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Long Distance Voice ThoughtsThere is no more competitive segment in the telecommunications market than long distance. After the break up of AT&T, long distances were dominated by "the big three" - AT&T, MCI and Sprint. The last few years have seen a myriad of new entrants marketing long distance services. Now, the ILEC's (Bell South, Qwest, AT&T and Verizon) as well as a number of smaller companies (many using the Internet or IP-centric - the protocol upon which the Internet is based - networks for "cheap" transport) are busy marketing services to you and anyone else that will buy them at rates that seem to plummet almost monthly. What then should you do about long distance? Should you sign up for a local/long distance package from your ILEC? Or should you "piecemeal" your voice and data communications together, attempting to get the best rate and service for local and long distance (and then you can think about adding in wireless and data - for THAT see our Voice and Data Service Bundles Ratings and Review page). There is a lot to think about (and "price out" - if you're struggling, download our Home Office Communications Budget to track your costs). And, with any plan from any of the carriers reviewed here, our most important advice is: Read the fine print before you sign-up or you will pay later! Our review of Long Distance Services and Service Providers that follows will help. (Note: If you don't recall our rating system: Rating Guide.)
Long Distance Voice Services Review
Long Distance Services and Service Providers* (Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)
* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro
Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹ allo.com offers eight residential and business plans as well as "add-on" services that are designed for business customers. Cost - $$$$ Pricing for allo.com services is detailed below.
Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹ A good communications package can help you save time and stay in touch with your customers. allo.com's packages are designed to help you do that. Ease of Use - @@@@ allo.com's services can be managed via the web, and your analog phone works just like it always did - with the help of an ATA. Works With - YYYYY allo.com services work with both the traditional PSTN and IP networks - and can also work with any SIP-based phone, including newer cell phones with SIP clients. Support - pppp+The technical support area of the allo.com web site includes a FAQ, details on VoIP, installation support and information on number portability and more. If you need help you can contact allo.com tech support via email, using their live chat capability on the web site or at their "800" number. Features - iiii allo.com services include the ability to use their services "on the road" (Mobile VoIP), voicemail, Caller ID with name, ID spoofing, a softphone client, E-911 dialing, 411 assistance, call conferencing, call forwarding, call waiting, international call block, in-networking calling, call history/search, change phone number, simultaneous ring, area code selection and the ability to use any SIP-based device on the all.com service network. Overall Rating - %%%%+ Competitively priced VoIP services for both the very small home business (residential) and the more robust ones (business services). A good support strategy is in place as well. But, make sure your broadband service has enough bandwidth to ensure voice quality before you switch.
Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹ AmericanFone offers long distance calling plans at flat per minute rates as well as monthly calling plans. Cost - $$$1/2 AmericanFone's long distance calling plans are outlined below.
Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹ You have to have long distance services. Ease of Use - @@@@@ We can all make a long distance call. Works With - YYYY AmericanFone is very happy to provide their long distance services with anyone's local telephone service. Support - ppp1/2 AmericanFone provides an account management area on their web site where customers can manage their account, change personal information and contact technical support. "800" technical support services are also available. Features - iii AmericanFone offers only a per minute service that is inexpensive. The only viable monthly plan (versus the per minute service) is the 5,000 minute plan for large users. The other plans are more expensive on a per minute basis than the flat rate service. Overall Rating - %%%1/2 Low per minute charges, the 5,000 minute per month plan is attractive for higher volume users.
Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹ The AT&T offers a number long distance plans with lots of flat rate and fixed monthly price options. Plenty of plans to meet the needs of most any home business owner. They also offer a number of service bundles - which we've detailed in a separate table below. Cost - $$$$1/2 AT&T's long distance/local calling plans include those listed below. |
