I went to one of my local computer supply stores today to buy a new anti-virus program. If you've read some of my earlier posts, you know that while I have to have my anti-virus software, I hate shopping in electronics and computer stores. First I have to pick my way through the piles of "specials" blocking the aisles. Not fun while wearing a large winter coat! Then I have to find the correct aisle and find the product I want. Next, I see that it comes in several configurations or bundles, each at a different price, and with different rebates. That means more time wasted while I read each box and try to figure out which one offers the most of what I want and the least of what I don't need. Then, can I really get those rebates, or would I have to buy more software or even a computer that I don't need?
About 10 minutes into staring at the shelves, a clerk comes by. Ah, I think, he can explain the rebates and bundles! Well, no he can't. That store sells so many different things that he just has a smattering of knowledge about any particular product. He doesn't know whether the upgrade rebate applies to users of any part of the bundle, or if I needed to already own the whole product. AAaauuuuggggghhhhhhh!!
Anyway, something like 30 minutes later I begin picking my way around those precariously stacked piles of "specials" again to get to the checkout counter. Midway there, I see a display for Vonage, the well-known broadband phone service. There is a shelf full of phone adapters just waiting for someone to take them home. Oh, wait, you can't just take something like that. You have to pay $59 for an adapter that still uses your own phone that you've already paid for. Then you have to pay to activate your account, plus your first month's service fee. That's a lot of money out of pocket before you have made your first call.
I looked into this further and found out that Vonage requires a 90 day service commitment. What, I pay for the equipment and then I have to pay for 90 days of service, even if I don't like it? What a crock!
There are a variety of broadband phone companies that offer cheap rates, free equipment, 14 or 30 days to change your mind and even sometimes discounts on activation. Discounts are the best thing around, because that is money that stays in your pocket. You can also shop for these services online where you can read all the information and compare to your heart's content. Sit down with a cup of coffee, fire up the computer and surf on over to a site that offers a variety of broadband phone companies such as Packet8, MyPhoneCompany, Broadvox and iConnectHere. Remember that you need a high speed Internet service to use broadband phone. If you are shopping for that too, you can compare prices for Cable or DSL Internet Service online.
Read up on each service and make your decision in the comfort of your own home. When you are ready, just place your order online. Your account information and the adapter will be sent to you in just a few days. Have questions on any or all of these services? Just submit an online inquiry, or write me at voip (at) CallBird.com I'll answer your questions and help you choose the best Internet phone service for your needs.
Write me anytime. I'll be here, trying to figure out the mile of register receipts and rebate forms that I came home with.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Monday, February 21, 2005
Why the VoIP Boom?
VoIP, often called "vOYp" seems to be the hot new thing in phone service. So what is VoIP and why would it make sense for you?
The letters VoIP stand for Voice Over IP or Voice Over Internet Protocol. The Internet part gives you a clue to what's different about this type of phone service. VoIP uses the Internet to partially or completely replace telephone wires. How does it do that? By using a converter box called an ATA or analog telephone adaptor that lets your telephone speak the same language as your PC.
The ATA converts the normal analog phone signals that have been the same for over 100 years into digital packets. A packet can carry either slices of a phone conversation, frames of video, or computer data. IP, the Internet Protocol, treats all packets the same. It doesn't care what you send down the broadband line or where you send it as long as it is in the correct format.
VoIP takes advantage of the DSL or cable Internet broadband connection you already have. It simply shares the connection. Since you are already paying to send data anywhere in the world, VoIP lets you make phone calls anywhere in the world for no extra per minute charges... as long as you stay on the Internet. It's when you have to call cell phones or traditional landline phones that you go off the Internet and back onto the public telephone system. If you make a lot of long distance, especially international calls, it would make sense for you and the people you call to all sign up for the same VoIP service because many plans include free member to member calling. You'll then likely just pay as little as $19.95 a month for unlimited calls to each other and most all destinations in the USA and Canada.
