Packet8, one of the big VOIP providers, has just announced their release of a VOIP application for BlackBerry devices. The application recognizes any international country extension and routes those calls through Packet8 for cheaper calls. There is no call back or anything but I am not exactly sure how it works. The prices seem a bit expensive for the casual user who may be better off using EQO or Gizmo Mobile.
You do not have to be a current subscriber of Packet8 in order to sign up for Packet8 Mobiletalk, though you get a discount if you are. There is a one-time $9.99 activation fee for the service and a monthly fee of $9.99 for non-Packet 8 subscribers. Existing Packet8 VOIP subscribers, including subscribers with at least one Packet8 MobileTalk account, pay a monthly service fee of $4.99.
More info after the jump or at this link…
From their website:
- Sign up for a Packet8 MobileTalk account.
(See complete list of compatible phones) - Download the MobileTalk application. (In most cases, your phone will receive a text message* with a link)
- Whenever you make an international call (dialing starts with 011… or starts with ‘+’), the MobileTalk application will automatically route the call to the Packet8 network and you will save up to 90% or more on your international cell phone calls.
With Packet8 MobileTalk, users can dial calls directly and natively from their mobile handset, contact list or speed dial directory without the additional keystrokes required by calling card and other reduced rate international calling services. Once the destination number is dialed or selected, the Packet8 MobileTalk software application identifies the international prefix being called and redirects the call to a local Packet8 network access number. All Packet8 MobileTalk calls are carried to the Packet8 network over the subscribers existing cellular voice phone service and do not require access to an expensive monthly data plan or WiFi access point. Packet8 MobileTalk service offers exceptional rates, $.02 to $.05 per minute for most locations in Europe and Asia, along with unparalleled voice quality as calls are routed over the award-winning, patent-protected Packet8 digital phone VOIP network.