Some prepaid calling cards are no bargains

You might not get exactly what you're paying for when it comes to using prepaid calling cards to reach out to family and friends, according to a new study by the Washington-based Hispanic Institute.

It tested 45 international prepaid calling cards for efficacy and value, and found that the average card delivered only 60 percent of the minutes promised. A third of the 45 cards delivered the full call-time promised; seven, or 15.6 percent, didn't work at all; and eight had call completion rates of 50 percent or less. Three cards provided less than 20 percent of the minutes promised
Dropped calls, poor sound quality and post-dial delays of up to 50 seconds were common among most of the cards. Just 15 cards allowed the caller to use the entire time balance. The institute said consumers were misled by excessive fine print, confusing terms and conditions, or simple omission of important information about card usage.

Those who are hit hardest by prepaid calling card fraud are mostly immigrants who use them as a cost-effective option to keep in touch with family and friends abroad, the institute said. Prepaid phone cards have grown into a $4 billion industry, responsible for 11 billion calls in 2004.
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Cheap international calling cards

Merits of Using Calling Cards

The use of an international calling card is perhaps one of the most convenient ways of making long distance calls. More often than not, the calling cards are of a "prepaid" nature - which means that a person needs to pay for the card before using the same. The uncertainty of phone bills is replaced with the assurance of talking for a certain number of pre-specified minutes. The use of calling cards translates into users saving money on their long distance phone bills. In addition, the hassles of monthly bills and detailed statements are done away with.

Apart from significant savings on phone bills, the calling cards have other advantages as well. In addition to being easy on the pocket, the calling cards are also easy to acquire. Users can get the calling cards easily "off-the-shelf" and pay for the same through cash or credit cards. More importantly, users can select specific cards depending on their individual needs and subject to their budgetary constraints. People could thus exercise their choices and get to acquire calling cards that are designed for their specific use.

More importantly, the international prepaid cards are easy to activate. One could activate the same using a pin number or a toll free number. In some instances, secret pin numbers are also used.

So, calling cards could be the answer if you are missing someone at home. You could also use an international calling card, if you want to hear the voice of your loved ones. As a matter of fact, long distance calling cards ensure that individuals remain connected with their near and dear ones at the minimum possible costs.

A number of private telecom companies have come up that offer cheap international and UK calling cards to customers and end users. There is a lot of competition in this field and the ultimate beneficiaries are the end users.
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Cheap international phone cards

Prepaid Phone Cards Can Save you a Bundle This Holiday Season

The holidays are traditionally a time for family members to get together. But for many, it is not quite possible simply because they are separated by great distances. It is hard enough to have loved ones living hundreds of miles away, let alone those who live across oceans. So the next best thing is to pick up the phone and greet them. Technology has indeed cut through the distance barrier with facilities like email or computer-to-computer voice calls. Yet for many, technology is still not that reachable. For example, grandpa and grandma may be quite capable of sending and receiving emails, but they may not be savvy enough to connect a microphone and headphones to the computer sound card. So the best way to reach out and touch them is by way of a good old-fashioned telephone call. Grandpa and grandma will probably tell you of a time when making long distance calls would make you think twice. Yes there was indeed a time when long distance calls had to be thought of before being pencilled into the monthly budget. It was that expensive. But thanks again to technology, you can now have lengthy long distance or even overseas calls for less than the price of your daily fill of gourmet coffee. These kinds of low, low rates are probably not available through your telephone company though. You would have to purchase a prepaid phone card to be able to enjoy these kinds of savings. Depending on the phone card brand and the location you are calling, your savings could be as much as 70%. Phone cards have indeed become mainstream and are quite indispensible among many. They are popular among young students who live far away from their folks but would like to keep in regular contact by phone. Professionals who are traveling regularly keep a supply of these cards handy. Tourists from overseas resort to them as well so they can save on their pocket money while calling home. Prepaid phone cards can be purchased through most convenience stores, in the mall, through vending machines and most certainly over the world wide web. In fact this is the most convenient way. All you do is visit an online prepaid calling card retailer, select your choice of card (there are literally dozens to choose from), create an account with them, pay with your credit card and you will be automatically issued a PIN. Depending on the card you choose, you will either be given a toll-free or local-access number to call. Then you enter the PIN, and you can now proceed with making your long distance or overseas call. That was the easy part. The part that could take up most of your time when shopping online for prepaid cards is studying the terms of each phone card brand. Some cards may have the cheapest per minute cost but they will deduct a weekly maintenance fee. The maintenance fee goes into the handling of customer inquiries such as credits used, remaining balance and other customer service related issues. On the other hand, some cards may have a higher per minute charge but do not deduct any other fees. So you are advised to check out each brand's terms first before buying. So before you spend all your holiday shopping money, be sure to set aside $10-$20 for your prepaid cards if you plan on spreading some holiday cheer with your faraway loved ones. In fact, this small investment may already keep you talking well into the new year.
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Cheap international phone cards

Schools to give calling cards to military

Three area charter schools are helping overseas military personnel keep in touch with family members this holiday season.

