8x8 (News - Alert), Inc. has announced the launch of a no obligation, no fee trial program that allows customers of U.S.-based wireless carriers access to Packet8 MobileTalk mobile VoIP international calling at no charge.
The Packet8 MobileTalk service was introduced late last year. With the new free trial program, wireless customers can download the application onto their device and use the service at no charge until they reach a total of $2.00 in per-minute fees.
"Until one week ago, one form of cell phone calling remained radically expensive and/or difficult, and that is calling a non-U.S. number regardless of whether you are dialing from any cell phone while in the U.S., or whether you are using your T-Mobile (News - Alert) USA WiFi/UMA phone abroad,” according to a recent report from ThinkEquity Partners LLC Communications Technology Analyst Anton Wahlman. “8x8 (Packet8) launched the first solution we have seen which accomplishes this task in the easiest manner imaginable -- no calling card or PIN codes, no special data plan needed, and no 'connection fee.' In other words, just dial a number like you normally do, with no change in user behavior at all. We believe this should appeal equally to individual consumers as well as corporate/CFO buyers interested in saving perhaps over 90% on international calls made from the cell phone.”
Packet8 MobileTalk offers rates of $.02 to $.05 per minute for most locations in Europe and Asia. Calls are routed over the Packet8 digital VoIP network.
With the service, cell phone users are able to reduce their international phone bills and maintain high digital voice quality while also enjoying the flexibility and convenience of mobile calling. Users can dial directly from their handset, contact list or speed dial directory without the additional keystrokes needed for calling card and other services. Once the number is dialed, the software identifies the international prefix and redirects the call to a local network access number. All calls are carried to the Packet8 network over the subscriber's existing service, and do not require access to a monthly data plan or WiFi access point.
Over 450 Windows, Palm, RIM and Symbian (News - Alert)-based mobile phone models are supported by the Packet8 MobileTalk service. A complete list can be found at http://www.packet8.net/mobile_services/supported_phones.aspx.
Brian Solomon is a Web Editor for TMCnet, covering news in the IP communications, call center and customer relationship management industries. To see more of his articles, please visit Brian Solomon’s columnist page.
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