Webphone calls: Calling from a PC to a phone

Webphone calls: Calling from a PC to a phone:The internet telephony business model is simple. Build a brand with free Webweb calls, then persuade customers to pay for ‘cheap' calls from a PC to a normal phone. Webphone works roughly the same way as Webweb. You've a headset or phone plugged into your computer, you then go to a dialpad on the computer screen and dial the number you're calling. Also many providers allocate you a number on which to receive calls, some even provide an adapter which bypasses the computer altogether and plugs into your regular phone handset.

The Cheapest Webphone providers

There are vast differences of price between Webphone providers. Big players like Tesco have entered this market place, yet requiring you to pay upfront for the kit and charge and calls that are cheaper than mainstream phone providers but not close to the cheap ones.

Having compared 15 Webphone providers, the cheapest by far are two little sister companies VoipStunt and VoipCheap. Neither have a set-up fee, but both require you to have £10 call credit before they can be used. Those providers that don't require any initial outlay have much higher call costs.

The credit only lasts 120 days from the last paid for call, after the 120 days you'll be charged their normal call rates though if you keep your account topped up you will keep the free calls. Both allow short test calls to see if you're happy with the quality before paying your £10.

When to use Webphone

Webphone is a very cheap way of getting a second phone line. For those brave enough, it also allows those on satellite broadband to not have a phone line and thus forgo paying line rental, though that's still an unlikely option for most.

It's also great if you're travelling abroad. Here if you can get cheap internet access, you'll be able to call the UK, at no or low charge depending on provider, via your laptop or web café. Considering some overseas hotels charge £3-£4 a minute for calling the UK, even if you're paying for broadband costs, it can be a massive saving, and will often beat overseas phone cards too. However Webphone's big sell is cheaper calling from home… and here it doesn't stack up so well.



Enjoy to talk with VoIP !