Get free phone service and text messaging from TextNow - CNET
Get free phone service and text messaging from TextNow - CNET |
Get free phone service and text messaging from TextNow - CNET Posted: 07 Jan 2021 08:42 AM PST ![]() TextNow's free plan affords unlimited calls and text messages using actual cell towers, not Wi-Fi. There's no data included, but not everyone needs it. Rick Broida/CNETOne could argue that a phone without a data plan isn't good for much, but that's not true for everyone. Remember voice calls? Yep, still a thing. And text messaging? Just as important these days. Meanwhile, many of us are still working from home, where Wi-Fi handles all our data needs. And I know some older people who don't use apps at all; they just need a phone. So let's revisit this compelling plan introduced by TextNow about a year ago: Unlimited ad-supported calls and text messages, absolutely free. There's no data included (more on that below), though calls do use voice-over-IP cellular data, not traditional cell service. Virtually all other apps that allow free calls and messaging (Google Voice, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and so forth) require Wi-Fi or a traditional data plan. So, for example, if you've got an old phone lying around and want to keep it active as a backup, here's a totally free way to do that. Similarly, you could give a phone to a kid or other family member who just needs a way to keep in touch, without the added expense of a monthly bill. Read more: The best budget phones for 2021 Just to be clear, any phone running TextNow's free plan can still do app and internet things. It'll just need Wi-Fi to do them. Who's paying for this free lunch?As noted above, this is an ad-supported service, one that operates on Sprint's network (which is now owned by T-Mobile). Those ads take the form of banners within the TextNow app and occasional videos (some with sound) that appear after a call. You'll also see full-page pop-up ads, though only once a day at most, according to a TextNow spokesperson. If you want an ad-free experience, you can pay $9.99 a month. That also scores you voicemail transcription and unlimited photo and video history. As for data, TextNow gives you the option of 2GB per month for $19.99. That's a reasonably competitive rate, though if you're looking for low-cost service that includes data, make sure to check out carriers like Hello Mobile, Mint Mobile and Visible. Maybe you just want data for a month or two at a time? No problem, after that you can always revert back to the free plan. As with most smaller carriers, TextNow requires no contract. There are TextNow apps for Android and iOS; the free plan is available on both platforms. You need a Sprint-compatible phone and SIM card; if you're missing the latter, you can buy an activation kit for $9.99. Does it work?This free plan is available anywhere on the Sprint Nationwide Network; you can see the coverage map here. However, data roaming is not included, so your only option for service outside the network would be on Wi-Fi. "For most customers, our coverage and service will be indistinguishable from that of the Sprint cellular network, and may actually be better in some circumstances," according to the aforementioned TextNow representative. TextNow does use "real" SMS and MMS, which is important for things like shortcode messaging (five-digit numbers used primarily for business-to-consumer messaging and advertising) and two-factor authentication. "Messaging does run through the app but delivers over real SMS and MMS channels with all the major operators in the US and Canada," the rep told me. "TextNow also supports most shortcodes, just like normal carriers do." As noted above, I first learned about this free plan about a year ago. At that time I tested it with an old Motorola Moto X4, which happen to have a compatible Sprint SIM card. Although I did encounter a handful of issues with setup, resulting in trips to various support pages and phone-settings menus, eventually I got everything working. And now I have a functional extra phone that's not costing me a dime to operate. When Wi-Fi is available, TextNow defaults to that. When it's not, I can still make and take phone calls and send and receive text messages. The service even includes free calls to Canada, conference calling, voicemail and group texting. This could be a genuine money-saver for some users and a lifesaver for others. Your thoughts? Read more: 8 best phones under $200: Our picks for budget phones that still work great CNET's Cheapskate scours the web for great deals on tech products and much more. For the latest deals and updates, follow him on Facebook and Twitter. You can also sign up for deal texts delivered right to your phone. Find more great buys on the CNET Deals page and check out our CNET Coupons page for the latest Walmart discount codes, eBay coupons, Samsung promo codes and even more from hundreds of other online stores. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Answers live on our FAQ page. |
Best IP phones of 2021: VoIP phones for the small business and home office - TechRadar Posted: 27 Apr 2020 12:00 AM PDT IP phones are designed to work with VoIP services in a dedicated way, rather than work with landlines. This means they can have all the features you'd expect from a telephone, but are more properly integrated into the wider array of features that a business VoIP telecoms service can provide. Some of the best IP phones run on modern phone operating systems such as Android to give them advanced features – from video conferencing to multi-user calls as well as contact and schedule management. These can also work with audio conferencing services to get the most out of your communications. Continue reading to check out our picks of the best IP phones for small business and home office. Best IP phones - at a glance
