering this amazing rate.
If you like you can email me for more info or to sign up you can call
me at
02-628-0047 in the evenings after 7pm!
From: "yitzwoolf" <yitz@pushingtheenvelope.ca>
Date: Fri Jun 10, 2005 10:12pm
Subject: VOIP phone
I was wondering what the best 416 (toronto) VOIP phone plan I should
purchase.
Also, if there is one plan that offers a Wi-Fi VOIP phone (wireless)
that would be a plus.
Ideally, if it was an 900/1800/1900 GSM + VOIP phone, I would be happy.
Thanks,
Yitz Woolf
NBN July 12, 2005
Toronto to Ulpan Etzion Jerusalem
With respect to our friends at NBN and appreciation for the work they
have done in getting Israelphones to provide a deal for summer 2005 NBN
Olim, I would like to know if any of the summer 2005 Olim have looked
into other potential cell phone providers. I looked at the specs on the
Israelphones package and was somewhat disappointed that certain
information is not there or may be misleading. For example:
- The phone is not really free. There is a credit for 250
International minutes on one's phone line. There will always be a 45
NIS charge for the phone. If you do not use the 250 minutes (which
could very well be the case if you use a VOIP phone or a Bezeq
international line, offered by TCS), you are not getting anything free.
- The offer does not say if you get a discount for bringing your own
phone. From my brief conversation with the rep at Israelphones, there
does not seem to be a reduction in price if you bring your own phone and
just need a SIM card.
- The offer does not mention in what increments the billing will be
made.
With these in mind I contacted Talk N' Save to see what they are
offering Olim. What I got in response was a very competitive bid, if
not better than Israelphones. I was also told that there was a general
message to Olim that was about to be sent out(which they said I may
distribute). The message is as follows:
____
Shalom Olim (and soon to be NBN Olim),
Well it's finally here... the "Olim Chadashim Communication" package
from talk'n'Save! The "Olim" plan that gives you the most competitive
rates and special services on the market!
For those of your who are still "Olim Chadashim" (withing the first 3
years of immigration to Israel) or are about to make aliyah (with Nefesh
B'Nefesh or on your own), we have a special Cell phone & international
calling plan tailor made for you. For NBNers, we are offering a FREE
delivery to your home in USA before your scheduled departure date of
your new cell phone(s)!
So if you're in the market for a "NO-Nonsense" Cell Phone Plan and/or a
quality International Calling Solution (NO VOIP/Internet neccesary) for
your new home in Israel, call us now at 1-866-403-8454 (toll free from
USA/Canada) or 052-569-0200 (in Israel) or e-mail at groups@....
talk'n'Save
_______
Has anyone else looked into alternative cell phone services providers?
is there anything in israel like the american kirby card. we can call
israel using an access number and code and cll for 3.9c a minute. is there
anything like that to use in israel so can call out cheap and on cell phone?
are there any differences in effectiveness and price on the differeent cell
companies. my children in modiin have orange, but to get special plan they
have to get bill..wouldn't do that to them. so sorange may not help
particularly
found center of jeru too expensive and want an area thathave a group of
older, shomer shabbat and zionist heard kiryat moshe may fit the bill. anyone ha
ve any knowledge of the area?
see you in Israel
cecilia sacharow
nbn sept 05
long beach ny to hopefully jerusalem
From: "Moshe Greenberg" <tachlis@israelexpress.co.il>
Date: Mon Jun 6, 2005 9:07am
Subject: Can you get an Israeli number with VOIP?
Does anybody know if there are VOIP companies that will give you and Israeli
phone number (i.e. as a replacement for Bezeq)?
Thanks,
Moshe
NBN '04, Modiin
From: Shlomoben@aol.com
Date: Mon Jun 6, 2005 1:03am
Subject: "Olim Chadashim" Cell phone & International Calling Plans
Shalom Olim (and soon to be NBN Olim),
Well it's finally here... the "Olim Chadashim Communication" package from
talk'n'Save! The "Olim" plan that gives you the most competitive rates and
special services on the market!
