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 iConnectHere with three more providers see my broadband phone comparison.
If you are located in the USA read this review instead.
Click here to sign up for Packet 8 online
Service quality
Packet 8 has been a reliable, high quality provider for a long time. Many other VOIP/broadband providers have come and gone, but Packet 8 has endured with a combination of good services and low rates.
Features
Packet 8 comes with many features, including personalized voicemail, call forwarding, 3-way conference calling, call hunting, and much more.
For additional fees you can add extra features like a toll free number or additional local numbers in another area code (including area codes all around the world).
You manage the service online. Incoming calls can be forwarded to your broadband phone (connected to a high speed Internet connection) or to your cell phone, land line, etc.
Packet 8 was the first VOIP provider to offer enhanced 911 (E911) dialing. This is important if you are using the service in the USA as your primary phone line.
All VOIP phone services are portable. Take your adapter (or VOIP phone) with you anywhere in the world. Plug it into a high speed Internet connection and use the service just like in your home office.
Service plans and pricing
Individual/Family Users
Get unlimited minutes to and from the USA and Canada, including Alaska and Hawaii, for a low monthly fee. Packet 8 has "global" calling plans with unlimited international calls to a long list of countries worldwide. This may work out to a huge savings for users who are constantly calling overseas.
International Users
Packet 8 is one of only a few VOIP services that encourages people to use their service overseas. You need to sign up with on of the global calling plans, which cost more than the USA-based basic plan. Again, you have great potential to save on international calls. And you'll have a local US number (or a local number in another country) that people can use to reach you anytime.
Business Users
Packet 8 can replace a full featured business phone system with auto=attendant, extension to extension dialing, conferencing, call hunting, and much more. Call hunting means that incoming calls will bounce to an available extension if the line is busy. If you are running a small business, Packet 8 may be exactly what you need.
User experience
Packet 8 is well respected and well-liked by their customers. Why not choose a provider that weathered the storms and become a symbol of service and quality along the way?
Conclusions
Packet 8 rises to the top in comparison with the other VOIP providers that I've reviewed here. It's easy to recommend Packet 8 for personal and business users in the USA and worldwide.
Rated: 5/5