There doesn’t seem to be a shortage of phone lines in my household but truth being told, with Skype, Facetime and my iPhone readily available, I hardly use them. While I’m not sure I’m ready to totally cut out the cord, it would be nice to find a way to cut down some of those monthly expenses.
So I thought I would checkout the NetTALK DUO Wi-Fi VOIP (Voice-Over-Internet Protocol) System. It’s an out of the box solution that retails for $74.95; it includes an adapter, a free Canadian phone number and extendable one-year of service, which after 12 months is $39.95CDN per year (multi-year discounts are available). It allows you to hook up a standard telephone handset to make calls and even send faxes via the Internet. It’s flexible allowing you to connect to the Internet three ways; through your computer, router or anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection.
It offers a number of features you’d expect to get from your phone company and they’re all included free with the NetTALK service. The obvious ones are Call Waiting, Caller ID, Call Forwarding and Voicemail. Visual Voicemail is also available as messages can be sent to your email address and you can listen to them while on the fly. You also get 3-way calling allowing you to add a 3rd person to a call or for a conference call for up to 20 people, you get a dedicated number – likely a 305 area code number, and a pin number access code.
Enhanced Services
411 directory services is also included and Enhanced 911 service, which is configured by supplying your physical address during the activation process.
Two new features that have been recently added are Call Blocking and Caller ID Blocking. Call Blocking allows you to “blacklist” a phone number, like from some of those annoying telemarketers so if they call you from a given number, they will get a busy signal. Caller ID Blocking enables you to suppress your number when making calls for added privacy
Long Distance & Text Plans
You can make calls anywhere to the US and Canada and optionally you can add low-cost international call rate plans add-ons to 60+ countries starting at $10/month.
Calls between two Duo numbers are also free.
Text Plans are available for only $40 per year. It gives you the ability to send and receive text messages using your Duo phone number through a free downloadable app via compatible iOS, and Android devices and Kindle Fire.
Set-Up
Setup can be fairly easy. The Duo has an Ethernet and phone port on one end while on the other end is a micro-USB connector, which allows you to power the device from either a USB or AC adapter (both supplied).
A card with login information including initial User Name and Password along with the unit’s serial number and MAC address located right inside the box gives you a quick start. It also includes a link to the activation portal. Now I did say the setup can be easy. Remember there are three ways to connect; you can configure your setup automatically or manually and depending on whether you are using a Mac or PC. For Windows/XP/Vista/7 users, there’s a configuration tool. I did find myself a little confused at first. I eventually configured the device by hooking up to my router. My suggestion – don’t be a hero, read the manual and setup instructions. There is an FAQ and a number of videos online to guide you. You might just discover as I did that you can get your system’s IP address by pressing *41# on your phone. Who knew?
If you really get stuck, there’s an (PC/Mac) app you can download to get the folks at NetTALK to configure it for you. Live toll-free technical support is also available seven days a week, but only during selected business hours.
You can also select to assign your phone to a number with any Canadian area code. In fact something new in the last month is the ability, for a fee, for Canadians to port their existing numbers over to NetTALK. (Of course there may be some restrictions, but the online portability checker can confirm).
NetTALK is very similar to MagicJack. The latter, although a little cheaper, does not have Wi-Fi capability nor does it support faxing. Comparing it to Skype OUT, which runs about $3/month, it’s nice not to have to pay extra for a phone number nor do you need a specialized phone to use it.
Line Quality
As for call quality, I used 2 identical Panasonic DECT 6.0 cordless handsets to make calls from both my landline and NetTalk. While the NetTalk was quite clear, it wasn’t always as crisp and prominent as the landline – perhaps much more similar to cellphone quality. With heavy bandwidth use, I also discovered some degradation in call quality. I also experienced occasional tininess. I did have the odd dropped call and had to do a reset, but for the most part the experience was quite acceptable.
Likes
What I like about the NetTALK is that you can get a phone line for a mere fraction of what it would cost through a traditional phone company. NetTALK provides long distance and many other features as standard while those same features are “extras” elsewhere. I like that you can assign any Canadian area code and the ability to port your existing phone number is a bonus. Another plus is the ability to use any standard handset, connect wherever you have Wi-Fi and call forward your phone to multiple numbers in a priority sequence, ensuring that you can be found, somewhere.
Challenges
As for who would cut the cord completely, it might work for some, but not others. There may be an issue for those who have an alarm system that relies on a traditional landline. The NetTALK adapter relies on the Internet and external power so if the Internet is down or power goes out and you have no battery backup, you have no phone. While voicemail is flexible, it is only kept for 30 days and I have not been able to find a way to illuminate my voicemail-waiting indicator.