For those of your who are still "Olim Chadashim" (withing the first 3 years
of immigration to Israel) or are about to make aliyah (with Nefesh B'Nefesh or
on your own), we have a special Cell phone & international calling plan tailor
made for you. For NBNers, we are offering a FREE delivery to your home in USA
before your scheduled departure date of your new cell phone(s)!
So if you're in the market for a "NO-Nonsense" Cell Phone Plan and/or a
quality International Calling Solution (NO VOIP/Internet neccesary) for your new
home in Israel, call us now at 1-866-403-8454 (toll free from USA/Canada) or
052-569-0200 (in Israel) or e-mail me at shlomo@....
L'Hitraot!
Shlomo Benzaquen
Talk'n'Save - NBN Oleh 2003
From: "avi_fine" <avi_fine@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri Jun 3, 2005 8:39pm
Subject: Using Broadvoice VOIP
Their rates seem to be very competative. does anyone have any
experience with using this company?
Avi Fine NBN 07/05
From: "Jonathan Frank" <frankie9983@aol.com>
Date: Fri Jun 3, 2005 4:16am
Subject: the cell phone deal
I dont understand the cell phone deal that was set up for the NBN olim
through israel phones. Can anyone fill me in? How much bottom line
will I be paying per month? thanks.
Jonathan Frank
summer 2005
Don't lock into anything till you know where you are living. For example
here in Efrat the Chevra Kalkalit as a deal where you get a phone for free
(every 2-3 years) and depending on the plan you have spend as little as 9 ag
a minute on your calls. Many communities have group plans which can save you
a lot of money. Get something temporary till you are ready to make a
permanent decision
Menashe & Alizah Hochstead
Acts of Kindness will bring Moshiach
02-9309715
050-6-521-583
From: Shlomoben@aol.com
Date: Mon May 30, 2005 2:50pm
Subject: TCS Connect Int'l Calling Plans (NO Internet or equipment needed)
Shalom Chaverim,
Once again, this is a reminder for the soon to be "NBN Summer 2005 Olim" and for recent olim, that TCS is now offering a NON-VOIP unlimited Int'l calling plan that requires NO equipment or internet and works through your regular home Bezeq lines. Both of our plans can be hooked up within 2 USA business days!
We are now offering 2 plans as follows:
1) $14.99 - 600 incoming/outgoing minutes to USA/Canada/UK (+ $2.99 for a local USA/UK number that rings on your Bezeq line).
2) $39.99 - Unlimited Int'l Calling (USA/Canada/UK) includes a local USA/UK number.
For those olim making aliyah this summer, we can have a local USA number set up for you ahead of time and when you land here, we can have it connected within 24 hours!
Why hassle with internet based systems that require modems, routers, computers, adapters etc.?
For more details and to sign up, call us today you will join our many satisfied customers who are raving about our product!
You may reach me at 1-866-403-8454 (toll free from USA/Canada) or at 052-569-0200 (in Israel).
L'Hitraot!
Shlomo Benzaquen
TCS/Talk'n'Save/TelAway
NBN July 2003
From: "hmselana" <elana@sztokman.com>
Date: Sun May 29, 2005 7:06am
Subject: cell phones
Hi
I was wondering if anyone has done research recently comparing plans of the different cell
phone companies. We'd like to get a cell phone immediately when we arrive, and I was
wondering what info was already out there comparing rates, etc.
With thanks,
Elana
From: Cecilias36@aol.com
Date: Fri May 27, 2005 8:57pm
Subject: re cell phones and usa calls
is there any advantage to any of the cell phone companies in Israel. My
children have orange but I understand that there is no discount for calls
between them and me. so open to other ideas.
in usa i have a kirby card that allows me to call israel using an access #
and code for under 4c a min, is there anything like that in Israel?
cecilia sacharonbn sept 05
From: "hmselana" <elana@sztokman.com>
Date: Sun May 29, 2005 7:06am
Subject: cell phones
Hi
I was wondering if anyone has done research recently comparing plans of the different cell
phone companies. We'd like to get a cell phone immediately when we arrive, and I was
wondering what info was already out there comparing rates, etc.
