Vonage internet phone service

[fabsroman]

Andy,

For an extra $10 a month, you can get a 1-800 number. I am seriously debating getting a 1-800 number now because it is so cheap.

As far as collect calls are concerned, I have no idea how that would work, but I would think the 1-800 number would essentially solve that problem.

[Andy L]

Fabs,

Unfortunately, it doesnt solve it. The jails all use a correctional billing service type phone. Collect only. No 800s or anything. And they are flat rate, $4-$10 per call, all jails are different, up to 15 minutes. Doesnt matter if you talk 1 or 15 minutes, same price.

Somthing else that sucks is, in order to get more calls from different jails, I have 4 different "local" numbers from 4 different counties, permanently forwarded to my main line. So, when someone calls collect from one of the other counties, I get the flat rate for collect, plus a by minute rate for long distance for how ever long we talk.

I spend about $800 per month on phone bills and I have shaved it to the bone. But, thats how I get business. Thats why I am wishing they could let us take collect calls from a cell phone. I could do away with everything but a cell phone and probably cut it in more than half.

Im afraid Vonage wont work for me.

Thanks

Andy

[fabsroman]

I didn't spend the time to see if Vonage allows collect calls. I don't have the time right now, or I would do the research for you. Since it provides unlimited long distance, it might behoove you to spend a little time and send them an e-mail about the collect call issue.

They can even give you virtual phone numbers for anywhere in the United States. In essence, I could get a California exchange here in Maryland so that my cousins wouldn't incur long distance charges when they call from there.

[Andy L]

I didnt expect you to do any research for me. Just appreciated all you knew off the top of your head.

I checked it out before I posted here. I couldnt find where it adressed the the question directly. It did about some features not taking collect calls, but not directly.

I will email or call and do thank you for what you have told me. I cant help but think that the cell phone companies will allow collect calls someday soon. I dont know what the problem is.

Andy