(Update at the bottom)
I can't remember exactly when I started using PC2Call, but I am so glad I found it. Once you have signed up you can immediately start using the service providing you have a microphone and speakers. It is recommended that you have a headset, something I would advise. ... Read review
Advantages: Reasonably reliable, excellent sound quality, no software installation necessary Disadvantages: Calls can cut off at times, service has dropped noticeably, free calls to the UK have been abandoned
(Update at the bottom)
I can't remember exactly when I started using PC2Call, but I am so glad I found it. Once you have signed up you can immediately start using the service providing you have a microphone and speakers. It is recommended that you have a headset, something I would advise. Without it you get a whine on the line, which can be very annoying. Not to mention the privacy problems with having the other person's voice blaring ... .../>
Because I have free Internet at home and at university, PC2Call is perfect for chatting to my girlfriend for long periods of time. It costs nothing! The quality is excellent - almost like a mobile phone. The applet for running the service downloads pretty quickly, even with a normal 56K modem.
PC2Call is available for calling other countries, but this is at a cost. The rates are cheap though - 3p a minute for France. Only ... more
(Update at the bottom)
I can't remember exactly when I started using PC2Call, but I am so glad I found it. Once you have signed up you can immediately start using the service providing you have a microphone and speakers. It is recommended that you have a headset, something I would advise. Without it you get a whine on the line, which can be very annoying. Not to mention the privacy problems with having the other person's voice blaring out the speakers! A headset also minimizes echo.
Because I have free Internet at home and at university, PC2Call is perfect for chatting to my girlfriend for long periods of time. It costs nothing! The quality is excellent - almost like a mobile phone. The applet for running the service downloads pretty quickly, even with a normal 56K modem.
PC2Call is available for calling other countries, but this is at a cost. The rates are cheap though - 3p a minute for France. Only the UK is free, but I don't use it for anything else anyway.
As web phone services go, this is definitely the best one I have found. I used to use Go2Call before they shut off free service, and they were both less reliable and had a worse sound quality than PC2Call. A slight problem with PC2Call is that the call usually disconnects after around half an hour, though you can usually immediately call back. Also sometimes there is congestion on the lines, and so you can't get through, but I just keep trying and after a few tries I connect.
Other services I have seen while browsing the Web limit the call to five minutes, or use a facility such as NetMeeting to run the calls. PC2Call loads off the Web itself - there is no need for any additional installing of software. Another one I have tried is HotTelephone, which asks you to install an applet onto your computer first. It is supposed to be very good, but when I tried using it I could not connect, despite trying several times.
If you want a free phone service to and within the UK and you have free or unlimited phone access using a 56K modem or better (I have not tried slower modems) then I definitely recommend trying PC2Call.
Update 16.2.2001
PC2Call have now updated their web site. The interface for dialling is now more attractive, and the site itself is easier to navigate and more pleasant to use. However I have noticed a distinct drop in service - I would guess it is due to increased use of PC2Call. Now it often takes many tries (perhaps 20 at times) before your call is connected. It can get annoying, but the calls are still free so it is still well worth the effort and a little patience.
Update 21.3.2001
Unfortunately PC2Call have stopped their free UK calls. It took me by surprise, as no publicity was sent out to notify users. Now all calls are charged for, though at 3p a minute the cost is less than a lot of phone companies. However I would not recommend paying for the service as it is not always easy to connect. There are already other phone systems which charge less, such as OneTel (2.5p a minute within the UK), and these use normal phone lines which gives much clearer audio and prevents the constant disconnection I was accustomed to using PC2Call.
Advantages: free pc to land line calls Disadvantages: logging on
Some of you may have not heard of this great service, which offers you free internet to landline calls anywhere in the UK FREE, it doesn't cost you a penny, and it's unlimited access with no unexpected charge. All you do is need a headset so you can talk, sign up wait for your pin number and you can get calling FREE.
There's no restriction when or how long, it's up to you, just minimise your browser, continue surfing the web and talking to your ... ...depends on your sound card, better than a mobile but considering it's free then who cares..........
HOW FREE
Completely 100% free, nothing to pay at all and if you have friends and family abroad they can use this service to ring the UK, although you can't ring other countries yet.....but you can buy a calling card, but I prefer not to and stick to the FREE offer.......
Excellent service, and if you haven't heard of this then give it a go. However, ...
begum 03.02.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of PC2Call.com
This is a really great free service that you can use online, phoning any uk landline for free on the web. All its costs is the origional cost that you are paying whilst online. Pc2call do not charge for this excellent service. And if you have a business online you can incorparate this onto your web page so that a customer can phone you whilst online and make an order and this is also free too. You can also make calls all over the world at a much ...
chicco 27.07.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of PC2Call.com
This site offers the chance of free pc calls from the internet to any land line in the UK and Ireland. It’s a very good service, and by signing up you can start talking. It’s unlimited and free so there’s no surprise bills or charges. All you require is a headset and you can start chatting. There are quite a few sites like this, but this is one of the best. If you are abroad you can ring free, and if you really want you can start ... ...it can be busy at times, and it does have a tendency to disconnect after every 15 minutes.
The homepage is well designed, and the dial up box is so well designed it looks really good. You do need a quality sound card for better reception, but it’s a great service, which could slash your phone bill quite a lot. For anyone interested other free call sites include:
Webfreecalls.com
Go2call.co.uk
Phonefree.com
Wowring.com ...
sam123 26.02.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of PC2Call.com