VoIP is booming partly because residential broadband service is booming and partly because it is easy for competitive service providers to enter the market. Ever seen the inside of a regular phone company? There are huge rooms full of specialized and expensive equipment to connect the tens of thousands of wires coming from phones all over town. Anybody who wants to compete in that arena needs to duplicate this huge capital investment. VoIP providers don't need to do that because Internet Service Providers provide the connections. All they need is something called a "soft switch" to set up the connections between VoIP phones and a gateway to the public phone network for calls that leave the Internet.
What this means for you is more features and great pricing from suppliers that are eager to be successful in the new medium of VoIP telephone. We have an excellent selection of VoIP service plans available. You'll need DSL or cable Internet broadband access (not satellite) to use VoIP phone. Find your residential broadband options here.
The letters VoIP stand for Voice Over IP or Voice Over Internet Protocol. The Internet part gives you a clue to what's different about this type of phone service. VoIP uses the Internet to partially or completely replace telephone wires. How does it do that? By using a converter box called an ATA or analog telephone adaptor that lets your telephone speak the same language as your PC.
The ATA converts the normal analog phone signals that have been the same for over 100 years into digital packets. A packet can carry either slices of a phone conversation, frames of video, or computer data. IP, the Internet Protocol, treats all packets the same. It doesn't care what you send down the broadband line or where you send it as long as it is in the correct format.
VoIP takes advantage of the DSL or cable Internet broadband connection you already have. It simply shares the connection. Since you are already paying to send data anywhere in the world, VoIP lets you make phone calls anywhere in the world for no extra per minute charges... as long as you stay on the Internet. It's when you have to call cell phones or traditional landline phones that you go off the Internet and back onto the public telephone system. If you make a lot of long distance, especially international calls, it would make sense for you and the people you call to all sign up for the same VoIP service because many plans include free member to member calling. You'll then likely just pay as little as $19.95 a month for unlimited calls to each other and most all destinations in the USA and Canada.
VoIP is booming partly because residential broadband service is booming and partly because it is easy for competitive service providers to enter the market. Ever seen the inside of a regular phone company? There are huge rooms full of specialized and expensive equipment to connect the tens of thousands of wires coming from phones all over town. Anybody who wants to compete in that arena needs to duplicate this huge capital investment. VoIP providers don't need to do that because Internet Service Providers provide the connections. All they need is something called a "soft switch" to set up the connections between VoIP phones and a gateway to the public phone network for calls that leave the Internet.
What this means for you is more features and great pricing from suppliers that are eager to be successful in the new medium of VoIP telephone. We have an excellent selection of VoIP service plans available. You'll need DSL or cable Internet broadband access (not satellite) to use VoIP phone. Find your residential broadband options here.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Campus Calling
MSNBC - Colleges' land lines nearing silent end
Time was, college dorms had a small phone booth at the end of the hall on each floor of the dormitory. When a student needed to make a phone call, he or she had to go there. If someone else was already using the phone, too bad. You just had to wait your turn. When a student received a call, whomever answered it had to go get the student out of their dorm room to take the call.
Then colleges updated their phone systems so that students had phones in each dorm room. The colleges liked this because they made lots of money on the high priced calls. Those phones are still in many dorm rooms, but the students forget they are there. Seems like nearly everyone on campus now has their own cell phone.
It seems like you can't go anywhere anymore without having a cell phone. With colleges removing the phone systems from dorm rooms, having your own cell phone will be nearly a requirement. Looks like a few colleges may provide the phones, but you should probably plan on getting your own cell phone plan.
There are two basic types of cell phone plans. The most common is the contract plan, where you commit for 1 or 2 years and need to pass a credit check. You choose the number of monthly minutes you expect to need, and you will pay a higher, per minute rate for usage over your limit. You need to be sure of the plan you select, because you can't change your mind later without paying a stiff penalty.
