Have you noticed your friends using Skype or Viber on their smartphones?
Are you confused about these applications?
You’re not alone. Mobile Voice over IP (VOIP) is the preferred method for affordable voice calling on smartphones. As smartphones become more and more popular, it’s not surprising that people who use mobile VOIP services will increase from 9 million to 29 million this year1. People generally use their phones to talk and text, although many phone plans with Talk and Text are expensive. With smartphone costs increasing, VOIP is a solid alternative to traditional voice plans.
Mobile VOIP – The affordable alternative
The tables below briefly demonstrate the difference in costs, when comparing several traditional phone plans with three different VOIP offerings.
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Canadian Voice Plans |
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Provider |
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Provided Minutes |
150 |
50 |
Unlimited Local Calls |
Unlimited International Calls |
Unlimited International Calls |
Unlimited International Calling |
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Monthly Cost
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$42.75 |
$25 |
$25 |
$13.99 |
$12.95 |
$10 |
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USA Voice Plans |
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Provider |
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Provided Minutes |
450 |
450 |
500 |
Unlimited International Calls |
Unlimited International Calls |
Unlimited International Calling |
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Monthly Cost
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$39.99 |
$39.99 |
$39.99 |
$13.99 |
$12.95 |
$10 |
With a wide range of Mobile VOIP services such as Skype, Truphone and George Mobile; it’s easier than ever to save money. First off, you should purchase a basic mobile plan. This allows you to select a VOIP service that offers much cheaper or even free calling. On top of that, Wifi enabled phones will be able to make calls through that connection, which reduces overall data use. Carriers are continuously improving their wireless networks, which means they can provide higher quality voice and video calls.
VOIP is much more than talk and text
While the focus of most VOIP applications is to provide free unlimited talk and text, some of the providers also integrate SMS and social aspects into their applications. Virtually all major VOIP services allow for free messaging/calls between their applications. George Mobile fully integrates SMS, Twitter and Facebook, allowing for social networking and unlimited talk and text – all in one application. George also includes game features where users can earn rewards, badges and virtual currency which can be used to unlock premium services or donate to charitable causes you care about. Ultimately, the more you use the application, the more you earn.
Remember not every VOIP service is the same (just like cell plans and providers) so do your homework and select the service that meets your needs.
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Justin Laberge is the Community Manager at George Mobile He can be reached through @getgeorgemobile |
