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Or you can find a cell phone that directs calls over WiFi rather than cellular networds.
I looked into this, too. I think it's Republic Wireless? Anyway, the phone was too expensive. You either pay around $250 for the phone, then $20/mo., or around $50 for the phone and $30/month, if I remember correctly. If you're going to use it at home to use wireless, Skype is cheaper.
I looked into this, too. I think it's Republic Wireless? Anyway, the phone was too expensive. You either pay around $250 for the phone, then $20/mo., or around $50 for the phone and $30/month, if I remember correctly. If you're going to use it at home to use wireless, Skype is cheaper.
I ended up with a temporary fix - for $10 extra / month, I can call all the countries I usually call, and that's a flat rate, no per minute charge, but I can only call landlines. That works OK for now. (It's with TMobile for those who are interested in knowing). It also covers unlimited texting to and from all international numbers. I say it's temporary because I'd like the option to call cell-phones sometimes, and other times you just don't know if you're calling a number that's a cell or a home phone, well the first time you call anyway. But it works well for now.
I have tried few services. Here is my thinking on this:
1. Vonage - This service is great! Especially when you need to make domestic calls. Unfortunately they don't cover all countries for overseas calls. Also the Internet connection is required in order to use them.
2. Skype - Good choice. The call quality is great. No complains on that. The big minus is the calling rates to call other countries are expensive.
3. Google Voice - can't complain
4. Rebtel - not bad at all. Unfortunately the Mexico plane are expensive . They have smartphone apps for easy dialing.
5. 011Now.com - Looks like pay as you go service for calling other countries. They have smartphone apps for easy dialing. The give free credits for registering with them. Also they give calling credits if I invite friends. I am using them occasionally. It seems like Mexico is cheaper with them then the others (at least I tried this destination).
I used Phone Power VOIP. Cheaper than Vonage. Had good service. Have friends with State Dept that keep moving all over the world. It worked everywhere they lived.
When I moved to WI, couldnt get Phone Power anymore. When I moved back to the Twin Cities, I
would have signed up again with Phone Power but I got a killer deal for cable internet and phone from Comcast. $50 p mo.
I looked into this, too. I think it's Republic Wireless? Anyway, the phone was too expensive. You either pay around $250 for the phone, then $20/mo., or around $50 for the phone and $30/month, if I remember correctly. If you're going to use it at home to use wireless, Skype is cheaper.
Actually, there are new plans that are a lot less than that.
As for the COST of the phone, YOU are paying for your phone regardless of what plan you purchase. Republic is honest in breaking it out as a separate charge, The Big 4 hide the cost of the phone in the monthly contract prices that you are stuck paying.
I have used a free app on my iPhone called Viber that I have used to call a relative in Europe on. I believe its wifi so both may have to be in a zone, but I'm unclear about that. I also have Ooma Telo on my land line, domestic calls are virtually free, works out to about 11-12 cents/day, but I haven't used it for Europe yet. I gave a $10 deposit that it will draw from but you will have to go to Ooma's site for the rates overseas.
Haven't used google voice at all, but I hear a lot positive about it, worth checking out.
I have used a free app on my iPhone called Viber that I have used to call a relative in Europe on. I believe its wifi so both may have to be in a zone, but I'm unclear about that. I also have Ooma Telo on my land line, domestic calls are virtually free, works out to about 11-12 cents/day, but I haven't used it for Europe yet. I gave a $10 deposit that it will draw from but you will have to go to Ooma's site for the rates overseas.
Haven't used google voice at all, but I hear a lot positive about it, worth checking out.
Thanks! Since my initial post last year I've switched to Republic Wireless ($10 a month for Wi-Fi calls and unlimited data on Wi-Fi) and at other times it works on the Sprint Network but with my $10 plan I don't get data on the go (that's $25 a month instead of $10). I LOVE my phone service and I feel that it's the best I've had (comparing to AT&T and TMobile). There are a couple minor issues that I find annoying but for $10 a month it's worth it!!
I have the Viber and Magic Jack apps for my international calls, so that's free! I've considered getting basic service like Ooma to have in addition to Republic, but for now I'm pretty happy with just a $10 bill / month.
I will definitely check out Google Voice though. Thanks for that tip!
Thanks! Since my initial post last year I've switched to Republic Wireless ($10 a month for Wi-Fi calls and unlimited data on Wi-Fi) and at other times it works on the Sprint Network but with my $10 plan I don't get data on the go (that's $25 a month instead of $10). I LOVE my phone service and I feel that it's the best I've had (comparing to AT&T and TMobile). There are a couple minor issues that I find annoying but for $10 a month it's worth it!!
I have the Viber and Magic Jack apps for my international calls, so that's free! I've considered getting basic service like Ooma to have in addition to Republic, but for now I'm pretty happy with just a $10 bill / month.
I will definitely check out Google Voice though. Thanks for that tip!
Did you get the Moto G? If so. How do you like it? If you have decent coverage with Sprint in your area this is definitely the way to go, as you will have a phone to use at home as well as a cell phone when your out. I have the Ooma and I'm pleased with it, as you can have all the phones you want all over the house.
So those two would make a good combo. You would pay about $4.50 a month in taxes for your Ooma, and $10 mo. for your Republic cell phone. So for less than $15 you have a home phone and a cell phone. Of course your toast if your internet goes out. I also keep a T-Mobile regular pre-pay phone on hand for those emergencies.
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. They have smartphone apps for easy dialing. 
