COMMUNICATION - VOIP -2

I.How To Make Cheap International Mobile Calls

If you have relatives living overseas or you live abroad yourself, you will know how expensive it can be to call and have a chat. Not so long ago to call from our landline and then wait for the large bill to arrive was the only way for us to get in touch. Nowadays we have a lot more choices and one of the cheapest and easiest methods is by using the internet.

As long as you have a computer, VoIP companies offer perfect calling solutions, charging either extremely low rates or calls for free, depending on the destination. However if you are not "Internet friendly" then you probably won't have ever heard of VoIP.

Phone cards are very simple to use. Phone cards involve pre-paid credit in which the card is purchased for a specific balance, from which the cost of calls made is then deducted. Once the balance has been used up, the card is thrown away.

To use your own mobile would be the easiest and most convenient method for most of us. More often than not our mobiles are with us all the time, especially if we are not at home. They can do all kinds of things, send photos, emails and text messages, but can you use them to call abroad? You can, but to do so would eat up your credit at a swift rate and this option is out of reach to most of us.

There are however options that will enable you to make cheap international mobile calls. You can now set up an account with a cheap calls provider who charges very low or even free rates for international calls. Most providers supply services to every country abroad and rates are charged depending on the country you want to call and where you are calling from. Most providers only allow calls from landlines so it is important that you check calls from mobiles are also permitted.

If you look online you will find a few providers that offer this service. 18185, call18866, MobileCalls.net and Rebtel are all providers offering cheap International mobile calls. The process is pretty simple, you register your mobile number with them, when you want to call overseas you enter a local rate access number and then dial your overseas number. Talk as long as you like! If you have relatives in Australia and you live in the UK, for example, this would be ideal for you.

The charges you should expect are the low rates for the international calls (if they are not free) and the cost of the local call rate. They are able to do this as your call is actually being directed through the internet and not through a mobile network.

These types of services are advantageous as they have no landline fees to pay, no set up fees, and no contract to enter into. The best thing is that there is no contract to enter into for any limited amount of time either. It is all very casual and easy. You add credit as and when you need it.

For those of you with family in far off destinations this type of service is ideal. You don't need to worry each month when the phone bill is due or miss a call abroad as you are short of cash. Check out cheap international mobile calls providers online and keep in touch more.


II.Magic Jack Broadband Phone Without The Cost

Magic Jack a USB device allowing you to send and receive phone calls through your computer's broadband connection.

The Magic Jack device is plugged into your computer's usb port and the other end into your phone.

Selling for an initial fee of $39.95 plus shipping and handling.
The first year of phone service is included with the purchase price.
Thereafter, service is renewed each year for only $19.95.
You can purchase up to four additional years at a time for $59.95.

Its’ Competitor

Its biggest competitor in-terms of price may be Skype, but which does not offer 911 service.

Another problem with Skype is that security may be a big issue. These concerns are apparent when one browses the Skype user forums. There are several instances where Skype accounts have been hacked.

The Cost And Savings

If you do a lot of long distance calling voip (voice over Internet protocol) services tend to be cheaper than traditional landlines even with unlimited calling plans.
Savings are even greater if you pay per minute charges for long distance calling.

Broadband phone providers like Vonage, Verizon, Packet8, Net2Phone and AT&T will run upwards of $200 yearly. Magic Jack is just a pittance when compared to these providers.

Some broadband phone services also require additional equipment, activation and/or cancellation fees.
Magic Jack does not require additional equipment or any contracts. If unsatisfied with the service you may cancel at anytime without penalty.

Installation

Set-up is relatively simple. The USB device will install itself.
Select the phone number of your choice.
Setup 911 service and call forwarding if desired.

Features Include

* Three-way(conference)calling
* can be used with a headset or house phone
* Caller ID
* Call waiting
* Call forwarding
* Voicemail
* Telephone number not listed in directories
* Free phone number
* Do not disturb
* Free 911 service
* Free 411(directory Assistance)

International Calling

When traveling internationally you can still enjoy the convenience of unlimited free calling from your Magic Jack phone number to all locations in the US and Canada.

About The Founder

David Borislow inventor of the Magic Jack device and founder of Ymax communications corporation, a U.S based competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC).

Borislow has over 20 years in the telecommunications industry and winner of the J.D Power and Associates Award.

It is reported that David Borislow provided most of the funding for Magic Jack by investing $17 million from his own pockets.

Reviews

Having tested Magic Jack, I found the clarity of incoming and outgoing calls were amazingly clear on both headset and house phone.

Voicemail access once you set-up a password was easy.

You can set-up Magic Jack to ring as if it were a house phone.

Dial from your keyboard or telephone.

If you are off-line calls will automatically go into voicemail unless you have set-up call forwarding.

Switching between headset and telephone were simple.

Looking Towards The Future

At this time Magic Jack is only available online. However, there are plans to make it available in retail stores.

Although Magic Jack maybe newer than some of the older Voip providers, it is a service well worth looking into.

With the commitment of its inventor and continual upgrades, this company appears to have plans to be around for the long haul.
As with any new service there may be imperfections that will improve as system upgrades continue. However, for the price, Magic Jack may turn out to be a tough competitor for some of the more expensive Voip providers.