With magicJack being advertised as a free long distance phone service, many users don’t seem to know that there is a cost involved when making international calls to non U.S. numbers. Though this cost does exist, the company provides EXCEPTIONAL calling rates to over 120 countries worldwide. These rates are much cheaper than most other phone companies, sticking in-line with the companies goal to be the price leader in the VoIP industry
Did you really think magicJack could offer unlimited international calls for a price of just $20 per year. This certainly isn’t possible for any company right now because the international companies charge all providers, including magicJack, for connecting to their services. So magicJack has to pass those costs on to you or they would be flat broke in just months.
Though its not a total loss for those hoping to make internationals calls for free, and here’s why. For those overseas that want to make international calls to U.S numbers magicJack provides free international calls to all U.S. numbers no matter where you or they are in the world. The difference here is that you are calling a U.S. number, on their dedicated CLEC network that they own so they’re not charged 3rd party fees and they have chosen to pass the savings on to callers around the world. What a nice gesture by magicJack.
You can review the current international rates schedule below:
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To make international calls all you have to do is purchase prepaid credits. Credits can be purchase in increments of $5, $10 and $20. With prepaid credits you never have to worry about getting a ridiculous bill because once your credits run out your call will be disconnected. Sure this may sound inconvenient but it is much better to get disconnected and know exactly how much you’ve spent than end up with the surprise of an expensive phone bill.
One thing we would like to see from magicJack, is a flat rate international plan similar to what Skype has. We do realize they’re trying to stay away from anything similar to monthly fee structures. But a lot of people would still pay 10 or 12 bucks a month for international calls to their favorite country or countries.