Finally, live technical support has limited hours and wait time in the queue can be a bit long. Of course you need to keep in mind you’re not paying for a traditional phone company’s infrastructure either.
Personally, for an initial investment of about $75 (or less) and $40 a year thereafter, I think this product has huge value and is ideal for someone who can overlook its shortcomings. This might be someone who hardly uses or doesn’t rely on his or her landline for an alarm system. It seems well suited to replace secondary lines, especially a kid’s line or fax line and it’s an even cheaper solution for those who use SmartRing (two phone numbers on one line).
It’s available with a 30-day money back guarantee and can be found through many of your favorite retailers such as London Drugs, Best Buy & Future Shop as well as Staples and Amazon.ca. For more info visit NetTALK.ca.
FREE TEXT for a year
During the month of February, NetTALK is offering a free unlimited netTALK Text Plan for a year with a Duo purchase. Use code LOVE2013 when registering your device.
Rating: 3.8 / 5
Photos courtesy NetTALK.
==================================================
Greg Gazin is the Real Canadian Gadget Guy.
Follow me on Twitter @gadgetgreg or Empire Avenue (e)GADGET1.
==================================================
Categories: Going Mobile, Hands On, Product review
Just got an email this morning :
Dear Valued netTALK Customer,
This notice is to inform you that we were conducting system upgrades to provide clearer call quality, reliability and the ability to add more features to your service in the future. Please note that during the upgrade installations a technical issue has arisen. This has affected in-coming calls in Canada for a small limited group of users which require us to change our phone number provider partner serving Canada. Your ability to receive in-coming calls has been restored.
The fastest and permanent way of restoring your full service is by assigning you with a new phone number, which will allow you to make and receive calls as normal. To see what your new phone number is, please log into your netTALK account manager or see your account information with your new phone number listed below.
netTALK Account #: *****
Username: *****
Phone Number: 1438*******
Note: Because of the change, you will not be able to retain or use your old netTALK phone number. Your newly assigned phone number can be changed free of charge to a more suitable geographical area if needed, or you can transfer your existing landline number. You can make that number change by logging into your account manager. (Your old number may still show up in your account but it will no longer work, you must use your new number.)
Also note: Each affected customer will be credited with 6 months of free service and it will be automatically added to your account within the next few business days!
We apologize for the inconvenience and confusion, thanks for your patience and for being a netTALK Customer.
Sincerely,
netTALK Call Quality Center
****************************************
When logging in to the account manager i dont see the new phone #. Only the old one and i simply cannot change it.
Also both new and old # doesnt receive incoming calls. And of course CS in unreachable.
This is not acceptable.
A new Nettalk number assigned .. I spent so much time communicating my existing number….unbelievable. My service with Nettalk is expiring may 13th and I will not renew it, and I will not recommend it to anyone. On the contrary.
With so much confusion and miscommunication, it is only a matter of time before Nettalk goes out of business.
Adios.
Medy, thanks for updating us.
I was finally able to get my new phone number.
Now i have to change my contact info everywhere …. doesnt worth the 6 months of free service which, by the way, i still don’t see in the account manager.
Hope that this is the last incident, as i will hate to change again but will not hesitate to do so one second.
Hi folks,
This sucks. Out of work and the wrong number is out there on my resume. Can’t beat Netalk’s $3/month price. Can’t afford $20/month to switch companies to the company who owns my old number. (Fibernetics / world line)
Got this email too. My new number is right on my email. (X’d out for privacy) Tried my new number and my new number shows up on my cell. Tried old number and it rings 20 times then hangs up. TERRIBLE !!! Give us an out of service message and tell the new number to the caller.
I have noticed Netalk calls give a false busy signal sometimes. I check this by calling my cell (in my hand) and the fake busy signal again appears. Dear Netalk, if there are times when your lines are down just tell us – fake busy signals are not professional.
My EMAIL:
Dear Valued netTALK Customer,
This notice is to inform you that we were conducting system upgrades to provide clearer call quality, reliability and the ability to add more features to your service in the future. Please note that during the upgrade installations a technical issue has arisen. This has affected in-coming calls in Canada for a small limited group of users which require us to change our phone number provider partner serving Canada. Your ability to receive in-coming calls has been restored.
