Category Archives: Internet Service Provision

My voice communications configuration

Spent some time, but I got my voice communications system up. Tested it and now feel confident that I can stay in touch, wherever I am in the globe, at least wherever there is a GlobalStar Satellite coverage.

My configuration is this :

Hardware/Services :

  • Sprint Samsung S7 Smartphone
  • 8×8 Polycom Handset
  • AT&T Prepaid ZTE Z22 Flip phone( I love the ability to flip the phone to end the call)
  • GlobalStar Qualcomm GSP-1600 Satellite handset
  • Computer with Internet Access (I use an AT&T Mifi hotspot)

My Sprint phone number is linked with my Google Voice account.  For this, you have to have a number with an area code in one of the 50 states.  I haven’t tried Puerto Rico.

This linking gives you a lot of features.  The most important one is the ability to forward calls to verified phone numbers.  In my case, I have a SkypeIn #, an 8×8 phone service, and a GlobalStar Satellite phone.  With this feature, calls coming to my Sprint #, ring on all these devices.

To make use of a prepaid GoPhone for use on the AT&T service, I configured the SkypeIn number to forward to the local AT&T number.  I wanted this configuration, because when I travel to a location outside of the US, I can just get a local number and then configure Skype to forward to this number.

Is this configuration expensive ? Yes !  However, what is more expensive, is the lack of communications in my line of business.

Over time, I will figure out ways of optimizing this configuration for both cost and dependence on various service providers.

A nice internet speed test tool for IT professionals

This is a great tool for folks who know how to interpret the data.  Be warned, if you use this and on’t know what it it means, you are the same folks that will go on WebMD and then tell your doctor what prescription you need.

http://speedof.me/

Broadband is a “core utility” like electricity, White House report says

Broadband Internet service “has steadily shifted from an optional amenity to a core utility” and is now “taking its place alongside water, sewer, and electricity as essential infrastructure for communities,” says a report released by the White House yesterday.

via arsetechnica.com