OK, so to work around the lack of voice chat when you play online, I created a conference bridge to use when playing the game. Not sure how well this will work but it's worth a shot. If you use a headset it's probably better than speakerphone.

Dial-In #: 1-218-486-7200
Bridge: 107978

Note - this is just a regular phone call, no extra rates or anything. if you use your cell phone, it after 9 or on the weekends, it's free - otherwise you use your minutes.