There are also pay as you go cell phone providers which meet the needs of anyone who is younger than 18, doesn't have a good credit history, or anyone who needs to control their spending, even if that means running out of minutes until the next month. These plans have no credit check and no contract. Some of these plans, such as Tracfone have cards that you must purchase each month to keep your phone activated. If you do not renew on time, your phone will be deactivated. When you reactivate later, you will be issued a new phone number.
A more reliable type of no contract cell phone plan will automatically charge your credit card each month. You still have limits, and if you use all of your minutes, you have the choice of either purchasing another block of time or not using your phone until you pay for the next month. You also have the option of canceling this plan at any time with no penalty.
Whichever type of cell phone plan suits you better, plan on bringing your own cell phone to college.
Shop online for contract and no contract cell phone plans.
Time was, college dorms had a small phone booth at the end of the hall on each floor of the dormitory. When a student needed to make a phone call, he or she had to go there. If someone else was already using the phone, too bad. You just had to wait your turn. When a student received a call, whomever answered it had to go get the student out of their dorm room to take the call.
Then colleges updated their phone systems so that students had phones in each dorm room. The colleges liked this because they made lots of money on the high priced calls. Those phones are still in many dorm rooms, but the students forget they are there. Seems like nearly everyone on campus now has their own cell phone.
It seems like you can't go anywhere anymore without having a cell phone. With colleges removing the phone systems from dorm rooms, having your own cell phone will be nearly a requirement. Looks like a few colleges may provide the phones, but you should probably plan on getting your own cell phone plan.
There are two basic types of cell phone plans. The most common is the contract plan, where you commit for 1 or 2 years and need to pass a credit check. You choose the number of monthly minutes you expect to need, and you will pay a higher, per minute rate for usage over your limit. You need to be sure of the plan you select, because you can't change your mind later without paying a stiff penalty.
There are also pay as you go cell phone providers which meet the needs of anyone who is younger than 18, doesn't have a good credit history, or anyone who needs to control their spending, even if that means running out of minutes until the next month. These plans have no credit check and no contract. Some of these plans, such as Tracfone have cards that you must purchase each month to keep your phone activated. If you do not renew on time, your phone will be deactivated. When you reactivate later, you will be issued a new phone number.
A more reliable type of no contract cell phone plan will automatically charge your credit card each month. You still have limits, and if you use all of your minutes, you have the choice of either purchasing another block of time or not using your phone until you pay for the next month. You also have the option of canceling this plan at any time with no penalty.
Whichever type of cell phone plan suits you better, plan on bringing your own cell phone to college.
Shop online for contract and no contract cell phone plans.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Shop Online for Best Cell Phone Rebates
Do you need a new cell phone? Looking for the best deal at the lowest out of pocket cost? Great cell phones with rebates are available online.
Traditionally, you've had to drive all over town visiting shops for the carriers in your area. Then you have to stand in line waiting for a clerk to assist you. Once they show you the phones they want to sell, you are expected to fill out lots of paperwork and sign a contract you haven't really had time to read thoroughly. Then you wait around longer while the clerk calls for a credit check, processes your order and programs your phone. If you escape without signing a contract, can you remember the terms of that plan to compare with the plan at the next dealer? Probably not. There's got to be a better way.
Well, there is definitely a better way to buy a cell phone and service plan that you will love. When you shop online you can sit down in the comfort of your home at any hour of the day or night. Spend as much time as you need comparing the phones and service plans. Compare different service providers, read the fine print and go back and forth as many times as you need. When you find the right phone and plan to meet your needs, just place your order online. Once your credit has been approved, your new cell phone will be programmed and delivered to you in just a few days. No muss, no fuss, no driving all over town or standing in line.
What about the rebates, you ask? The providers I represent offer rebates on many of their phones, free accessories and free delivery. You can get free phones, including camera phones, Internet ready and even video phones, or get deep discounts on higher end models. We have all the major brands, including Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and more with full warranties. Some dealers will give you a so-so phone for free, but online you have more choices. I check the local sale ads every week, and I have seen stores offer a discount, yet still charge as much as $99 or more for the same phone that I can get online for free! Each carrier has their own selection and pricing, but you can even get a brand new Blackberry, Ngage or Sidekick at no cost.