The schools — Bonita Springs Charter, Gateway Charter and Six Mile Charter Academy — are taking $6.50 donations for prepaid phone cards through Dec. 21, the last day of classes before the two-week winter break. Charter Schools USA of Fort Lauderdale runs the schools.

The effort is part of Operation Uplink, a program that provides free long-distance phone cards to active military and hospitalized veterans.

Donors have the opportunity to include a personal message to soldiers with their contribution, expressing their gratitude and support.

Operation Uplink is a national program sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
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Cheap international phone cards

Long Distance Calling Cards And Cheap Phone Cards

by: Mike Yeager
In the old days (7-10 years ago) there were no long distance calling cards and cheap phone cards so it could cost you a ton of money to make long distance calls. Calling your grandparents in another state or calling home from college on the weekends was very expensive and prohibitive. Those days have gone forever and now it's more convenient and inexpensive than ever to stay in touch with friends and relatives from not only the next state, but also the next country with long distance calling cards. You can find prepaid long distance calling cards that are literally only pennies a minute to call from anywhere in the Continental U.S. to anywhere in the Continental U.S. And for calling international? Wow! Have the prices ever dropped for calling overseas. It used to be 1 or 2 dollars a minute just to call Asia or Europe; now those same phone calls can be made for a tenth of that or better.

Which type of Long Distance Calling Cards works best for you.

When looking to save money on your long distance calling cards narrow down what your calling habits usually entail. Do you generally call only within the U.S. or do you also call your old friends in Australia? Deciding on the type of calling you engage in will save you quite a bit of money as you shop for the best long distance calling cards with the most minutes and the cheapest rates.
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Free Calling Services to Aid Victims of Southern California Wildfires

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon is stepping up with a $60,000 grant to assist Southern Californians forced from their homes amid devastating wildfires that have swept across the region.

Verizon is also providing evacuees with a range of free calling services - from cell phones to automatic call-forwarding - to help them stay connected during the natural disaster.

"Our neighbors are in trouble and we want to help," said Verizon West Region President Tim McCallion. "Communicating in times of crisis is critical, and obviously many people need food, shelter and other basic necessities. We are providing an array of financial and operational support to those who have been displaced by these devastating fires, and we intend to help make the homeowners, business owners and relief workers' lives a little easier during this very trying time."

The Verizon Foundation will donate $60,000 to the American Red Cross for fire victims, with the grant to be divided equally among the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego and Riverside county chapters of the Red Cross.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Verizon employees throughout Southern California are working in shifts round the clock to maintain and restore communications in areas where the blazes have disrupted landline and cellular service.

"Verizon employees will continue to work tirelessly to enable our customers to make calls and use the Internet on our network, and to meet the special needs of emergency responders and relief organizations," said John Palmer, president, Verizon Wireless' Southern California region. "We recognize the value of communications in a crisis, and are proud to serve. It's times like these that we can see the real value of our ongoing investment in our California network -- for coverage, capacity, new capabilities and reliability."

Steve Young, senior vice president for corporate and government markets for Verizon Business, said, "Verizon stands ready to help our customers in the state of California to ensure their continued business operations during this challenging time."

Other ways that the company is responding to needs of residential, business and government customers include:

-- Donating 260 cell phones and 25 BroadbandAccess wireless cards to 16
government agencies throughout Southern California.

-- Setting up banks of toll-free phones for evacuation shelters at the
National Orange Show Fairgrounds, Building Gate No. 5, 590 Arrowhead
Ave., San Bernardino.

-- Deploying an emergency mobile communications command center at the
shelter at the National Orange Show Fairgrounds. The calling command
center should arrive later this week at the site, where evacuees and
emergency response personnel will be able to make local and
long-distance phone calls.

-- Providing a high-capacity data line to the local government agencies
operating at the National Orange Show Fairgrounds evacuation shelter.

