As many service providers have learned in recent years, the key to driving consumer adoption of VoIP is to make the transition as seamless as possible. The bottom line is, consumers don’t want to have to radically change their calling habits just to save a few bucks. They don’t want to have to sit down at their PC in order to make a call – nor do they wish to have “extra steps” involved when initiating a call from a handset. From the standpoint of the average consumer, using VoIP should be every bit as simple as using traditional telephone service – yet, in many cases, it is not.

Recognizing this, 8x8 Inc. (News - Alert), provider of the Packet8 VoIP service, is making strides in simplifying the process of switching to VoIP for consumers. The company announced today that it is now offering its Packet8 service for an annual fee of $199 – plus, for a limited time, consumers who sign up for the plan can get a Packet8-enabled 5.8 GHz Uniden Cordless Phone System for free.

The UIP1868P is a “plug and play” phone system that lets consumers quickly and easily set up a home VoIP line featuring Packet8’s crystal clear broadband telephone service. The system, which comes with a built-in router and firewall, is expandable with up to ten cordless handsets.

Packet8’s new Freedom Annual plan is a lower cost alternative to its monthly Freedom Unlimited service plan. The annual plan offers unlimited calling in the U.S. and Canada, plus the usual selection of advanced calling features, including voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding and three-way calling. In addition, Packet8’s service lets you choose your own area code.

“Our new Freedom Annual plan is an excellent value for Internet phone service subscribers, offering users even greater savings on Packet8 unlimited calling services along with a free, high quality expandable cordless phone system that installs in minutes and gives subscribers access to Packet8 service throughout their homes,” said Huw Rees, 8x8’s vice president of sales and marketing, in a press release.

The UIP1868P phone system features both a corded and cordless handset; a corded base keypad and speakerphone; a handset speakerphone; a programmable phonebook; and a message waiting indicator. It also supports a separate analog telephone for users who wish to retain their POTS line.

For more information, visit http://www.packet8.net/about/residential.asp.

8x8 also made news today when it announced an agreement with InterNET Services Corporation for the distribution and promotion of Packet8 VoIP and video services though a network of independent business owners (IBOs).

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Patrick Barnard is Associate Editor for TMCnet and a columnist covering the telecom industry. To see more of his articles, please visit Patrick Barnard’s columnist page.

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