I am not in Iraq, but I use a satellite based internet service called Starband (http://www.starband.com/) and I have a (claimed) 500/128kbit connection, but I usually get 50kbit/sec upstream. Using Vonage with a Motorola VT1000 VoIP terminal and the "Bandwith Saver" fuction turned down to 30kbits/sec I have no problem making and reciving one call at a time. I have the VT1000 in between the network and the satellite modem so that I don't kill my call when I download a webpage. The latency is about 1 sec, but once you get into a conversation you hardly notice it. For $24.99/month for Unlimited Incoming (to a US number that your families can call for a minimal fee - or even free) and Outgoing calls to the US and Canada, this cannot be beat. Good luck to yourself and all your fellow soliders in Iraq.
Thank You,
Jamie
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I am not in Iraq, but I use a satellite based internet service called Starband (http://www.starband.com/) and I have a (claimed) 500/128kbit connection, but I usually get 50kbit/sec upstream. Using Vonage with a Motorola VT1000 VoIP terminal and the "Bandwith Saver" fuction turned down to 30kbits/sec I have no problem making and reciving one call at a time. I have the VT1000 in between the network and the satellite modem so that I don't kill my call when I download a webpage. The latency is about 1 sec, but once you get into a conversation you hardly notice it. For $24.99/month for Unlimited Incoming (to a US number that your families can call for a minimal fee - or even free) and Outgoing calls to the US and Canada, this cannot be beat. Good luck to yourself and all your fellow soliders in Iraq. Thank You, Jamie