-- Offering free call-forwarding to Verizon landline customers who have
been forced to leave their home or business because of the fires. (To
set up the service, residential customers should call 1-800-483-1000;
business customers should call 1-800-483-2000.)

-- Installing one cellular repeater to enhance cell phone signal strength
and capacity at the Irvine fire command center.

-- Installing one Cell on Light Truck (COLT) at the Orange County command
center and one at the Santa Clarita command center to increase cellular
network capacity.

-- Deploying employees equipped with 100 Verizon Wireless phones, 20
laptops and seven BroadbandAccess cards to Qualcomm Stadium, El Toro
High School, the Orange Show Fairgrounds and Del Mar Racetrack relief
centers to allow evacuees to make calls, check email and charge their
wireless devices.

-- Verizon Business has set up audio and net conference calls for state
and local agencies and educational institutions. The calls will be
used for emergency response, to coordinate firefighting strategy and
disaster relief efforts, and conduct daily business during the crisis
situation. Many of these conference calls have 100 connections or more
and are kept as standing calls so emergency responders can dial in for
updates throughout the day.

Despite the widespread fires, Verizon's Southern California wireline and wireless networks remained largely unaffected Wednesday.

Fewer than 3,600 landline phones were reported out of service, and only a small fraction of the region's cell sites had been affected. Some minor outages were the result of direct fire damage to Verizon communication lines and equipment, and others were attributed to drained backup batteries in electronic equipment in areas that lost commercial power.

Verizon technicians are stockpiling materials and are prepared to enter the affected areas to restore service as soon as fire department officials declare it safe to do so.

Verizon is encouraging customers to limit non-emergency calls to free up network capacity for emergency agencies and operations. For wireless customers, text messages are an effective way to get messages through with a smaller demand on the network.

Verizon Communications Inc. , headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 62 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 238,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $88 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.
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Retailers call for cut in card charges

EAST of England businesses have joined national retailers in calling on banks to reduce their “prohibitive” plastic card charges as a survey revealed more than half of transactions are still in cash.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which carried out a “cost of collection” survey, has claimed there is a drive by plastic card issuers to kill off cash, and condemned it as a “self-serving attempt to rake in millions more in charges”.

The BRC said customers did not realise the “huge” sums retailers were charged for processing card payments.

On average, a £20 cash transaction costs a retailer less than four pence, while a £20 credit card transaction costs at least 17 pence, it claimed.

Collecting all payments, including cash, cards and cheques, cost retailers £317million last year, with processing of credit card payments accounting for 51% of that, even though they represented only 22% of sales turnover, it said.

BRC director general Kevin Hawkins said: “Banks have long abused their position by imposing much higher charges on retailers for processing card payments than cash. Clearly the banks have spotted that replacing cash with cards would mean a further boost to their profits.

“Retailers are not opposed in principle to cards taking a bigger share of the payments market, but as they try to accelerate that process, the banks should acknowledge their card charges are too high. There should be a lower, fixed fee per transaction which actually reflects the costs of processing.”

David Burch, East of England policy officer for the Federation of Small Businesses, said the charges were “extremely prohibitive” for retailers.

About 23% of their membership in the region was made up of retailers, and most of them supported a range of payment options, he said.

“Most of them wish to see as wide a range of payment options as possible,” he said.

“We would also welcome a reduction in charges for the use of these cards because they are extremely prohibitive to retailers.”

Around 70% of their East of England FSB members still relied heavily on cash and cheques to receive and make payments, he added.

Andy Rayner, a member of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce said the issue affected retailers more when they were small businesses.

“For a small, independent business that could certainly hurt you,” he said. “The banks have had it in a lot of ways their own way for many years.”

He called for all costs to be looked at and reduced accordingly.

“It's all about being fair. Everybody has to earn a living and everybody has to make a living in business,” he said. “What we are trying to do as retailers is to offer as many ways to pay as possible. Because you want to make that sale in a lot of ways you swallow that cost.”
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10 Tips: Dial up some help with your phone bill

By Laura T. Coffey
A few years ago, the options for reducing your local and long-distance phone bills were nothing like they are today. These tips can help you determine the best way to lower your phone costs, depending on your circumstances and needs.

1 Reflect on your calling patterns. Do you make lots of long-distance calls? How many special services - caller ID, call waiting and three-way calling - have you come to rely on? Study one or two recent phone bills.

