For the last few days I've been basically scouring the net for free calls using VoIP (Voice-over Internet Protocol) and free SMS (Short Messaging Service) to global destinations.
Keep in mind though, that there is no such thing as a free lunch. If it's free, there's always a catch somewhere down the line.
I knew that all along and so I kind of choose the ones which didn't require much of a hassle.
First, let's tackle the free SMS sites. There's a lot of them. What was my need? I basically needed one that allowed me to send free text messages to mobile numbers anywhere in the world, be it the U.S., Canada, UK, Asia. I specifically needed one that can connect me to mobile numbers in the Philippines. Here's my list:
- 4. Mobik - It lets you send unlimited free SMS from a PC or from your mobile phone. As you send your message, an ad plays on the Mobik SMS interface. The bad thing is, it doesn't have much coverage worldwide. It only allows you to send messages to regions where they have an ad sponsor. Check out their site for the regions being covered. It has an easy to use interface though. You do need to sign up before you can use the service. This didn't allow me to send messages to the Philippines because the region is not sponsored.
- 3. SMS.ac - The 'ac' stands for 'always connected'. This site has so much going on in there that basically you lost track of your first goal--to send free SMS. It's more of a social networking service like myspace.com that lets you set up your own home page and give you a chance to blog, to earn, to upload your photos, to promote your music, to build your empire and to do so much more. That's the big catch right there. All you wanted is to use the free SMS feature then you end up being a part of a social networking group after you sign up. The good thing is, I was able to send free text messages to the Philippines. The bad thing is, it only allows you to send three(3) free SMS per day. Could they spare it? I don't think it's worth giving certain personal information like your e-mail address, your location, etc.
- 2. Crickee - It promises unlimited SMS 24/7 for free. You can send text messages from your PC or from your mobile phone. It does let you send messages but the receiver has to be a Crickee member to be able to open the messages. This is not really mobile-friendly, but it's worth trying. Just make sure the people you connect to are also Crickee members. It claims to be similar to Skype or MSN messenger. I was able to send free text messages to the Philippines, but the receiver wasn't able to read my messages until she signed up for a Crickee membership.
- 1. Callwave Widget - This is my free service of choice. It's easy to use. It's easy to download. It's easy to set up. It lets you add the interface in your google homepage or you can also add it as a widget in your Yahoo widgets engine. I give this service five stars for being free and for ease of use. It's plain and simple. Send messages to anywhere in the world for free. Send unlimited text messages in the U.S. and send a maximum of five(5) free SMS to other countries in a day. I particularly like the fact that there's no strings attached to this service. It's almost as good as any plug-and-play device. Get it, then use it!
Now let's go to the free calls. Actually, there are so many sites that claim to have free calls using VoIP telephony but the free call is only allowed between PC to PC. Names like Vonage and all the other players like Skype, Yahoo, GoogleTalk normally stand out when it comes to offering cheap alternative to long distance calls, but the service isn't free anymore if the call is directed to a mobile phone or a landline from your PC.
Is there really a site that offers free calls from PC to landline or from PC to mobile phone? Yes, there is. But it's limited only to calls within the US and Canada. You can do this through Adcalls. Just download the interface from CNET.com and you're ready to call any mobile or landline number within the US and Canada areas. There's no need to sign up. So what's the catch? Nothing really. After you download the dialler, you can immediately initiate a call to any number within the US and Canada and as your call progresses, ads play on the little Adcalls interface screen. You can watch it, or you can look away but you do find some good deals and offers on the ads that are being shown so if I were you, keep your eye on the ads. It's totally up to you. Don't worry, the dialler is small in size and you can even minimize it. The call is timed for ten minutes, so after ten minutes of talking your call is terminated but you can always redial. It's all good. So why pay for your calls, if you can get them for free? See it for yourself.
