iCall: Another Softphone Alternative

Previously on VoIP-Sol.com we’ve discussed some of the many Skype alternatives that are available for users who either cannot use features such as SkypeOut or SkypeIn, or who are unhappy with the service. While I have nothing against Skype per say, it’s always nice to have an alternative solution should it fail.

Add iCall to your list of Skype alternatives. I am an ardent Mac enthusiast (didn’t you know?) and sadly this won’t run on system, nor will it run on Linux. It’s a Windows-only show folks, but that might change some time down the line. It is a a standard softphone setup where you get low cost international calls to countries around the world. Similar to Skype, non-iCall users can call you by dialing a local access number and entering your iCall extension.

The main benefit that you get with iCall over Skype is free calls to within the US and Canada. Unlike Skype, who recently replaced their free calls within the US and Canada with an annual plan, iCall say they will “never charge you to make a call to the US or Canada”. Well that’s good to hear, although they will be forever called a “minute stealer” for that. So what’s their cut? Well it turns out that iCall generate revenue by encouraging their users to call the businesses listed in their directory, that’s a new spin on generating a profit.

So is this the softphone to replace them all? To be short, no it isn’t. But it will save you money on calls with the US and Canada where you would otherwise be paying.