MagicJack has taken the telecommunications industry by storm! This VoIP phone system is simple to use, install, and it’s affordable. For the low cost of purchase of the MagicJack, $40.00 USD, and a low yearly fee of only $20.00, you get unlimited local and long distance calling in the United States, Canada, and portions of Europe; and, the first year is free!
Inventor – Dan Borislow
MagicJack was first introduced in mid 2007 but quickly became popular through Internet circles and infomercials. The genius who made talking on the telephone so affordable is Dan Borislow. He is the founder of YMAX Communications Corporation. Barstilow has been in the telecommunications industry for over 20 years. He was also the CEO and founder of Tel-Save, Inc., where he revolutionized low-cost long-distance saving customers as much as 40% on their telephone service. He received the J.D. Power and Associates Award for Customer Satisfaction. After a brief retirement, he came back to the telecom industry and invented MagicJack. MagicJack was recognized by PC Magazine as the 2008 product of the year.
MagicJack Compared to Vonage
MagicJack costs customers $20.00/year compared to Vonage who charges $299.00/year for a similar calling plan. Vonage also charges activation fees, taxes and shipping. If you disconnect Vonage before a two-year period, you must pay a disconnection fee of $39.99. The MagicJack is portable and requires no special equipment. With Vonage, you must have special equipment and purchase an adapter for travel. MagicJack has their own dedicated network and provides “clear” quality calls. Vonage relies exclusively on third-party providers. MagicJack also has much lower international calling rates than Vonage.
MagicJack Compared to Skype
MagicJack allows users to use any telephone handset for operation. Skype is a software program and you must purchase accessories to use this service. While MagicJack has their own dedicated network, Skype has a peer-to-peer network. The cost between using MagicJack and Skype is one of the biggest differences. While the only charge for MagicJack is the one time purchase fee and $20/year fee; Skype charges over 2 cents per minute for US and Canada calls or a monthly calling plan. The only free calls are “Skype to Skype” calls. Skype also charges $72.00/year for a telephone number and $24.00/year for voicemail services.
Installation
No product is simpler to use. Installation literally consists of plugging the MagicJack device, about the size of a matchbox, into a USB port on one end and the phone jack on the other. The installation program loads automatically, usually in under two minutes. You can make phone calls immediately. You do have to register and request a phone number but are prompted automatically to do this upon installation. You also must enter your name, address, and provide an email address. The address information is to establish 911 services. MagicJack is compatible with most operating systems including Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Intel-Based Apple Mac. It is “idiot-proof.” It is so easy!
Services Provided
With MagicJack you get all of these services for free with purchase: free phone number, voice mail, call waiting and forwarding, directory assistance, and three-way calling. International rates are very cheap for MagicJack. International calls for example, to France, are 2 cents a minute.
Personal Experience
I have read some critics of MagicJack who accuse poor customer service and poor telephone quality. I have to disagree from my own personal use of MagicJack. The quality is “crystal clear.” Also, I had a question about registering when my email came. I went to the MagicJack website, typed in my question and got an immediate answer, live, within seconds! I have no complaints with MagicJack and am thrilled to have a long-distance and local telephone service than I can finally afford!
Sources:
http://www.magicjack.com/2/?mid=308001&a=55959&s=
http://www.magicjack.com/1/faq/
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2250244,00.asp?kc=PCRSS02129TX1K0000530
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032801340.html
http://www.voipcentral.org/entry/magicjack-makes-voip-simple-and-affordable/
http://www.twice.com/article/print/259680-YMax_Debuts_MagicJack_For_20_A_Year_Calling.php
http://blog.laptopmag.com/magicjack-inventor-plans-linux-support-improved-customer-service-and-more
