I was about set to sign up with RingCentral, but then I found out that they don't have local numbers in my area. So, now I'm trying to figure out this Skype thing a bit more. They don't seem to have a very user friendly navigation system set up, and I've just spent the past hour trying to find out what I needed to know on their site. Instead of "reinventing the wheel," I was hoping I could get some advice here. I want to have a local number since I'll be working a lot locally, and I want that to be able to go to voicemail. I do not want to use my home phone number. I also want a toll free number. I do have one but would like for everthing to be together instead of all over the place. I also need the fax features, which is one reason I was thinking of using RingCentral, but I guess I could use MyFax for that. So I guess my question is, what do you think the best way to go is? Skype for a local number, Kall8 for my toll free, MyFax and possibly using my home phone for some numbers out since I have free long distance. (And of course, having clients set up Skype so it would be cheaper then.) Or can someone recommend a better way?

Thanks!

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~ Tami
Kelley Virtual Solutions

There are many other companies similar to RingCentral, like OneBox and CommuniKate. You might want to search for one that offers local service in your area....each has it's own local numbers "footprint".

Google "virtual communications services".

Originally Posted by BinAL

You might want to search for one that offers local service in your area

That's a good idea - for those of you in Toronto, Voice Mail Tel offers local numbers here.http://www.voicemailtel.com/. I don't know anything about how good their service is, but I thought I'd put it out there.

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Julia

Hi Tammi

I use Kall8 and i am quite happy with it. I have a 1-800 number that I can forward to my cell phone. You can forward your number to any other phone, so you could get a 1-800 number and have it forwarded to your home phone. It's really simple to use and your voice mail messages can even be sent to your email address.

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Maria Quick Link Virtual Assistant Services
www.getquicklink.com
Let Quick Link be your link to today's virtual world

I recently read about magicjack. It consists of a USB device that you plug into your computer and then you plug a regular landline phone into that device. I plan to check it out for my business because I do not have a home phone.

Sarah Blum

Hi

If anyone wants more information on majicjack here is the link

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Maria Quick Link Virtual Assistant Services
www.getquicklink.com
Let Quick Link be your link to today's virtual world

In need a virtual system with unlimit monthly minutes

Maria,
Thanks for posting the information about Kall8. I am going to look into it. This post came up at just the right time for me. I have just started researching this topic. What I would really like to know is there any feedback about Skype? I know Tami mentioned checking into it.
Happy 4th
Teresa

I am currently using Skype. As I am marketing for clients my business income is nill. I have found Skype easy to use and for around $50 for the year have unlimited calling to my own business number. I have set up voicemail so that when I am away from my desk it go to voicemail just like a traditional phone service.

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Lisa Olinda of Olinda Services
Keeping you on the path to success!
www.olindaservices.com

Hi all, thought I would put my 2 cents in. I tried magicjack for their free trial. I ended up sending the device back. It did work, however, apparently my bandwidth was not fast enough to support it. When I placed calls or received calls the sound was very sketchy, to the point my callers indicated they could not hear me most of the time. I did all the troubleshooting as suggested by their customer service but nothing helped. I love the idea, but unless you have a super highspeed internet service available in your area, magicjack isn't worth the time/money.

I now am using Skype and for around $54 per year I have unlimited incoming and unlimited outgoing calls in the US.

Hope this helps.

Michelle