[January 18, 2005]

VoIP for Just $4.95 Monthly?

BY JOHANNE TORRES

Yes, it’s true. I was baffled when I stumbled upon this announcement today. Denver, Colorado-based Logical Exchange launched a new Internet phone service this week—the International Number Exchange (INX). The provider is now offering the lowest paid VoIP-based calling service in the market, at only $4.95 per month.

INX has definitely challenged the industry's VoIP ( define - news - alert) phone service providers with its new plan. The company is offering service plans that start at just $4.95/month for free local calling and 2.1 cents/minute U.S. and Canadian long-distance in cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. Unlimited service packages include free calls to the U.S. and Canada starting at only $19.95/month. INX subscribers also receive lower international rates in addition to features such as voice mail, caller ID, “follow-me”, and online account management.

The company’s new calling plan will be available for virtually anyone with an Internet connection anywhere in the world, regardless of its speed—being broadband, wireless or dial-up. Users will now have an affordable option to make and receive calls with their own U.S. or Canadian phone number just minutes after subscribing without buying or waiting for expensive termination equipment.

INX is specifically targeting expatriate workers, students studying abroad, and international travelers, allowing them to stay in touch with friends, family and business associates. INX also provides services for international small businesses.

INX’s new subscribers receive free activation (valued at $30), free PC phone software (valued at $50), and may start using the service immediately with their own PC headset and microphone. The company is also developing a reseller program similar to calling cards. The company even offers a risk free 14-day money-back guarantee.

"By offering an affordable Internet phone service to the global market including developing countries, INX has created a new model for international telephone communications," said Jon Lowry, CEO of Logical Exchange. "Unlike our competitors, our service is designed to be available virtually anywhere the Internet is accessible and to allow our subscribers to sign up and make calls within minutes."

Logical Exchange
www.logicalexchange.com

International Number Exchange (INX)
www.InternationalNumber.com