Packet8 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 Packet 8 with other VOIP providers see my detailed VOIP comparison.
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Service quality
Packet8 has been around long enough to prove itself. It's one of the best VOIP service providers. New VOIP providers often start out with rave reviews then quickly deteriorate when thousands of new users all sign up. Packet8 has been through all that and emerged with solid services and great rates.
Features
Packet8 comes with a long list of features included in the basic price, like personalized voicemail, call forwarding, 3-way conference calling, call waiting, call hunting, and more.
For a small fee, you can add toll free numbers or additional local numbers in area codes that you choose. Packet8 even lets you add local numbers in a long list of countries around the world.
You manage the service online. Incoming calls can be forwarded to your VOIP phone or to a cell phone, land line, etc.
Packet8 was the first VOIP provider to offer enhanced 911 (E911) dialing. First, you have to register your location. Then if you call 911 the operator will see your registered location on a screen. 911 dialing is not 100 percent dependable with any VOIP provider, so please study this issue and think about having a backup plan (e.g., keeping your local phone service, using a cell phone, etc).
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. You can also choose a "global" calling plan 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
Packet8 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
For business users, Packet8 offers many options (global calling plans, a virtual office plan, etc.) Packet8's virtual office is designed to replace an expensive office phone system. You get a customizable auto-attendant, 3-digit extension to extension dialing, three-way conferencing, conference bridge, multiple call handling, business-class voicemail, hunt groups, a cool phone, and unlimited calling to the United States and Canada. "Hunt groups" means that when one office line is busy the service will hunt for the next available line in an order that you specify.
User experience
Packet8 is well respected with many happy customers. This service has been developing and improving for a long time. If you choose a new and upcoming VOIP provider, then you may have to weather some storms with them. Why not choose a provider that has been through all that and become a symbol of quality along the way? And if you do have trouble, Packet8 is also known for good customer support.
Conclusions
Packet8 was an easy "Editor's Choice" in comparison with the other VOIP providers that I've reviewed here. Packet8 excels in the important ways: quality, features, service and price. It works very well for personal and business users in the USA and worldwide.
Rated: 5/5