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.
Are you fed up with traditional telephone service and being at the mercy of the companies who constantly increase the rates on long distance, as well as local phone privileges? It may be time to find a different way to place a call to your family and friends. Broadband phone service is an increasingly appealing concept replacing the common telephone company services of Sprint and AT&T. Also known as VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol, broadband phones are another way of referring to an Internet phone.
How an Internet Phone Works
When speaking on an Internet phone, your voice is transformed into a digital signal, which travels across the World Wide Web in packets before it reaches whomever you are speaking to. These packets of data are converted into an analog signal before the person on the other end hears what you are saying. A broadband phone isn't much different from a regular phone. You won't be using any exotic, high tech receivers and you don't have to change all of the phone jacks in your home. To place a call over broadband technology, all you have to do is pick up the receiver, dial a number and wait for someone to answer on the other line. You can also benefit from the same services you have grown to love, such as caller ID, call waiting and voicemail options.
Long Distance Calls
One of the main reasons people are making the switch to broadband telephone services is because the cost to place a long distance call is quite impressive. Most Internet phone services offer a flat rate that allows unlimited calls throughout the month. These calls can be placed to anywhere in the U.S., as well as Canada. Some companies also offer reasonably priced international calling plans.
Broadband Phone Service Providers
You will find a variety of Internet phone service companies springing up to pick up the pieces of unsatisfied traditional phone company customers. Local cable providers are also taking advantage of this service by offering digital phone access through some of their service packages.
Requirements
In order to enjoy a broadband phone service, a high speed Internet connection is needed. This can be accomplished through cable or DSL access.
A Few Disadvantages
Since your phone service will be provided through the Internet, this means that during thunderstorms and power outages, you run the risk of losing your telephone access. When the power gives out, so does your phone service because it is connected through your computer. This also means that if an emergency should arise during this time, you will not have a way to communicate to the outside world, by phone that is. Also, 911 access is not available for all broadband phone users.
Both Nick Kaplan & Gregg Hall are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Nick Kaplan has sinced written about articles on various topics from VOIP, Internet Marketing and Site Promotion. Nick Kaplan helping you learn more about services. Nick Kaplan's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.
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