With thanks,
Elana
From: Cecilias36@aol.com
Date: Fri May 27, 2005 8:57pm
Subject: re cell phones and usa calls
is there any advantage to any of the cell phone companies in Israel. My
children have orange but I understand that there is no discount for calls
between them and me. so open to other ideas.
in usa i have a kirby card that allows me to call israel using an access #
and code for under 4c a min, is there anything like that in Israel?
cecilia sacharonbn sept 05
From: "E Hoffmann" <eyhoffmann@sympatico.ca>
Date: Tue May 24, 2005 3:05am
Subject: Local Phone # and Overnight Calls
I know the issue of having a local phone number that rings in Israel through
VOIP has been discussed. My question is this: What do you do about calls,
particularly from canvassers, who don't know they're calling Israel and
waking you up? 6-8 PM EST is prime time for phone canvassing. Is the only
solution to take your phone off the hook? Is there any way to disconnect the
local phone number, while still allowing your regular Israel phone number to
ring through in case of emergency?
Paul Hoffmann NBN 2005 Toronto -
From: "Joel Nider" <joel@nider.org>
Date: Sun May 15, 2005 1:01am
Subject: Re: VOIP from Canada
Hi,
I'm using a VOIP service in Canada from Primus. I believe it is also
available in the States. I have not used it in Israel as of yet, but
the service inside Canada is decent (I use it talk to people in Israel
on it all the time $0.04/min). You can see their current rates etc on: http://www.primus.ca/en/residential/talkbroadband/index.html
I haven't figured out how to get an Israeli phone number on it yet...
Joel
Do all landline phones bought in the states work in Israel?
Yirmiyahu & Elisheva Aranov
NBN July 2005
Far Rockaway -> Ramot
Those I brought have worked for me. You need to change the power supply from
110 to 220v. It's cheap to do here. You can get a 220v AC to low voltage/low
wattage DC converter for under 50 NIS.
From: Sruly Cooper <yisroal@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed May 11, 2005 1:42 pm
Subject: Re: [nefeshbnefesh] telephones
Yes, with a plug adapter for the telco wire and if
necessary an adapter for the electric, 240 to 110.
Most phones do both 110/240. Look at the electric
adapter where the plug is, it will say 110/240 or
120V. If 110/240 then all you need here is the plug
adapter to Israeli style. This is a little different
size then the European type. So buy the when you get
here.
Best advise if you have phones bring them but don't
buy any just to bring. The price is a little higher
but not after you buy the adapters etc.
Good suggestion, If you have any electric strips. The
ones with surge protection etc bring them. You can but
a transformer/converter 110/220 and plug in the strip
to this. Usually the output is American style. Then
you can plug in a few 110 items (stereo equipment etc.
into one strip. Just don't exceed the watts output of
the transformer/adapter.
I did this and save a lot and made life easy.
Sruly NBN 2002
From: Shlomoben@aol.com
Date: Wed May 11, 2005 12:59 am
Subject: Permanent Cell Number in Israel for Frequent Travelers with great rates!
Do you travel to Israel at least once every 9 months and would like a
permanent cell phone number in Israel that can be used every time you visit
Israel?
If yes, we have just the thing you've always been looking for...
A permanent cell number that you can use every time you come to Israel.
That's right, you will own this cell number and never have to deal with renting
a
cell phone before you leave to Israel.
It's as easy as 1-2-3...Here's how it works:
1) Simply log on to our website at www.talknsave.net/ft.asp and order you SIM
card directly online.
2) Once you receive your new SIM card from us in the mail, simply insert the
SIM card into your GSM cell phone and you will be instantly connected to the
Cellcom network (largest cell network in Israel).
3) Start caling locally and internationally and receive special "frequent
traveler" rates ((17.9 cents/min fixed to all Israel landlines/cell phones, 27.9
cents/min. to U.S.A./Canada/Uk-landlines)
To keep this SIM chip active, you need to use it at least once every 9 months.
Once again, to order your "frequent traveler" SIM Card, simply log on to:
www.talknsave.net/ft.asp
Any questions about this program, please e-mail me at shlomo@talknsave.net or
call me (toll free from USA/Canada) 1-866-403-8454 or (in Israel)
052-569-0200.
