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does anyone know much about VOIP services like Skype and Gizmo?

A

asuh

Golden Member
Maybe one of you can help me out! I'm interested in purchasing a phone number for my local area since my cell phone number is long distance. I'd be ALL over Grand Central if it was actually open again but they currently are not giving away anymore accounts! Arg..

So I've been looking at Skype and Gizmo5 thinking of purchasing an online number with one of them. The biggest snag is that I want that online number to forward directly to my cell phone so that when someone calls the number my cell phone rings.

Gizmo5 says that they will charge each time a call is forwarded to my cell phone but I haven't gotten a direct response from Skype yet. If they both charge, it might not be worth my money to do something like this with either of them.

I'm looking for something affordable yet powerful that won't cost me more than $100 a year if possible but maybe someone might know of a better service I can check out. I'd love to hear your suggestions, thanks!
 
I think I'm gonna go with Skype because it seems that Gizmo charges extra for forwarding calls to the cell phone. Does anyone have any experience with this?
 
Vonage doesn't charge extra for that. You'd pay about $25 or so a month, but it'd do what you want.
 
Yeah, I knew that Vonage had this included in its services but I was really hoping I could find a cheaper option than $25x12=$300. If only Grand Central would open itself back up, I'd be set! Still, I think the Skype option would be best but I don't have any experience with it.
 
I wouldn't skimp if it's for your business. Nothing screams unprofessional like using a free or cheap phone service, that could go down at any time. Just pay the $25 and call it an "expense", tax writeoff.
 
Just tested call forwarding in Skype and there is no charge for forwarding. Only been using Skype for a week now but am very impressed overall.
 
So AnonymouseUser, did you pay $60 for the online phone number? Is that the only charge required to have the incoming phone number?

Sphexi, I agree with you if this was a bigger business but right now it's just a small dog walking business that only has a few clients. I'm not sure how serious it will grow so I don't wanna invest too much money if I can get a decent deal out of SkypeIn phone number.
 
Originally posted by: asuh
So AnonymouseUser, did you pay $60 for the online phone number? Is that the only charge required to have the incoming phone number?

Sphexi, I agree with you if this was a bigger business but right now it's just a small dog walking business that only has a few clients. I'm not sure how serious it will grow so I don't wanna invest too much money if I can get a decent deal out of SkypeIn phone number.
Click to expand...

No, haven't purchased the online number yet since wanted to test the service thoroughly before doing that (in which case it would only be $30 since I signed up for the $3 monthly subscription). From what info I can find it shouldn't be any different with the online number.

EDIT >> Missed the question about the costs. Your calls will be charged on a per minute basis depending on which plan you choose. The $3/month subscription is well worth the money.
 
@AnonymouseUser - So wait, I'd have purchase the $60 incoming phone number AND get a subscription for outgoing calls? I'm confused.
 
Originally posted by: asuh
@AnonymouseUser - So wait, I'd have purchase the $60 incoming phone number AND get a subscription for outgoing calls? I'm confused.
Click to expand...

You don't need a subscription, but you would still have to pay per minute costs (purchase credit instead) for each forwarded phone call. Buying a subscription will get you a 50% discount on the online number, though. Your one year cost would only be $66 ($36 for unlimited nationwide sub + $30 for number) vs $60 + (very low) per minute fees.
 
Originally posted by: AnonymouseUser
Originally posted by: asuh
@AnonymouseUser - So wait, I'd have purchase the $60 incoming phone number AND get a subscription for outgoing calls? I'm confused.
Click to expand...

You don't need a subscription, but you would still have to pay per minute costs (purchase credit instead) for each forwarded phone call. Buying a subscription will get you a 50% discount on the online number, though. Your one year cost would only be $66 ($36 for unlimited nationwide sub + $30 for number) vs $60 + (very low) per minute fees.
Click to expand...

Wow, they totally don't make that clear at all. So the $66/yr is a better deal (although, I don't understand how to even sign up for it!) since it's no extra fees for call forwarding, right? I can't believe Skype doesn't be more clear about it.
 
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