Review Summary:
Packet8 offers a good option for international calling although the call quality might not be worth it.
Pros: Free equipment, videophones available, up and coming mobile services, cheap annual plan.
Cons: $29.99 activation fee, $59.99 cancellation fee in first year
Rating: 3/5
Detailed Product Review:
Price:
Freedom Unlimited Plan: $24.99/mo includes unlimited calling in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and Guam. Free calls to landline phones in Italy, France, Spain, UK, and Ireland. 30-day money back guarantee and 21 calling features included. Calls to mobile phones, premium, special, and information service numbers are not included in the unlimited international destinations.
Freedom Unlimited Global Plan: $29.99/mo includes unlimited calling in the US, Canada and the top 40 countries. 30-day money back guarantee and 21 calling features included. Calls to mobile phones, premium, special, and information service numbers are not included in the unlimited international destinations.
Freedom Annual Plan: $199.00/year includes unlimited calling in the US and Canada. 30-day money back guarantee and 21 calling features included. Calls to mobile phones, premium, special, and information service numbers are not included in the unlimited international destinations.
Freedom Choice 500 Plan:
$14.99/mo includes unlimited incoming minutes and 500 outgoing minutes of local and long distance in the US and Canada. 30-day money back guarantee and 21 calling features included.
Freedom Fax:
$9.99/mo additional for 300 minutes of outgoing fax/voice calls plus unlimited incoming fax/voice calls.
Softalk Basic:
Make voice and video calls directly from your personal computer to any other Packet8 subscriber free.
Reliability:
Good reliability although it does depend on your internet connection and the phone that you use. I would suggest a fast connection and at least a 5.8 mhz phone or better. Their service is easy to hook up provided you get the equipment from them.
International:
Packet 8 offers unlimited International calling with their Freedom Unlimited Global Plan. It includes 42 different countries. The calling area is as follows:
Customer Service:
Packet8's weak point is their customer service. The customer service is handled in India. It is difficult to get through and then once you reach a customer service representative, it is hard to understand them. They do however have an extensive FAQ section on their website and they do offer telephone support Monday thru Saturday. They also have a ticket support system.
Features:
Packet8's plans include 21 phone features at no extra charge. They are as follows:
Add-On Features at an additional charge:
All in all, Packet8's best redeeming feature is the international calling to 40 countries. The reliablility, call quality and customer service is mediocre but does have potential to get better. Packet8 does offer some interesting mobile phone features that might make it worth looking into.