Here's something I bet you haven't seen in the stores, a plan that provides all the equipment mentioned above and puts money in your pocket too. Yes, depending on the carrier and phone you select, you may even be able to get a check for $25 to $125 per phone when you mail in the rebate that will be included in your package. Order a shared plan with two phones and double your rebates.
How can we offer these deals? No expensive storefronts and low marketing costs mean less overhead. That allows us to provide the same products at a lower price.
Shop online for cell phone plans from T-Mobile, Verizon, Cingular, Nextel, Sprint and Alltel.
Traditionally, you've had to drive all over town visiting shops for the carriers in your area. Then you have to stand in line waiting for a clerk to assist you. Once they show you the phones they want to sell, you are expected to fill out lots of paperwork and sign a contract you haven't really had time to read thoroughly. Then you wait around longer while the clerk calls for a credit check, processes your order and programs your phone. If you escape without signing a contract, can you remember the terms of that plan to compare with the plan at the next dealer? Probably not. There's got to be a better way.
Well, there is definitely a better way to buy a cell phone and service plan that you will love. When you shop online you can sit down in the comfort of your home at any hour of the day or night. Spend as much time as you need comparing the phones and service plans. Compare different service providers, read the fine print and go back and forth as many times as you need. When you find the right phone and plan to meet your needs, just place your order online. Once your credit has been approved, your new cell phone will be programmed and delivered to you in just a few days. No muss, no fuss, no driving all over town or standing in line.
What about the rebates, you ask? The providers I represent offer rebates on many of their phones, free accessories and free delivery. You can get free phones, including camera phones, Internet ready and even video phones, or get deep discounts on higher end models. We have all the major brands, including Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and more with full warranties. Some dealers will give you a so-so phone for free, but online you have more choices. I check the local sale ads every week, and I have seen stores offer a discount, yet still charge as much as $99 or more for the same phone that I can get online for free! Each carrier has their own selection and pricing, but you can even get a brand new Blackberry, Ngage or Sidekick at no cost.
Here's something I bet you haven't seen in the stores, a plan that provides all the equipment mentioned above and puts money in your pocket too. Yes, depending on the carrier and phone you select, you may even be able to get a check for $25 to $125 per phone when you mail in the rebate that will be included in your package. Order a shared plan with two phones and double your rebates.
How can we offer these deals? No expensive storefronts and low marketing costs mean less overhead. That allows us to provide the same products at a lower price.
Shop online for cell phone plans from T-Mobile, Verizon, Cingular, Nextel, Sprint and Alltel.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Are Cell Phone Users DUI?
MSNBC - Study: Young cell phone users drive like retirees
According to the above MSNBC.com article, a study has found that driving while talking on a cell phone gives 20 year old drivers reaction times similar to those of 70 year old drivers. Their driving skills are also more impaired than if they had a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent, which is legally drunk in many states and twice the legal limit for commercial truck drivers.
The tests were conducted in a driving simulator with a hands-free phone. Participants drove a simulated combination of two 10 mile trips on a freeway while talking to a research assistant and two trips without the cell phone conversations. Hands free devices were used to test the benefit of laws such as those in New York and New Jersey which ban driving while holding a cellphone but allow hands free phone use.
It turns out that the conversation occupies your mind so much that it is the bigger factor in driver distraction. Laws permitting only hands free devices do not seem to be a solution to this problem. The real answer must be drivers understanding that driving and cell phone use are not compatible. Most conversations can wait until you get to your destination. If you absolutely need to use your phone, pull over to the shoulder and park your car.
