MAKE FREE PHONE CALLS TO THE US & CANADA FROM YOUR PC
1) Setup a Gmail Account
You must have a Gmail account to make the phone calls. If you don't already have an account, go to http://www.gmail.com/ and setup your account.
You must have a Google Voice number to make the phone calls. If you don't already have an account, go to www.google.com/voice to setup your account.
Google Voice has some wonderful features. With Google Voice, you can get a transcript of all your voice messages, setup the number to ring your home, work, and cell phones so you never miss a call, and even block annoying callers. Lori Cunningham over at the Well Connected Mom blog did a wonderful write-up on how to use Google Voice so be sure to check it out.
3) Install the Voice and Video Chat Plugin on your PC
Go to http://www.google.com/chat/voice and download the software to your PC.
On the Gmail sidebar, choose the CALL PHONE option. A phone keypad will appear on the screen. Use the keypad to type in the phone you want to call and that's it. You will hear the caller through the speakers on your PC. You can use a PC headset or microphone to speak to the person you are calling. For my test, I just used a cheap microphone from one of my son's toys and I came through crystal clear.
Skype, Watch Out!
Google Phone also has video capability included. So, Google seems to be doing the major components of Skype - but all for FREE!
International Calling Available, but NOT FREE
Calls within the US and Canada are FREE. But you can also make international calls at the following rates...
- India - 6 cent per minute
- UK landline - 2 cent per minute
- UK mobile - 18 cent per minute
- Mexico landline - 10 cent per minute
- Mexico mobile - 19 cent per minute
- France landline - 2 cent per minute
- France mobile - 15 cent per minute
- Click here for a complete list of international calling cost
Enjoy!
