Latency: VOIP versus POTS (Re: [tlug] skype alternatives)

[Jim <jep200404@example.com>]

Stuart Luppescu wrote:

> [Steve S.] wrote:
> > What are the alternatives? 

> I use Broadvoice. 

> ... for calls to Japan, there is a very noticeable latency. 
> It drives my wife crazy 

I was very surprised when I started getting calls from 
East Asia by Skype instead of by POTS [1], that the 
latency with Skype was _lower_ than with POTS. 
Granted the POTS calls were probably made with calling 
cards for cheap rate, but it was nonetheless surprising 
that the latency was lower with Skype. 

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I don't like the latency with either Skype or POTS, 
but I incorporate it into the other accomodations 
I make for non-native speakers, which are SSS.

   I talk SLOWLY, clearly pronouncing each word separately. 
   Instead of one big long masterpiece of a sentence, 
   I use several SHORT sentences instead. 
   Each sentence is SIMPLE, eschewing sophisticated nuanced 
   words and grammar. 

For latency, I wait a little longer before talking 
to avoid stepping on each other's toes. 

[1] POTS: Plain Old Telephone Service