Nesiya Tovah!
Shlomo Benzaquen
Talk'n'Save/TCS/TelAway
(NBN - July 2003)
Noach wrote: "...especially since Net2Phone is relatively new in the
Broadband VOIP service."
Actually, Net2Phone was the first company to sell phone service from
the Internet to telephones, and has been doing so from devices,
telephones, calling cards, PC's and wireless products longer than any
other company. However, Net2Phone historically was a behind-the-
scenes provider for other companies, and only minimally promoted
consumer calling cards in the US, which is why Noach was not familiar
with Net2Phone beyond those cards. I will soon be starting my 10th
year with them, so you can bet the information is accurate.
Generally, VoIP quality depends mostly on your ISP and the upload
speed you are actually getting from them, so if you have a slow speed
and there are PC's on the network that are active online, calls can
degrade no matter who you use. However, with the longest track
record for managing this type of business, you are safe using
Net2Phone whether as a direct customer or through a reseller.
Thanks,
Yonah
--- In nefeshbnefesh@yahoogroups.com, Noach Sumner <nss@c...> wrote:
> I just wanted to clarify my earlier post regarding DirectTalk. As I
> stated they are a reseller of the Net2Phone VOIP service (and by
the way
> you get a better deal going through a reseller then direct as it
happens).
>
> I have known people who tried the Net2Phone VOIP service a couple
months
> ago (and it isn't a very old service) and they were unhappy with
the
> Net2Phone service. As I said of course things change fast in the
VOIP
> world especially since Net2Phone is relatively new in the Broadband
VOIP
> service (they for years sold phone cards but although there are
> similarities there are also MANY differences). So it is entirely
> possible in a couple of months they have truly improved their
service.
>
> I do not know anybody who has used the VOIP service who went
through
> DirectTalk. However of course the reseller can only offer the
service
> that is offered to them and from a technical point of view (in
terms of
> call quality) it is going to be the same no matter which reseller
you go
> through. Of course customer service can depend heavily on your
reseller.
>
> I apologize for the confusion.
> Noach Sumner
> NBN 2003
From: "tudsy" <tudsy@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon May 9, 2005 7:33 pm
Subject: Re: re recommendation for reputable portable phone
Do not buy one here unless you want to pay 2-5 times what they would
cost in the states. My cousin paid 700 shekels for a phone in kanyon
malcha. I paid $90 at CostCo in the states for the a set of the same
model that came with 3 phones. the extra phones here cost around
300-400 shekels each so it literally would cost 5 times as much to buy
it here. i haven't found other things to have such a horrific mark-up
and I have no explanation for it.
I've had several good Uniden phones, though my cousin got one that she
says has a very annoying echo.
--- In nefeshbnefesh@yahoogroups.com, LWSOCWORK@a... wrote:
> We'd like to purchase a portable phone here and am interested in any
recommendations of companies/stores with which people have had
positive experiences. Thanks very much.
>
> Liz Bernstein
> NY Dec 2004
From: Noach Sumner <nss@compu-skill.com>
Date: Sun May 8, 2005 11:28 am
Subject: Re: [nefeshbnefesh] DirectTalk
DirectTalk is a reseller of Net2phone service. I haven't met anybody
using them recently (who isn't a non-neutral reseller), but a couple of
months ago the people I knew using them were very unhappy with the
service. However in the VOIP world things CAN change quickly so it might
be a perfectly good service these days.
Noach Sumner NBN2003 Kiryat Sefer
Lisa Aranov wrote:
> Is anyone using DirectTalk? How is their service?
>
> Yirmiyahu & Elisehva Aranov
> NBN July 05
> Far Rockaway, NY -> Ramot
>
>
>
From: Avrum Aaron <aaronfamily@bezeqint.net>
Date: Sat May 7, 2005 11:33 pm
Subject: RE: [nefeshbnefesh] vonage problem
Call Vonage. These devices are not easy to troubleshoot. I had a Vonage line
in my office and the router just wouldn't connect to the internet.