Cell phones are a great technology. They've become a vital part of many people's lives. But don't let them get in the way of your safety. Driving distracted, or not having full control of your car because you are trying to hold the phone with one hand and drive with only one hand is not worth risking your life, or mine for that matter. Yes, I mean you, the guy in the pickup truck with the snowplow blade on the front who almost turned into me today because you couldn't steer accurately with a cell phone tucked between your tilted head and hunched-up shoulder! Your cellphone should be used for getting help when you see an accident, not for causing one.
If you promise to use your phone responsibly on the road, compare plans for great cell phone deals ;)
According to the above MSNBC.com article, a study has found that driving while talking on a cell phone gives 20 year old drivers reaction times similar to those of 70 year old drivers. Their driving skills are also more impaired than if they had a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent, which is legally drunk in many states and twice the legal limit for commercial truck drivers.
The tests were conducted in a driving simulator with a hands-free phone. Participants drove a simulated combination of two 10 mile trips on a freeway while talking to a research assistant and two trips without the cell phone conversations. Hands free devices were used to test the benefit of laws such as those in New York and New Jersey which ban driving while holding a cellphone but allow hands free phone use.
It turns out that the conversation occupies your mind so much that it is the bigger factor in driver distraction. Laws permitting only hands free devices do not seem to be a solution to this problem. The real answer must be drivers understanding that driving and cell phone use are not compatible. Most conversations can wait until you get to your destination. If you absolutely need to use your phone, pull over to the shoulder and park your car.
Cell phones are a great technology. They've become a vital part of many people's lives. But don't let them get in the way of your safety. Driving distracted, or not having full control of your car because you are trying to hold the phone with one hand and drive with only one hand is not worth risking your life, or mine for that matter. Yes, I mean you, the guy in the pickup truck with the snowplow blade on the front who almost turned into me today because you couldn't steer accurately with a cell phone tucked between your tilted head and hunched-up shoulder! Your cellphone should be used for getting help when you see an accident, not for causing one.
If you promise to use your phone responsibly on the road, compare plans for great cell phone deals ;)
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Wow! I just saved over 40% on my phone bill!
Every day, people just like you find that they can save 20, 30 even 40% or more on their phone bill by taking a few minutes to compare rates and sign up for a lower cost carrier. I've even helped one customer save 90% on his overseas calling needs. That's not a misprint, the saving were really ninety percent! His old calling card charged $3 per minute, and I replaced it with a billable calling card that charged only 29.1 cents per minute for the same call, with no per call surcharge.
Whether you spend hours per day on the phone and need a bundled plan at a fixed price, or you rarely make a call and don't want to pay for service you don't use, I can save you money by lowering your rate, eliminating a monthly service fee or just finding a plan that is better matched to your needs. I also have cell phone plans that offer great phones and accessories at no out of pocket cost, pagers, dial up Internet and DSL plans, Dish Network with free High Definition receivers and more. If it helps you stay in touch, I can get you a great deal.
If you haven't checked your phone plan within the last year, you're probably paying more than you need to. Interstate long distance calling can easily be less than 3.5 cents per minute these days. Why not keep more of your money in your own pocket? You can compare rates on any of our calling plans with our Best Rate Calculators, browse our products at LDRF.com or write me at ToT "at" Callbird "dot" com and include the first 6 digits of your phone number and information about what you need.
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Whether you spend hours per day on the phone and need a bundled plan at a fixed price, or you rarely make a call and don't want to pay for service you don't use, I can save you money by lowering your rate, eliminating a monthly service fee or just finding a plan that is better matched to your needs. I also have cell phone plans that offer great phones and accessories at no out of pocket cost, pagers, dial up Internet and DSL plans, Dish Network with free High Definition receivers and more. If it helps you stay in touch, I can get you a great deal.
If you haven't checked your phone plan within the last year, you're probably paying more than you need to. Interstate long distance calling can easily be less than 3.5 cents per minute these days. Why not keep more of your money in your own pocket? You can compare rates on any of our calling plans with our Best Rate Calculators, browse our products at LDRF.com or write me at ToT "at" Callbird "dot" com and include the first 6 digits of your phone number and information about what you need.
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