The fastest and permanent way of restoring your full service is by assigning you with a new phone number, which will allow you to make and receive calls as normal. To see what your new phone number is, please log into your netTALK account manager or see your account information with your new phone number listed below.
netTALK Account #: xxxxxxxxxx
Username: xxxxxxxxxx
Phone Number: 1289xxxxxx
Note: Because of the change, you will not be able to retain or use your old netTALK phone number. Your newly assigned phone number can be changed free of charge to a more suitable geographical area if needed, or you can transfer your existing landline number. You can make that number change by logging into your account manager. (Your old number may still show up in your account but it will no longer work, you must use your new number.)
Also note: Each affected customer will be credited with 6 months of free service and it will be automatically added to your account within the next few business days!
We apologize for the inconvenience and confusion, thanks for your patience and for being a netTALK Customer.
Sincerely,
netTALK Call Quality Center
Copyright © 2013 netTALK.com Inc. All right reserved.
My neighbour who got his Nettalk Duo Last june didn’t experience any issues with his Duo… Calls are OK for both incoming and outgoing … and he gets to keep his phone number !!!
Nettalk, how come this affects me when i’ve been a customer for almost 2 years with the same phone number !!!!
This is really not professional, my account expires in november 2013, and i’m already looking for a replacement solution.
I’m in Fred’s camp. I discovered early on on Thursday April 17th that my phone was not ringing in and called nettalk CS. I was on the horn for 115 minutes (not one hour+half, one hundred and fifteen minutes). I spoke to 2 clueless chunks of stupid for exactly 2.5 of those 115 minutes. Neither of them knew what the problem is and judging by the disclaiming e-mail we all got (in Fred’s message), they still don’t. At first, when I called CS, they try to discourage you from holding by saying “a fibre cut caused the outage and it would be restored shortly by experts in the field”. Lie #1. I used to work in the telephony industry and have repaired hundreds of fibre cables in my time. It takes about 2.5 hours, sometimes up to a day, so “experts” in the field??? Seriously?? What are these “experts” doing all day for almost 1 month???
Anyway, the service went off the air on Thur.Apr.17th in the morning. Maybe down in Florida, they’re on “ocean time”. I would love to work there and be as incompetent professionally as they are, but here in Canada, we fix what gets broken NNNNOOOOOWWWWW. We spend all night if necessary, but FIX IT NOW. By Friday, I knew it wasn’t a cut fibre. I called them back, spent another 72 minutes on “ignore” and demanded to speak to a supervisor which took another 19 minutes of my life I’ll never get back. I asked her for a call-back number in case my call got cut off (which happens very frequently, and they’ll blame your own telephone sets), and she actually expected me to believe that neither she, nor the executive team members ON THEIR OWN WEB SITE, nor anyone else had inbound lines. Lie #2. The only way to speak to ANYONE at Nettalk is through the CS number?? Seriously?? What if the supervisor’s child’s teacher called to tell her her kid had swallowed a pair of scissors??? RED FLAG: If there are ZERO inbound telephone lines into ANY business in US or Canada, why don’t they use their OWN service for inbound calling? How rinky-dink is a workplace with no inbound lines?
They’re not even competent enough to recover the block of phone numbers they gave us originally. So they either can’t afford it, or they just plain don’t give a horse’s dump about Canada (typical).
Lie #3. They “CLAIM” they have 40 agents in their call centre, but if you’ve ever built call centres like I have in the past, you can tell they might have 10 at most for all of US and Canada. It can’t possibly take 115 minutes to get through to CS (if you’re desperate or stupid enough to wait that long). So I got 2 e-mail addresses and had to literally “E-argue” with them. To this day, I’ve been without home phone service for almost 3 weeks and lost my number – I’m on disability, unemployed and my very expensive cell phone is the ONLY means of a phone. I guess I could use the $20 Nettalk rebate to pay that bill.
Final words, DO NOT GET NETTALK. Sounds great, but in practice, they are just a bunch of hackers. $40/year -…
Worst customer service ever!!! No warnings for outage. Do not answer phone calls. Do not reply to emails. Over all bad phone quality.
Stay away!!!!
Same Canadian problem as others. Contacted NetTalk today, and was informed that I have a new number. I don’t understand why they could not contact me so that I knew! (Never been contacted by NetTalk.) Unfortunately, any calls from people in my neighbourhood will be long distance, as there are no local numbers available. I can’t even get a number from an adjoining community. Customer service DOES NOT exist. I’m not a happy camper.
Very dissatisfied as we lose connection intermittently and this is very unreliable if we are expecting an important call. We are technically saavy ppl and made sure it wasn’t anything to do with our router and even gave the net talk service highest priority when it comes to quality of service on our router and it still goes down. To make matters worse, we will lose our old number if we cancel our service…don’t get net talk, the money saved is not worth the hassle!