arantius.com

Free Services Spell Phone Solution

2006-01-31 16:32 - General

Okay, so, I've had some problems with Verizon and as a result, I hate them and I'm not willing to pay them one thin dime for their pathetic services. But uh oh, now I don't have a phone at all, what am I going to do?

Well, unless the universe continues to punish me, I'll have broadband internet at home in three days. That makes VOIP a real possibility. I've heard good things overall, and it's less expensive than a regular phone for similar service. But, it pretty much seems to only come in unlimited-usage plans, which is more than I want, and more than I want to pay for.

So, how about a cell phone? As long as I'm stuck paying multiple tens of dollars a month to have phone service, might as well make it mobile. But, cell phones are not exactly my favorite thing. I had one when it was free (employer paid for it) but unless I can get my email on it (and that just costs too much extra) then I'm just not excited to have a hunk of plastic I have to worry about carrying around. Plus, cell carriers are getting scuzzier by the minute. Blech.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel. There's two new services out there that combine for some awesome possibilities. I'm not excited by Skype, but they are offering SkypeOut. It's just VOIP, but toll free calls are free. So first, that opens up the possibility of using calling cards for cents-a-minute calls, and I can still hook up with whatever businesses I need to deal with that have toll free lines. But wait, there's more! Another relatively new service out there is 1-800-FREE-411. Yep, free directory assistance, and they connect you! According to their FAQ you can only talk for 10 minutes, but that'll do for me.