Chatterbug VoIP device offers cheap long distance calls

Voice over IP is starting to move firmly into the mainstream consumer and business markets with interest in the cost-saving technology expected to grow significantly this year. However, one of the complaints I regularly hear from people I talk with about switching to VoIP is that they cannot afford to lose their landline phone number. They know that they stand to save on a per call basis with VoIP, but many small businesses that have kept the same landline number for the past 20 years cannot afford to lose that connection with their clientèle.

I suppose they could use one of the many dual-mode phones out there such as the Panasonic GlobaRange, Netgear SHP200D or Auvi PHIP64 that can use either VoIP or PSTN. But if you didn’t want to spend that much cash on a new phone you could be stuck for options. That’s where the new Chatterbug VoIP device comes in.

This little device plugs into your landline socket, you then plug your phone into it. The intelligent aspect of the Chatterbug is that it redirects a long distance call (starting with 1) via their servers so you get a cheap VoIP call. Be warned though, it only routes long distance calls within the USA and Canada over the internet, international calls that do not start with 1 will not work. It also means that someone who is skeptical about switching all their calls to a VoIP provider does not have to commit 100%.

To use the service it costs $9.95 per month, but if you are a frequent long distance dialer you can claw that back in very little time. You can pick one up now for just $30.

If you are just getting into internet telephony but aren’t ready to switch all your local and long distance calls to a VoIP provider then I would definitely try this out. A mobile version of the device will also be made available later this year.