Adios, Skype. I'm using JaJah to make free long distance calls through the Internet using my old-fashioned land line. That's right -- no headset or mic, no software, and definitely no hassle. And I'm loving it. [Thanks for the lead, Amish.]
Here's the quick and dirty:
1. Register with JaJah. It's free and all you do is give them your phone numbers -- any of your land lines and, if you want, your cell. (Get the details here.)
2. Stick in the phone number you want to call and click the aptly-named call button.
3. Your landline phone rings. Pick it up and you'll hear JaJah announce it's calling your buddy's number.
4. Talk. If your buddy is JaJah registered, it's a free call; otherwise, it's .025 per minute in U.S. and Canada (yes, Canada, you can stop complaining). International calls are slightly more expensive.
5. Try it: Before you register, the first five minutes are free. Even after registering, use JaJah without paying (they start you with a credit of $3; you pay when you exceed the limit).
6. There's no contract or fee -- just pay for the calls you make.
7. There's no muss, fuss, or hassle because there's nothing to download or install. You don't need a headset, a microphone, or any extra equipment.
8. Use smart Outlook and Firefox Plugins to call right from those apps.
I think this is just the coolest way there is to make long distance calls. About the only disadvantage is that you'll need access to a PC and browser to make the call.
When I'm traveling, I use my cell phone and notebook from, say, the hotel room or a wireless connection at the airport. (I know what you're thinking -- what about an unlimited calling plan for your cell phone. JaJah is a perfect solution because I'm cheap and about the last guy around still paying by the minute.)
I recently mentioned JaJah to Gavin B., a reader from Toronto. Here's what he said:
"I'm in Canada (not a complaint, just a fact) and my daughter lives in Australia. I can talk to her for 2 1/2 cents US per minute -- over four hours for $7 US! Astounding! Just last week I was paying roughly 10 cents per minute; thirty years ago I paid $7 US per minute to call Australia."
More about JaJah (and VoIP)
Here are three spots to get more details about JaJah and VoIP. The first is "Jajah's Free Telephone Service" and it's here. The second is "Jajah Enables Instant VoIP" and it's here. You can also listen in on PC World's Info Center for Voice Over IP.
What do You Think?
I'm enjoying JaJah, but then again, I get excited pretty easily. I'm curious whether you'd use JaJah -- or if you're happy with Skype (or something else).
Presently I'm using Skype to make calls to India from Zambia. It's USD 0.17 per minutes. I want to know is it much cheaper than that and if it is possible to use it as IP phone using USB phone set.
Pl do reply.
Thanks
Even though I am not in Canada (or Canadian, or play ice hockey, or drink Molson) I think Jajah is up there with sliced bread. What a cool concept! Simple, free or extremely cheap. No download hassle.
Thanks for the highly entertaining article...
I used skype to call free conference call numbers in the US via the home computer (I live in Belgium). What sort of costs will that then be...?
Steve, if you really are cheap, dump your landline alltogether and go with VOIP. For example, Vonage gives you unlimited domestic long distance for only $25 per month. That is a whole lot less than Verizon or any other typical phone company. Then, you can use Jajah for international calls. You will save, save, save!
Just one question- can you call 911 if you needed to with these VoIP services or with Jajah? I heard that you have to have a landline service provider for that- is this true??
Don't you still get hit by your cell provider for incoming calls, which is what your get when Jajah calls you? Very cool, though, especially if you can get your friends and family to sign up.
I was pleasantly surprised by the top-notch audio quality during my free trial call, but a little worried about the 1-2 second delay during my next call to that same number, after registering. Luckily the problem went away after that.
The "scheduling" feature is really handy if you have dial-up service, but it appears they impose the 2.5 cent charge if you use this feature, even when calling another regsitered user.
I'm curious (and poking around their Forum shows many other users also wonder) EXACTLY how you remain an ACTIVE user...and if the answer involves the amount or length of free versus pay calls.
But for now, what's NOT to like?!
Concering the cell phone thing. Many Canadian Cell phone carriers give you plans that have unlimited local incomming calls....hmmmm. Use Jajah to make the call and not use up minutes
I like cheap. I like JaJah. If my daughter likes what's good for her, she'll sign up too. Then Tori can afford to say "Hi" all day long to Grandma. (Hi Honey, please send more pics.)
Quit picking on the Canadians, because USA Americans do a lot of whining too. Canadians, I feel your pain. There are still some companies, like Newegg and Dell, who offer "free shipping", but not to Alaskans. Not even a lousy discount. They even refuse to use the USPS, the only reasonable shipping rates to Alaska.
Congratulations, JaJah. When you achieve your master plan of world domination, and not a single country is capable of challenging your monopoly, because all the competition is dead, please remember those of us who helped you get started. P.S. When are you going to take on international shipping from the USA to foreign countries like Canada and Alaska?
Steve,
My name is Don Thorson. I work at Jajah, so my opinion is just a bit biased. I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to write us up and thank your readers for their great responses. We are totally excited to be getting all this attention. Thank you. And
keep telling your friends, The more registered users we get the lower the prices will go and the better the product will get.
And keep your eyes open, We are planning a few more announcements toward the end of summer. We think you'll like them as well.
Don
Hi Don,
It looks like you're positioning your market entry to blow some of the big guys out of the water. And I don't mean Vonage, Skype or VoIP. I'll be watching with great interest as you make history by capturing market share. Brilliant and proven strategy of switching paradigms from consumer-paid services to advertising based.
In the meantime, I'm reading some very good questions here, which I hope you have time to answer, both here and in your FAQs online.
I'm using your jajah.com tell-a-friend service to get my family, friends, and business associates signed up as soon as possible.
Just stumbled upon the trick for using Jajah WITH a dial-up internet connection: telling your computer to disconnect, after you begin the call takes too long and means Jajah will get a busy signal when it calls you back, BUT I, too, was able to get around that by putting an extension on the phone cord and pulling the plug IMMEDIATELY after hitting the CALL button to initiate the process. If you don't have access to a cell phone, or have limited daytime minutes this comes in handy.
Timmo - you could use the "schedule call" feature and just have Jajah call you at a specific time or in a couple of minutes. That way you can leisurely unplug your phone and still not miss a call from Jajah.
Happy Jajah
I have been using Jajah for about 4 months now to call mainly Trinidad and Tobago it is great. They have improved much, many of my calls used to get disconnected or fail to go through.
The rates are very cheap I pay $12 US for 1.5 hours. The rates did go up some but it is still reasonable. Can't wait till others can reply to the text messages.
I used to be able to call other registered users in the US, but now it no longer says it's free.