When you don't need all the bells and whistles of more expensive handsets, the VVX300 fits the bill. Designed to be as simple as possible for IT departments to deploy, it features good call quality for everyday communications, six speed dial keys and a 12-key dial keypad for basic functions such as muting the headset, placing somebody on hold and muting the call. This VoIP phone from Grandstream offers dedicated landline and SIP functionality, working with all the features you'd expect to need to use with a good VoIP phone. The 8 speed dial keys make it quick and easy to get in touch with main contacts efficiently, and the HD audio means that the sound should be clear both through the handset and also through the speakerphone. 4 XML programmable soft keys allow for 4-way voice conferencing and Bluetooth support allows you to switch between phones as required. If you need a simple cordless handset that can be used with a lineline or over the internet, this German-engineered handset is worthy of consideration. By connecting the C530IP to an internet router, it can be used for making up to three parallel calls removing the need for separate lines for multitasking. It also features a 1.8-inch TFT color display where VIP contacts can be saved and assigned custom ringtones. Just be aware that this handset is no longer compatible with Skype. An affordable entry-level IP phone for SMBs, the GXP165 is capable of making excellent quality calls and features a narrow graphical LCD display that's operated using three buttons. It offers HD wideband audio for full-duplex hands-free speakerphone operation, and it's designed for use in larger offices thanks to an echo cancellation feature. Its large phonebook can store up to 500 contacts and 200 records in its memory, and has a built-in web configuration that can fetch the phone's IP directly from the LCD display for IT support. This Grandstream unit features an elegant dark and sleek design with a large colourful display to give it a modern touch, though we found that the display suffers from a very slight amount of latency when you're whizzing through its various menus. But for the price, you get a great package – the unit itself has a high-end feel in the hand that belies its affordable price tag. In terms of functionality, it features Dual Gigabit ports, integrated PoE and the ability to speed dialling up to 160 contacts (48 can be displayed on-screen for dialling). For when call quality and range matters, Grandstream has prepared the DP720. As a simple black handset that slots into a flimsy yet functional base, it's ideal for workers who want a cordless phone that can be picked up and taken out of the office – up to 50 metres away indoors. It supports up to 10 SIP accounts per handset, immediately displays caller ID instead of between the first and second rings, it and can handle multiple calls in wideband voice quality. Video-calling still has many practical uses in business, and this Cisco Video IP phone makes dialling into face-to-face meetings a breeze. Its touchscreen LCD display sports 1,024 x 600-pixel resolution and is compatible with a host of meeting applications including Cisco WebEX and the Cisco Jabber messaging integration platform, in addition to on-demand cloud services. And because it runs Android, the DX650 can be easily paired with smart devices using Bluetooth to share contacts and call histories. This Yealink IP phone is great option if you're seeking a phone with a big and useful display that's operated with buttons rather than using your greasy fingers. It offers excellent call quality, houses a dual-port Gigabit Ethernet port around the back and can work with up to 16 SIP accounts. Just be aware that this model does not have Wi-Fi built into the handset and requires a dongle for such functionality. Not does it ship with a power supply due to having POE (power-over-ethernet) built into the unit). The CP-8865 is an affordable SIP phone designed for video calling that features a big and bold 5-inch display operated using buttons positioned on either side. It offers exception call clarity, and video calls stretch to 720p HD which looks clear and crisp on its small display. There's also programme feature keys which can be customised to be used with a variety of deployment options including Cisco on-premises hosted calls, Webex Calling, and other third-party alternatives. To top off the package, this unit features USB ports for charging smartphones or Bluetooth headsets. Cisco calls this model a handset that's 'as smart as any smartphone', which is a contentious claim (excuse the pun) and doesn't quite ring true (and again). However, it is one of the most feature-packed on our list, featuring built-in Wi-Fi without the need for a dongle. The SPA5252G also can transfer calls to a smartphone to easily take a call out of the office. Most impressive of all is its support for Cisco MonitorView, which allows you to stream video to its 3.2-inch color display from a remote IP camera. |
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