[conn8757]

I installed the Magic Jack - I haven't cancelled my old phone service. I understand incoming calls are free. Is it correct only out going calls to other people with Magic Jack are free? or is it all outgoing calls - both local and long distance? Thanks for your help.

[carlent]

Conn
We have Magicjack and this is the deal:

ALL calls are free...outgoing long distance and local calls. You pay $20 a year...thats it...no more.
People who call you wil pay whatever the call is depending on where they are. If you have an area code where your friends live....then it is free for them. If you hve an area code in Florida...Orlando which is 407...only those people who live there and have the same area code can call you for free.

The huge advantage is that you can make calls to anywhere in the USA and Canada for free...anytime...no restrictions

Carlent

[Shirleevee]

All outgoing calls are free.



Shirleevee

[barb1191]

All outgoing and incoming calls are free to the subscriber.....b

[Sidney Lanier]

If I understand correctly, the only drawback in terms of calls is that while all calls made by the MagicJack subscriber are free, virtually everyone calling the subscriber is making a long distance call--am I getting this right?

[JohnM]

I am testing MagicJack and that is my understanding: All calls I make out cost me nothing; incoming calls also cost me nothing and the cost to the caller depends on their phone and calling plan, e.g., if the incoming call is made using MagicJack, Vonage, Skype, cell phone with national coverage, etc., the cost to the caller is nothing. If the caller is making the call using a land line in The Villages, they would incur long distance charges based upon their calling plan; if MagicJack offers a 352 area code and a local exchange, then there would be no charge to the caller using a land line in The Villages since the call would be a local call for the caller; MagicJack does not offer a 352 area code and has not announced plans to offer one; even if they do offer 352 at some point, they may not offer a local exchange. For us most of our friends have some kind of national calling plan; for the others we can simply answer the call and tell them we will call right back (call would incur a 1 minute charge). Calls from local businesses would incur long distance charges, but thus far we have found no hesitancy on their part to call a long distance number to get my business; maybe we will...

John

[Sidney Lanier]

Hmmm.... I'm surprised that they would not have a local number/exchange. When our wireless Internet access went down and we had to use dial-up temporarily, I feared the worst in terms of toll charges, yet they were able to give me SIX local, i.e., unlimited/free access phone numbers right around TV. Now, THAT impressed me, and the dial-up worked decently though, as expected, slow.

[Skip]

Don't forget to leave your computer running 24 hours per day even in lightning storms, otherwise your phone don't work!

Magic Jack is not a good idea in Florida (the Lightning Capital of the World)!

Skip

[chacam]

We tried Magicjack and used it for a few weeks. We have cable which is a really fast connection but sound quality was pretty bad. The folks we talked to in KY could hear us fine but their transmission was broken up and garbled most of the time. But there were periods that it was pretty good, but not as good as a land line. So we sent it back and got a full refund.

[MikeH]

Another option to consider...I use Packet8 VOIP (packet8.net) Freedom Unlimited Plan. Free calling anywhere in US and Canada plus caller ID, call waiting, three-way calling, etc., etc. You do not have to have your computer on, or even connected. Been with them for several years and am quite satisfied with service, clarity, etc.

[Shirleevee]

If you turn your computer off, you will receive your telephone messages via email. Then dial your MJ number to retrieve.

[conn8757]

Thanks to all - I spend about $45 a month on land line and $60 for husband & I cell phones - I thought I would save about $500 a year with Magic Jack and it seems to work well in Orlando area. I haven't called long distance yet. We have had our local land line number for 24 years - I wish I could have kept that. Oh well. I am learning about change through this board - sometimes it a good thing to let go of the old stuff and get on with the new. Thanks again.

[carlent]

Skip

Magicjack IS a good idea in Florida. the lightning has nothing to do with it. You can still get your messages when it is off. Everyone still has an alternate phone ie; cell phone. So it is not like MJ is your only connection to the world. It let's you save big bucks on your long distance service. i had Vonage and packet 8 and cancelled both for MJ. Happy i did.
About the quality of voice. If you have an older computer with a weak USB it will not work right. You should have a newer computer with a strong 2.0 USB connection.


Carlent