!44: Creative VOIP Ideas - Alternative Phone Services on the Internet

!±8± Creative VOIP Ideas - Alternative Phone Services on the Internet

If you're reading this article, you're probably one of those people who's sick of paying large long distance phone charges, or want to save money on their cell phone bill. Well, if that's the case, then you've come to the right place, because today we're going to discuss alternative phone services on the internet that you can use to save money. Some of these services are even free!

Skype - Free Video Chat
For starters, let's discuss one of my favorites, Skype. Skype lets you make free video chat calls to any other Skype user. It's great if you want to really "see" the person on the other end when calling. The quality is great, and much better in other applications that provide video calling such as Yahoo Instant Messenger and other non-dedicated video chat programs.

MagicJack - Make any computer into a phone!
MagicJack is a device that comes in the form of a dongle, and allows you to make free phone calls to anyone in the continental US. International phone calls can be purchased as you go as well. MagicJack is also extremely portable, so the uses can be almost limitless as long as you use your imagination! MagicJack is free to try, and only costs a small annual fee to make all the phone calls you want.

Vonage - Replace your phone line with VoIP
Vonage works by using the internet and VoIP (Voice Over IP) to replace your normal phone line with a Vonage enabled phone line. Phone calls are routed over the internet using VoIP. It's a solution that is positioned to replace your normal phone line, so it may not be for everyone out there, but they have some great calling plans that may fit your needs.

RebTel - Make international Phone Calls for Cheap
RebTel is an interesting service. Interesting because you're making phone calls using your normal phone, but they set up a local area code number for the person you're trying to call, and the call is routed over the internet.

So, for example, if you're trying to call a friend in say, England, and you're located in Los Angeles, California, RebTel will set up a local phone number in a Los Angeles area code that is mapped in their system to an English area code, so you avoid international phone charges because your phone call is routed over the RebTel system. RebTel offers low per/minute charges for their plan, and you can make your first phone call for free!

There are countless other alternative phone services on the internet as well, more than I can fit in one article, but the common denominator is that they can all help you save money when making phone calls!