min internet service speed for reliable VOIP?

[iknowjohnny]

What is the minimum speed for internet service i would need to have a reliable VOIP phone that would not give me echos or dropouts etc etc ? I want to get a magic jack for my home line but i need to cancel my ISP and get a new one. But speed isn't important to me except to insure my phone will be unaffected by a speed thats too low to work perfectly as a VOIP phone line.

 

[Alejandro85]

There isn't an absolute minimum bandwidth, it depends on a variety of factors, mostly quality but also what service do you use, and of course, the speed of the other person also affects the overall quality. But generally speaking, VOIP don't uses a lot of data.
To give some reference, I myself have a 3 Mbps asymetric connection, and at least Whatsapp calls work pretty well.

 

[iknowjohnny]

So a 6 Mbps connection is plenty? I'm debating over 6 and 12 Mbps from ATT, but i never seem to find any sort of download that goes faster than maybe 1.5 Mbps. So since downloads always seem to be limited to that on the other end, the only reason i would need even 6 is for the phone. (thinking about magic jack) But if thats much more than i need i guess i'm good to go. But what are these other factors? Is there any way to know before i order a certain bandwidth?

 

[Alejandro85]

I think 6 Mbps are enough for most VOIP, even at high quality, but ultimately the other end will play a role too (and that's outside your control).

Anyway, can you test your service with your current ISP? That would give you an idea at least. Otherwise start with 6, and if that proves not enough, you can always upgrade your plan latter. Service companies are always eager to upgrade your plan (and your bill) but not so happy to change to a lower one.

 

[iknowjohnny]

Yeah, thats what i may do, and MJ even has a satisfaction return policy so i suppose it's a no risk way to go.

 

[whs]

I noticed that VoIP does not work well when there is a lot of traffic on the Net. And that you cannot control. So it is really a hit and miss.