Eventually they sent me another one.
I just signed up with vonage and came back from the
U.S. with the phone adaptor they gave me. It is a
linksys broad band router with 2 phone ports RT31P2.
I have Bezeq as an ISP. I cannot get the router to
connect to the internet. I am using the PPPoE setting.
Any advice?
Moshe NBN02
From: Laya B Jackson <tolife18@juno.com>
Date: Fri May 6, 2005 6:34 pm
Subject: talking online (until your VOIP is up)
Something easy that we just started using is a service called Skype
www.Skype.com
it is free, easy download, and all you need is a microphone.
It works nicely for connecting for free inside of Israel too.
Anyone you want to talk to must also sign up and you need to be online at
the same time.
It's kind of like instant message only voice. (you can IM too from skype)
You can also use Skype to talk to the US for pennies a minute by signing
up for "skypeout".
Shabbat Shalom
Laya
Denver -----> Tzfat
Dec '03, Kislev 5763
From: "Refoel Pride" <refoel36@zahav.net.il>
Date: Fri May 6, 2005 2:56 pm
Subject: VoIP Special Offer for Nefesh B'Nefesh Olim
As the summer draws closer, we'd just like to remind our fellow and
prospective NBN Olim about our unique VoIP service.
DirecTalk, is the only Israel-based voice-over-Internet provider (founded by
Nefesh b'Nefesh olim) that offers:
UNLIMITED CALLS to the USA, CANADA, and ISRAEL for only $29.99 a month!
For those of you preparing to make aliyah this summer, right now is a great
time to order. Get your free phone adapter (see details below) in a few
days and start making calls to Israel with no limit on minutes!
Make all the calls you want about apartments, schools, communities--without
worrying about how much it's costing!
And of course, your adapter, your US or Canada phone number, and your
service will make aliyah with you.
And, in a special offer only available to NBN olim, pay for an additional
two months in advance and receive a FREE PHONE ADAPTER--a value of $100!*
We also offer the following other great plans:
$14.99 500 minutes to the USA and Canada
$19.99 500 minutes to the USA, Canada, and Israel
$24.99 Unlimited minutes to the USA and Canada
$39.99 Unlimited minutes to Europe, Israel, USA and Canada
And we provide American-quality customer service, based here in Israel!
CALL US TODAY TO START SAVING MONEY!
In Israel: 04-699-9762 USA/Canada: 1-866-978-5291
*All plans require a $29.99 activation fee and $14.99 for shipping, plus the
monthly rate for the first month of service. If purchased in Israel, all
prices subject to 17% VAT.
Refael Pride
DirecTalk.net
NBN 2003
Denver --> Ramat Beit Shemesh
From: Simcha and Beth Shapiro <simcha@pol.net>
Date: Fri May 6, 2005 12:03 am
Subject: RE: [nefeshbnefesh] BroadVoice VoIP - anyone using in Israel?
We were using VOIP and just changed to a new service that gives you a US
line but rings on your regular phone. I like it much more than the VOIP and
the price I pretty comparable. If you want more info, you can contact
Shlomo Benzaquen at shlomoben@aol.com
Beth
Kochav Yaakov 2003
Listening Hands Osteopathic
Simcha Shapiro, D.O.
General practice physician
specializing in natural solutions
for pain management
8 Rechov Rav Kook
Jerusalem, Israel
054 6222 926
-----Original Message-----
From: nefeshbnefesh@yahoogroups.com [mailto:nefeshbnefesh@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Sruly Cooper
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2005 3:08 PM
To: nefeshbnefesh@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [nefeshbnefesh] BroadVoice VoIP - anyone using in Israel?
I have been using Packet8 for over two years. We are
connected via cable with a modem.
In the beginning if was spotty at times. The they
upgraded the firmware and the connection became
excellent.
About two month ago 'Hot' our cable provider and 012
our ISP (yes you need both in Israel not like the US
where your provider is one company) made me change my
setup. From that time till now whenever we are talking
to the US after about 15 minutes the caller get
periods where they can not hear me speaking but I can
hear them. These outages last 1 or 2 minutes.
