vonage VOIP Packet 8 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 Packet 8 with other providers see my broadband phone comparison.
If you are located in the USA read this review instead.
Sign up online for Packet8 online - click here
Service quality
Packet 8 has been improving it's service for years, and it's one of the best broadband phone services. New providers may begin with glowing reviews, but you're better off with a well matured provider like Packet 8.
New providers may begin with glowing reviews, but you're better off with a well matured provider like Packet 8.
Packet 8 delivers clear, consistent phone calls that match and surpass the quality of normal phone lines. Be aware you may experience exceptions due to the quality of your Internet connection or a temporary issue with the service. You can't expect 100 percent perfection yet from any broadband phone service, so it's best to work with an experienced provider like Packet 8.
Features
Packet 8 comes with your own local phone number in the USA. Choose a number in any available area code. Anyone in that local calling area can reach you for free just by dialing your local number. You can add additional local numbers for a monthly fee. Toll free numbers in the USA are also available.
You also have unlimited free phone calls with other Packet 8 users.
The service includes many useful features in the basic package: voicemail, call forwarding, 3-way calling, caller ID, and more.
If you are using Packet 8 for business calling, you can choose the virtual office plan. You can use the service to replace an expensive office phone system. The virtual office plan includes a "hunt group" features. When you get an incoming call to your office, the service will "hunt" for an available line in a specified order.
Packet 8 can supply you with a video phone, so you can see a live view of the person you're talking to. This plan is more expensive, but it's obviously worth the price for certain personal and business calling needs.
All broadband phone services are portable. You can ake your Packet 8 adapter anywhere in the world and literally bring the service (including your phone number) with you. Plug into a high speed Internet connection at your hotel, for example, and you can receive and place calls.
Service plans and pricing
Individual/Family / Business Users (available outside the USA)
For $19.99 per month get 1000 minutes to and from the USA and Canada including Alaska and Hawaii, plus unlimited minutes to other Packet 8 users. That's over 16 hours of phone time per month. This is the best values among all the broadband phone plans in my broadband phone comparison.
(For users within the USA the plan above includes unlimited minutes within the USA/Canada rather than 1000 minutes. See this page for my USA review.)
Global Calling Plan (available outside the USA)
For $49.99 you get unlimited minutes to the USA, Canada, plus a very long list of countries (or cities) in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Go to Packet 8 to check the details (see "International Plans").
Video Phone
For $19.99 you can also get a videophone calling plan. I assume that users outside the USA will get 1000 minutes rather than unlimited minutes. In fact, you should confirm whether this plan is available worldwide or not. This plan works like all the others, except you have to pay $149.99 for the phone in addition to the regular charges. Of course, make sure somebody else wants to sign up for a video phone plan before you get one yourself.
Business Plan (available outside the USA)
You can get the $19.99 plan for your business. You still get great features, 1000 minutes to the USA/Canada, and free calls to other Packet 8 users.
For $39.99 you can get the "Virtual Office" plan, with powerful features designed to replace an expensive office phone system. It comes with a professional office phone with an LCD and the ability to route incoming calls within your office. You can build on the "Virtual Office" by adding powerful options depending on your needs. Go to Packet 8 to check the details.
User experience
Packet 8 is a well respected service with many satisfied users. They have been developing and improving the service for a long time. If you ever run into any problems, Packet 8 is known for providing good customer support. That's an important quality to have in any broadband phone service.
Conclusions
Packet 8 was an easy "Editor's Choice" in my broadband phone comparison. The service stands out in the important ways: quality, features, customer support, and price. They offer great plans whether you live in the USA or worldwide. If you want a cheaper plan with 800 minutes to the USA/Canada then see the review. Otherwise, you can visit Packet 8 using the link below to learn more and sign up. You get a 30 day trial period. Be sure to carefully save the box and original packaging just in case.
Rated: 4.5/5