What Do I Need For VOIP?
Well VOIP is an acronym for voice over ip, and, what it means is that you can send your voice out over the internet. An example of VOIP would be a program like SKYPE or Yahoo Voice chat. Basically with these programs you are talking with people computer to computer. In other words if you have SKYPE and your friend has SKYPE you could talk to each other via computer. And if you both have video cams you can talk face to face.
A VOIP phone service works on the same principal and technology. What you need is a some sort of high speed internet connection such as DSL or Cable internet. You will probably need a router because you are basically creating a home network with one of your computer stations being your telephone. The router is plugged into your cable or DSL modem and your computer and phone adapter plugs into the router. You can get a router fairly cheap just about anywhere. Wal-Mart would be a good start. Some VOIP companies may not require you to have a router.
You will also need the adapter mentioned before. It plugs in to the router. This serves as phone jack for your phone. This adapter will be provided by the VOIP provider. You can then plug in any phone you want to use. You will be given a phone number. Now instead of computer to computer calls you will be able to call any land line and they’ll be able to call you at your new VOIP number.
VOIP is usually much cheaper than the phone company. I used Packet8 when it first launched and the cost was around $22 and some change after taxes. My service included unlimited local and long distance calling inside the U.S., call waiting and voice mail. International call prices depended on the country I was calling but was never expensive.
The draw back with some VOIP companies was there was no 911 emergency service. I don’t know about others but Packet8 had resolved this problem as early as 2005. You only had to register the address where you were using the system.
Another draw back - if your lose your internet connection you have no phone.
VOIP is a great way to go if you want cheaper phone service. The quality of calls was always crystal clear.
You Can Get A Free Blackberry Curve
Right now at: River Offers you can get a free Blackberry Curve with a new account at T-Mobile. The blackberry Curve is one blackberry’s most popular models. Features include:
Compatible with T-Mobile’s myFaves Service (Requires myFaves Plan)- Powerful On-the-go Email Solution When Used With A BlackBerry Plan Or Add-on Plan Feature
- Advanced Bluetooth Wireless Technology Supports Streaming Stereo Music
- Surf The Internet On Any WiFi Network Or Make Unlimited Calls From T-Mobile HotSpots (Plan Required)
- Integrated Media Player Provides An Outstanding Music and Video-on-the-go Experience
- Full Backlit QWERTY Keypad
- 2.0 Megapixel Camera Shoots Print-quality Photos With Expandable Memory
- Stay Connected Everywhere You Go – Internationally Compatible
Some additional items that come with this phone include: battery, wall charger, USB cable, blackberry desktop software, hands free set and holster.
T-Mobile is one of the top cellular providers, offering great support for their product. I personally have used T-mobile for years and have never had an issue that customer support did not take care of immediately. Their customer support is among the fines. T-mobile is a company that values you as customer and will work to do whatever they can to keep you happy.
One thing you should always do before opening an account with a cellular company is make sure they have plenty of coverage in your area. T-mobile is network with a wide range of coverage. However, you should always check to be sure.
Enjoy your new Blackberry!
I Don’t Know About AT&T
I am enjoying my new iPhone. However, I am not that happy with AT&T. My previous server was T-Mobile. For 39.99 I had 1000 anytime minutes, unlimited nights and weekends, and unlimited texting for $5. That’s a great deal! With AT&T, for the same price, I get 450 anytime minutes and only 5000 nights and weekend minutes. For $5 I get 200 text messages. I’m thankful that for $30 I get unlimited data. That’s the only plus in the deal. The only saving grace of being with AT&T is the iPhone itself. What a technological monster! I love it.
I am still disappointed that Apple didn’t just release the iPhone as an unlocked product to be used with any carrier. I personally think they would have made a lot more sales. I will bet that many people didn’t buy the iPhone because of the carrier. I know I didn’t buy it for a long time because I didn’t want to leave T-Mobile to go to AT&T. The coverage isn’t that good where I live either. I never drop calls, but, the internet is slow if I’m not in the 3G network area. Thankfully at home my wireless network is rockin.
I hear rumor that Verizon may be getting the iPhone. I have heard many good things about Verizon from people who use it. I haven’t checked it out though. After some research I may be switching. And if T-Mobile ever gets the iPhone I will be going home to what I think is the best cellular network out there.
T-Mobile gave me the best customer service I have ever experienced with the exception of the Net 10 prepaid network. The price is the best for the service you get. If there is a problem with your bill (rarely for me) their customer service reps are very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. If you are unhappy with your service in any way they will go to great lengths to make it better for you. They will definitely sweeten the deal if they can (they usually can).
I mentioned Net 10 earlier. This is a great prepaid service if you are looking for a good “pay as you go” system. It is only 10 cent a minute and I mean 10 cents. There is NO OTHER CHARGES! I have been using them for about 4 years. This is another company with awesome customer service. They WILL take care of you. Great prices on simple telephones. You can’t beat this prepaid system.
Anyway, if you don’t want to deal with AT&T and you want an iPhone I would wait until someone else is authorized to offer it. Some people like AT&T. Good for them. That’s all til next time.
Thinking About Tranferring Your Phone Number?
One thing to remember when you are thinking about tranferring your number to a new phone carrier is that the transfer of the number is considered a cancellation. I learned the hard way. When I decided to go to the iPhone I only had a month left on my t-mobile contract. In the process of buying my iPhone phone I asked if transferring my old number would cause a cancellation of my contract. I was told no, but, that answer was wrong.
All cell phone companies across the board (according to t-mobile) considers tranferring your number an automatic cancellation and fees will be inccurred. I think it cost me $240 to learn that lesson. So when the person selling you a new phone is telling you that transferring your number won’t be an issue ask more questions. What do they mean by that? I think when I was told that, the person was saying, there is no problem transferring your number. He may not have known that I was asking, will this cause a cancellation of my current cell phone contract. So you really want to be clear.
It was a hard lesson but, now I know. i had one month left on a two year contract and ended up paying more than double what my last bill should have been. Nice. So if you are thinking of changing carriers and getting a new phone, and, transferring your number, make sure your contract is finished. If not be prepared to pay a hefty cancellation fee.
Bigphone