Consider Voice Communication Choices
Get the voice communication services you need
In ancient times (when all telephones were black and one company told you what you could do), choices for talking at a distance were limited. Today, you can use a combination of online and wireless means to be in contact with others in the most flexible way possible. You don't have to be stuck with one company or one device or even a landline (which many people are discarding). As public payphones are disappearing, you can have a strategy for voice communication around town and around the world--online or off.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
The Internet itself transfers data among users, so it is no surprise that it has been used to transfer audio among users. This simple idea has been extended to include interfaces to landline and cell phones, so that users of VoIP can connect to the global phone network. Dedicated VoIP phones are available. But simple software, with few additional equipment requirements, is available so that you can be talking using VoIP immediately.
My Choice: Skype
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Make FREE internet calls with Skype - download now
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Skype Store USA
I use Skype because:
- The easy-to-use software immediately connects me with other Skype users for free.
- I can use Skype immediately with my computer's speakers or headphones and a simple microphone I bought for 99 cents. Any other equipment is optional.
- For about $5 a month, I get my own Skype phone number for incoming phone calls and can call out to any phone. Unlimited nationwide calling. Worldwide phones are available to call for very modest rates.
- Skype's features include call forwarding (from my computer to my cell phone) and voice mail. Incoming calls go to voicemail when my computer is off.
- Skype is not tied to my physical address or Internet Service Provider. I could move to a new apartment or change my ISP and still keep the same Skype phone number.
- I was up and running with my Skype account and number in minutes after ordering. I did not have to wait for some company to complete an order, hook me up, or have specialized equipment delivered.
Mobile Communication: True Choices
Back in ancient times, mobile phone communication trapped users into a kind of phone slavery of required contracts and lavish fees and charges for unwanted services. Today, you can take control of your mobile communications and--surprise--buy exactly what you want instead of what a company wants to sell you. First, get rid of the idea that you should sign any long-term agreement. Get rid of the idea that you need a landline phone. Get rid of the idea that you have to tolerate evil phone companies.
My Choice: TRACFONE
If you are a casual mobile phone user, you might find the pre-paid mobile phone options work well for you. I chose a pre-paid cell phone because it made the most sense to me in terms of flexibility and pricing. I use it in addition to Skype to keep my total phone costs low.
I got a Motorola W370 TRACFONE with pre-paid cellular service because:
- Mobile use! This is my first cell phone. Having a phone that you can use anywhere is the best invention since the telephone itself.
- Using the phone is simple. I haven't had to learn specialized jargon or complex conditions for use.
- I can add minutes and service time to my phone whenever I want.
- I can purchase airtime for as low as 10 cents per minute.
- While I have to keep the phone in service to keep my phone number and the minutes I have on it, I can purchase minute cards that include a year's service time if I want (90 days is available also). These cards are widely available at retailers like Walgreen's as well as online.
- I can use minutes on my phone whenever I want. For example, I could go 11 months or more without using the phone at all (as long as it is in its service date) with no loss of the minutes I have already purchased.
- When I buy minutes and service time, the amounts are added to what I already have on the phone. For example, I could find a sale on minutes at a retailer or online vendor and immediately increase the minutes and service time on top of whatever I already had on the phone. The phone is like a stored value card or giftcard: the value is ready to be used or added to when you need.
- I have no contract. I don't feel like a slave to TRACFONE or feel obligated to keep buying minutes for the phone if I don't feel it is of value to me. I could always just use up the minutes and let the phone go out of service without begging to be let out of a contract.
- The costs are based on per-minute use, not on a plan. I could make one local call for two minutes today and then make 20 long-distance calls for 10 minutes each next Thursday, and the per-minute charge is the same. I'm not motivated to change my call patterns to fit a plan, but to just simply use the phone when I need it.
- I don't incur debt using this phone because the service time and minutes are pre-paid and displayed to me each time I use the phone.
- This phone is not tied to my physical address. If I move to a new apartment, I don't have to call some phone company, pay fees, and then wait for service people to connect a landline.
- I got rid of my landline phone.
Pre-paid Simplicity: Net10
Another varation on pre-paid wireless is a simple idea: 10 cents per minute. If you are a frequent user of a cell phone (more than 5 minutes average per day), and you feel 10 cents per minute will be a value for your calls, Net10 may be for you. You will need to keep your phone in service by buying minutes which you can use anytime during that service time. For example, you can buy 180 days of service plus 1000 minutes for $100 or purchase 60 days of service plus 300 minutes for $30. The combination of service time and minutes imply a minimum usage of about 5 minutes or so each day (50 cents per day). If you call at least this much, Net10 may be a good value for you.
Get wireless for 10 cents a minute with no contracts at Net10
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