International calls via indirect dial numbers

[#1]

Hello everyone
I've been trying, for some time now, to find a way of cutting down the cost of ringing my friend who lives in another western European country.
I upgraded to Fibre in the hope that I could use VOIP, but it doesn't work here--the stuttering connection and sudden drop-outs make it impossible to talk.
I thought I'd try the indirect dial numbers advertised on the internet but PlusNet (at least on Essentials) insert a rather crafty clause that indirect 0845 numbers are excluded from the free calls.
What would be the cheapest way to ring my friend? I don't want to pay £7.00 every month for the international calls add-on. I might not ring her every single month.
Thanks

[#2]

I'd be concerned if you're struggling to use VoIP over FTTC 😕
I've run a couple of tests over your line and can see that you connection speeds are really good:
Downstream Speed: 60.0 Mbps
Upstream Speed:      17.9 Mbps
Are you connected via Ethernet? If not would you be able to connect this way and see if VoIP is any better?

[#3]

Thanks Chris. No I'm using wireless. I'll try Ethernet and report back.
dick:quote

[#4]

Thanks very much

[#5]

You could try something like 18188 for redirects.
However Voip should work great on fibre, check your ports are open (if required).

[#6]

Thank you.
Do you know if I've done the port forwarding correctly? I'm attaching a screenshot of the router settings.

[#7]

Quote from: falesia

I'll try Ethernet and report back.

Just tried to connect it all up. It's far too physically awkward due to the layout of the house. It means crouching on the landing. As I share a house, everyone can hear me, and my knees aren't up to it any more!

[#8]

Quote from: Hairy

You could try something like 18188 for redirects.

I use 18866 http://www.call18866.co.uk/index2.php but be careful as to whether you're calling a landline or mobile.

[#9]

Quote from: HPsauce

I use 18866 http://www.call18866.co.uk/index2.php but be careful as to whether you're calling a landline or mobile.

Thanks -- it's a landline and looks like it'll be 2p/min + 5p in my case. That might be easier.
Edit: 5p connection, not 15p

[#10]

You didn't say which country but France is 1p/min (+5p) or Spain or Germany are all the same.
That's on 18188
Been using them for several years, when I need to phone during the day I use them, it doesn't appear on the PN call list so is free that way,

[#11]

Here's another one: http://www.1899.com/index2.php

[#12]

I found that it's actually cheaper for me to use my Giffgaff PAYG mobile to call Portugal , 2p/min to a landline and 3p/min to a mobile.
Strangely France is 4 & 5p respectively I would have though all Europe would be the same
http://giffgaff.com/index/international

[#13]

Just 1p/m to Portugal landlines from JustCall + connection charge.
How do these comapanies arrive at their prices - obviously not based on distance.
And why haven't companies like BT reduced their prices in light of these cheaper rates? I can only assume that not enough customers use them

[#14]

Quote from: Mav

Just 1p/m to Portugal landlines from JustCall + connection charge.

In my case I'm ringing Norway landline, which is to be 1p/min.
Their site is a bit cagey about connection charges. Do you know what they are Mav?

[#15]

The site states:

Quote

BT's standard connection charge applies to each call.

I am making the assumption that you would need to factor in the relevant connection charge for your privider
Found this interesting, though:

Quote

How do I make a follow-on call? You can make a follow-on call without having to dial the access number again. When you have finished your previous call, don’t hang up, simply press # # . This will avoid a further call set-up fee from your service provider and saves you having to dial the access number again.

...and it seems to confirm my above assumption.