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VoIP for Deployed Soldiers?

Posted by Cliff on

rickbassham asks: "With VoIP really catching on these days, I decided to look into it for keeping deployed soldiers in touch with family and friends. I am currently a soldier in Iraq, and have the ability to get satellite-based internet, thanks to a few of the locals. While individually it is prohibitively expensive, a group of soldiers can come together to purchase a decent-to-high-speed internet connection. One of my plans is to link other soldiers to Vonage or another VoIP provider, so they will be able to keep in touch. Understanding the latency issues with VoIP via satellite (not to mention the other disadvantages), what upload speed does Slashdot recommend as a minimum for a QoS enabled connection for about 15-20 soldiers? The same for a non-QoS connection? What recommendations do you have for a good VoIP provider?"

6 of 362 comments (clear)

  1. Deployed by Stanistani · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    >I am currently a soldier in Iraq, and have the ability to get satellite-based internet, thanks to a few of the locals.

    First, thanks for your service.

    Second, I'd keep my eye on your "locals."

    --
    You can't talk about Wikipedia's flaws on Wikipedia
    1. Re:Deployed by Stanistani · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      *Scratches head*
      Maybe it's just a mystery, but how was that flamebait?

      I thanked him for serving his country, and advised him to look out for the locals... wtf is wrong with those sentiments?

      --
      You can't talk about Wikipedia's flaws on Wikipedia
  2. There's nothing shameful about going AWOL, son by plinius · · Score: 1, Flamebait
    If you're only working to further the corporate interests (be those oil companies or biotech companies, which are working to force Iraqi farmers to use their biotech seeds-- by force of law), then you really should have no shame in just abandoning your post, slipping into Turkey and walking into the nearest BBC office to declare "I will not be a slave to corporations that have rigged my democracy and rendered it impotent".

    Reminds me of a line from Network...

  3. who cares? by topper24hours · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Fuck the military. Last time they did anything for me was 1776. Now they get free school, discounted homes, free medical forever, etc, etc. for doing jack shit for me but I (we, the taxpayers) have to pay for these fucking losers who can't hack the real world. How is going from mommy and daddy teling you what to do, how to dress, how to act, feeding you, clothing you, and proving shelter for you to the military doing the EXACT same considered growing up and becoming a man. What a fucking joke! Try making $ w/ out sucking from my paycheck you worthless fucking slimes! /rant

  4. bring 'em home by lampajoo · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Why don't you stop killing iraqi baby's? Get the hell out of those people's country then you can make all the calls you want.

  5. Re:Don't know where this guy is stationed but... by golgotha007 · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    abuse? What, they made them play grabass with each other for 15 minutes? that's abuse?

    If you're a prisoner of war and all you're made to do is run around and play grabass with your fellow detainees, you don't call that abuse. you call that lucky.

    I could imagine if I had a choice:
    You are a POW. Which would you choose?

    A) bamboo under the fingernails while living in 1x1 meter bamboo cell half sinking in water.

    B) give your body up for unethical scientific research (you might live).

    C) be used as human shields to guard ammo dumps

    D) run around grabbing each others asses while listening to some Benny Hill music.

    I would choose D, no question.