Sometimes it gets real bad and we discontinue our
conversation.
I'm call Packet8 support tonight and asking whats the
problem.
But overall we would never go back to Bezeq
(landline). This is a lot less expensive.
I'm sure that the problems will be fixed with one
call. That has been our history with Packet8.
Sruly Cooper
NBN2002
--- igurevich38 <ilya.gurevich@intel.com> wrote:
> We are making aliyah in August to RBS and I am
> trying to get a voip
> plan right now while still in the US. One of the
> places I am thinking
> about is BroadVoice (www.broadvoice.com), because
> they offer unlimited
> calling to US and Europe (I call Germany all the
> time) for only
> $20/month. Does anyone have any experience with them
> in Israel? I read
> some mixed reviews for it overall (love/hate type of
> thing), but the
> price is really tempting.
> Thanks.
> Eli
>
>
From: "epollyya" <subscribe@epolly.com>
Date: Thu Apr 7, 2005 1:23 pm
Subject: Re: At last, The Long-Awaited NON-VOIP Unlimited Int'l Calling Plan!
This sounds like the perfect plan for most people who want the
simplicity of Unlimited calling without the headache of managing all
the hardware, which is a huge obstacle for many people.
A question: Do you pass the Caller-ID through to my phone like my
current VOIP service does?
A comment: A VOIP service is giving you a phone line that is separate
from your Bezeq line, thus the two lines can be used simultaneously.
This may be a consideration for those who need to keep the VOIP line
separate from the home phone, for work reasons or whatever...
Also, you say the plans start at $14.95 - It sounds like there is
more to the story... Is that for the unlimited plan and does that
include the local US number?
Thanks
Eric Polly
NBN Jul 03
Bet Shemesh
--- In nefeshbnefesh@yahoogroups.com, Shlomoben@a... wrote:
>
> Shalom Fellow Olim/Anglos,
>
> Introducing, an "Unlimited International Calling Plan" with a local
> USA/Can/UK number that rings right on your Bezeq home number!
>
> So if you are looking into VOIP, maybe you should reconsider? The
TCS Connect
> solution is not dependent on the internet and will save you plenty
of
> aggravation down the line! What's best about it is that price plans
start at only
> $14.99 (no equipment charges).
>
> That's right, No Gimmicks! This is a true-blue international
calling plan
> that works directly on your regular home phone in Israel. No need
for special
> modems, no routers, no special/hardware/software, no download
conflicts and best
> of all, no down-time since it is NOT INTERNET BASED.
>
> For more info., please e-mail me at shlomo@t... or call me (in
> Israel) 052-569-0200 or toll free from USA/Canada at 1-866-403-8454
(7:00 a.m. -
> 5:00 p.m. E.S.T.)
>
>
> L'Hishtameah!
>
> Shlomo Benzaquen
> TCS/Talk'n'Save - NBN 2003
>
There are a large number of providers that allow "LNP". There are
however a couple things to be aware of with LNP. It often takes up to a
month or longer, and you can't cancel your line until the LNP completes
or you no longer "own" your telephone number.
Of those that offer LNP some of them are:
Vonage (www.vonage.com)
Packet8 (www.packet8.net)
BroadvoxDirect (www.broadvoxdirect.com)
If you like Broadvoxdirect www.voip.net resells their service for less.
Another intresting company is www.sunrocket.com. So far I have set a
couple people up with them. The voice quality is excellent. As well they
have a "annual" plan where you pay $199 for 12 months of service. The
negative is you are paying in advance, but of course you can't beat
their monthly cost for unlimited calling to the US and Canada. The other
"advantage" of Sunrocket is that you absoultely can't beat their
customer service. Waiting on hold for support is possible with them, I
waited up to 3 minutes MAX. With ANY of the other providers the hold
time can be MUCH more (45 mintues plus).
In my neighborhood, people tend to split about 50/50 between Packet-8
and Vonage. Everyone seems to be happy with the service they have,
so
there doesn't seem to a clear winner when you poll people.
I have been using Packet-8 for almost two years already, and for the
last year or so, I have found the service to be very reliable (Prior
