[asterisk-users] US-based echo test servers?

[Nikhil Nair]

Hi,

I'm running a small Asterisk server in the UK, just for personal use. 
I've been experimenting with various VoIP providers for international 
calls to PSTN numbers, particularly to the US (often California).  My 
results, to date, have been very variable indeed, so much so that I'm 
considering getting a suitable card and using the PSTN.

I have found a VoIP provider with an excellent reputation, and it gives 
very good quality.  However, I seem to get quite a bit of delay at times, 
enough to make conversation awkward.  As the setup at the far end was not 
completely trivial, I'm not 100% sure the problem was in my connection, 
but I'd like to test that.

Are there any US numbers I can call to get an Asterisk-style echo test? 
Ideally, a California-based numnber, so I can try to call it from an 
ordinary PSTN phone here, and compare calling via VoIP, and see if there's 
an appreciable difference in the delay/quality.  I don't anticipate using 
this for very long, so it doesn't necessarily need to be a free service.

Failing that, does anyone have access to a US-based Asterisk server which 
would allow me to make connections to its echo test?  Presumably, if I had 
this, I could rent a PSTN number from a US-based provider, and point it to 
the appropriate SIP/IAX address.  I expect my total usage would be just a 
few minutes, though having the facility available for a few weeks would be 
helpful, to allow me to play around with various options.  Again, I'd be 
willing to pay a modest amount for this.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Best wishes,

Nikhil.