vonage VOIP iConnectHere VOIP Review
If you are thinking about trying a VOIP phone service, you are on the verge of a new level of freedom to pick up the phone and call the world. This is an ideal time to learn your options and choose a provider that will treat you well. To compare iConnectHere with other VOIP providers see my detailed VOIP comparison.
Sign up for iConnectHere online - click here
Service quality
iConnectHere offers quality VOIP phone service at a cheap price whether you live in or outside the USA. The company has been around for a long time, and they just might cause you to exclaim: I Connect Here for VOIP.
Like all the VOIP providers here, iConnectHere offers connections that meet or exceed the quality of land line phone calls. Having said that, there will most likely be instances when the quality falters or the service goes out. These kinds of problems can and will happen with any VOIP provider. That's why I recommend choosing an experienced provider that has already worked out most of the rough edges.
If you can't tolerate any quality fluctuations or downtime, then I would suggest looking at a discount long distance provider.
Features
iConnectHere comes with a long list of features. That's something you expect from any good VOIP provider. You get personalized voicemail, call forwarding, 3-way conference calling, call waiting, and more. For an extra monthly fee you can create a toll free number, but you can't create additional local numbers.
One unique feature with iConnectHere is the ability to create a local number in another country. When you sign up, you can choose a local number in the USA or in one of ten European countries or Israel. Having a local number outside the USA will incur an extra monthly fee (currently $7.99). Whether you create a local number in London or Los Angeles, anyone in that local area can call you for free. And you receive the call at your VOIP enabled phone (in the USA or anywhere worldwide where you have it plugged into the Internet).
If you're traveling with your laptop, iConnectHere also provides a softphone option so you can make phone calls from your computer via wireless.
iConnectHere also offers enhanced 911 (E911) dialing. If this features is setup and working, when you call 911 the operator will see your location on a screen for a faster response time. You need to understand that 911 dialing is not 100 percent dependable with any VOIP providers, and E911 may not be available for some users. IF you drop your local phone company and use iConnectHere exclusively, then you should study this issue and think about having a backup plan (e.g., using a cell phone).
All VOIP phone services are portable. Take your adapter (or VOIP phone) with you anywhere in the world. When you plug it into a high speed Internet connection, your phone is ready to place calls (and receive calls placed to your local number in the USA).
Service plans and pricing
Individual/Family Users
For $29.99 per month get unlimited minutes to and from the USA and Canada including Alaska and Hawaii. Honestly, this is a high monthly rate compared with other VOIP plans in my comparison.
For $15.99 iConnectHere will give you 800 minutes to the USA and Canada. Additional minutes are just 2.3 cents per minute. You get the usual features, including incredible international rates and unlimited free calls to/from other iConnectHere users. This plan is a great value if it meets your needs.
For $24.99 get 1000 minutes to the USA and Canada plus 250 minutes to a list of countries around the world. I'm not so impressed with this plan, because the $15.99 plan gives you very cheap international rates that you can use (or not) if needed.
Of all the VOIP providers that I've reviewed here, only iConnectHere seems very comfortable having users all over the world.
International Users
All the plans above work in and outside of the USA. iConnectHere will even deliver adapters for free to international addresses (a nice service!). I know someone who uses iConnectHere in Japan with very good results.
Business Users
It's okay to sign up your business or home office for the $29.99 residential plan above. I don't think that the business plan offers any extra features.
If iConnectHere determines that you're using an excessive number of minutes, they may force you to switch to a business plan. Basically, this is true for all the VOIP providers if you read carefully.
If you want a business phone service with powerful features (e.g., to replace an office phone system), the see my Packet 8 review.
User experience
iConnecHere is a good service with many satisfied users worldwide. Why not choose a provider that has been there, done that, and become good at what it's doing along the way?
Conclusions
I made iConnectHere an "Editor's Choice" in my comparison because I liked the $15.99 plan (a great value) and iConnectHere's international flavor. Of all the VOIP providers that I've reviewed here, only iConnectHere seems very comfortable having users all over the world. If you have someone who you want to stay in touch with overseas, consider buying him or her an account with iConnectHere with a local number than you can call. Or get two accounts and talk 24/7 for free. Use the link below to learn more and sign up. You get a 30 day trial period with a money back guarantee, so don't forget to save the box and original packaging just in case.
Rated: 4/5