Yes, it’s finally happened, we can call regular phones with Google voice. That Google Voice VoIP functionality based on Gizmo5 technology [http://www.google.com/gizmo5/]. Also good news are: Google agreed to trial free calling booths at an airport and a pair of universities!
Now, all that we need is to compare prices and test quality.
Prices comparison
| Country | Google voice | Skype |
|---|---|---|
| United States | free | 2.4 ¢/min (incl. VAT) |
| Canada | free | 2.4 ¢/min (incl. VAT) |
| India | 6 ¢/min | 10.6 ¢/min (incl. VAT) |
| UK landline | 2 ¢/min | 2.4 ¢/min (incl. VAT) |
| UK mobile | 18 ¢/min | 29.10 ¢/min (incl. VAT) |
| Mexico landline | 10 ¢/min | 11.4 ¢/min (incl. VAT) |
| Mexico mobile | 19 ¢/min | 38.6 ¢/min (incl. VAT) |
| France landline | 2 ¢/min | 2.4 ¢/min (incl. VAT) |
| France mobile | 15 ¢/min | 23.3 ¢/min (incl. VAT) |
| Russia landline | 4 ¢/min | 5.5 ¢/min (incl. VAT) |
| Russia mobile | 6 ¢/min | 8.2 ¢/min (incl. VAT) |
| Russia Moscow | 2 ¢/min | 2.4 ¢/min (incl. VAT) |
| Russia Saint-Petersburg | 2 ¢/min | 2.4 ¢/min (incl. VAT) |
As you see Google set lower prices for all cases, even if it’s few cents. You can make own comparisons for your local places:
Skype rates [http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/prices/payg-rates/]
Google rates [https://www.google.com/voice/b/0/rates].
Quality testing
We have compared quality of sound in the same places with same computer configuration. For most cases they show almost same results.
Here we need to mention only 2 things:
Gmail Voice has clearer sound in most cases.
Skype provides better noise cancellation.
Tags: google_voice, skype
Great article. Will definitely need such strong company as google on VoIp market to make it more competitive and reduce prices worldwide.
Great ideas.