voipbuster: VOIP computer-computer calls free but seems to want tocharge for mobiles???

Got VOIP calls working (soft phone and hardphone - nice new Draytek
Vigor!) from computer to computer and computer to router, no cost.
However, if I install voipbuster's android client (MobileVOIP) on my
Samsung Galaxy, it doesn't seem to want to play, or seems to want
credit. My take is that it's all data over IP, so it's no different
whether the softphone is running on Android or on Windows. Why do
voipbuster seem to want money for calls on a mobile which are
effectively data calls?

 

I installed the Windows Mobile version of MobileVOIP on my son's
Lumia, but the VOIPCheap account I used already had credit and I was
able to make calls to actual phone numbers. I didn't try calling
another Betamax account name as you can with the PC and MAC softphone,
but now I think about it, could you even do that? I think you only get
access to a numerical keypad.

The answer to the question you posed I suspect is the usual one,
involving "Smartphone culture".

 

As a general rule you will not be able to make voip calls
through any service provided by a telephone SP. For instance
you used to be able to make voip calls through McD's free
wi-fi, but since they farmed it out to O2 the port has been
blocked. Similarly if you have a hotel wi-fi service
provided by EE.

It's the same in France where free wi-fi at the local
Tourist Information office will usually pass voip, but if
the wi-fi is operated by the Mairie's office (i.e the mayor)
through Orange France (as is often the case) it too is
blocked - unless you sign on to pay.