Ubuntu: Make SIP Calls Using Empathy

Ubuntu's default chat client, Empathy, supports a myriad of instant messaging protocols.  Unfortunately, SIP isn't included in this list.  If you have an SIP VOIP account (almost any home phone VOIP product) you can get it working in this application in less than 10 minutes.

First, you must install the sofiasip package (it's in the universe repository).  In terminal, type:

sudo apt-get install telepathy-sofiasip

You should now see a new option in the drop-down Accounts list in Empathy, titled SIP.  Simply enter your SIP username and password and you're good to go.  

To make a call, it's just CTRL + M under the Chat file menu, select your SIP account and enter the number in the Contact ID box.

You'll get a window that looks something like the screenshot below, and you're good to go.