Whether on a home computer, a portable device or even a cellular phone, softphones are great tools to have. With them, you are given access to a variety of services which allow you to make an unlimited amount of calls.
While some cellphone providers allow for unlimited calls, others set a limit on calls made and received, in the form of minutes or time frames (e.g. unlimited calls between 8AM and 10PM). On top of this, most mobile plans charge a hefty price for long-distance calls. With a softphone, you can avoid these constraints entirely.
Softphones, while traditionally computer-based, are growing in popularity. This is largely due to their availability on smartphones. Indeed, Google’s Android Market and Apple’s App Store both host a sizeable selection of softphone programs for your smartphone. To use these programs, all you need is a service plan with a VoIP service provider (since most reliable softphones require one) and a compatible softphone application (most, if not all VoIP providers, have their own dedicated softphone app). Please note that an internet connection is required for use a softphone to function.
Once you are subscribed to a VoIP provider and have downloaded a compatible softphone application, you can begin making certain calls with no limit. Depending on the package you have, you may have access to unlimited calls with:
- Nation-wide numbers;
- Numbers from specific countries (Some providers have unlimited Canada-US calls);
- International numbers;
- And other people with the same VoIP provider as you.
Most VoIP providers, like internet or mobile providers, host a number of different packages with different monthly fees, and you should choose the package that best fulfills your needs. However, most, if not all VoIP plans, will allow you to make an unlimited number of local calls, which will allow you to rid yourself of the limits imposed by some mobile plans.
You’ll ultimately find yourself saving a fair amount of money on both local and long-distance calls thanks to softphones. Where you once had to deal with limited minutes and toll calls, you can now call freely and at your own leisure without worrying about limits and extra fees. Do you have any thoughts on softphones you would like to share with us and others? Leave a comment or visit us on our Facebook page.
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