2 Make your calls via the Internet. If you have a high-speed Internet connection, you stand to save up to $400 a year by using Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, to make the bulk of your calls. For about $20 to $25 a month, you can score unlimited calling through Vonage (www.vonage.com, Packet8 (www.packet8.net) and phone and cable companies that offer VoIP services. Another over-the-Internet provider, Skype (www.skype.com), offers ultra-low-cost services.

3 Go wireless. Cut your landline and use your cell phone for all calls. Make sure that your cell plan gives enough national, any-time minutes and that you get good reception at home.

4 Prepare for emergencies. Make sure 911 operators know how to find you if you opt for the all-Internet or all-wireless approaches. If you're making calls over the Internet, give your phone service provider your address.

5 Pay a flat fee for unlimited calls. You can keep your landline and opt for unlimited, bundled long-distance and local service from a single provider. Expect to pay $35 to $55 plus taxes each month for this service.

6 Consider a phone card. If you don't make very many long-distance calls on your landline, a prepaid long-distance card can help you save. You'll have to punch in a whole bunch of numbers, but it can be worth it if you find a card that gets you 3.5 cents to 4 cents a minute for U.S. calls.

7 Do some quick comparison shopping online. Check www.ABTolls.com and ComparePhoneRates.com to compare prices for a variety of long-distance plans, cellular plans and phone cards.

8 If you have a low or fixed income, get help. Tap into programs that make it easier to afford a telephone hook-up and the price of basic phone service. The Link-Up Florida program provides a 50 percent rebate (up to $30) toward installation. The Lifeline Assistance program offers a credit of $13.50 a month for local phone bills.

9 Determine your eligibility. You're eligible for these programs if you get state or federal help from: Temporary Cash Assistance; food stamps; Medicaid; Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8); or the free lunch program. You're eligible if your annual household income is less than $13,784 for one person, $18,482 for two people, $23,180 for three people or $27,878 for four people.
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Citizenship Blues: Canada Calling

By Subramani Dharmarajan, Staff Reporter
Hundreds of immigrants working in the Gulf who have not been resident in Canada for at least 730 days over the past five years risk losing their landed status as their Permanent Resident (PR) cards hit their expiry date.

But many say they are not worried — their wives and children are living in Canada on permanent resident cards and will be eligible for Canadian citizenship after two years.

"My wife has been in Canada for the past two months and our kids are in school there. After 22 months, she can apply for citizenship and once she gets a Canadian passport, she can sponsor me so that I can be back there even as my resident card expires," Mir Faisal said.

"Or I can take the legal route and file a case with immigration authorities pleading I was away to take care of my old parents."

Nawab Malik, another Canadian Permanent Resident Card holder, said: "I have no worries with the expiry date looming in the next few months. I am already a legal partner in a company in Canada which files income tax returns regularly. My partnership can be renewed from time to time for just $500 [Dh1,900], which means I have a toehold to return to Canada."

The Canadian press reported that the looming cut-off means hundreds of ‘phantom’ residents have to return to Canada to appeal the revocation of their status as they will fail the residency requirement. Many went to Canada after obtaining documents through a Canadian visa office in Abu Dhabi, settled their families in Canada and returned to well-paying jobs in India, China and the Gulf.

A government internal report estimates that 98 per cent of permanent residents processed in Abu Dhabi had no intention of remaining in Canada after their initial landing.

Maple Leaf Rag

Since its June 2002 launch, the PR card, often called the Maple Leaf card, has become official proof of landed status for Canada’s permanent residents, who must carry it to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier. The plastic card, which must be renewed every five years, was introduced after 9/11 to increase security.

Under the new policy, those who don’t meet the residency requirement by the card’s expiry date will lose their landed status.
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How Convenient Prepaid Calling Cards Are?

Author: Eliza Maledevic Ayson
In the telecommunication, one of the best innovations is the prepaid calling cards. But are prepaid calling cards that convenient to use? Of course, if you need to communicate and you will use your money for it, you want to make sure that you will get the best out of your money.

Prepaid calling cards have been in the market for years already and till now it still exist and with improvements. Prepaid calling cards were developed for replacement of coins. Since back then, there was shortage of coins, so they developed prepaid calling cards to compensate the shortage.

Actually, the development of prepaid calling cards has a lot of advantages. The one obvious advantage is that you do not need to carry a lot of coins with you in order to make a call anytime and anywhere. You know how heavy and discomforting it is to carry plenty of coins in your pockets in order to make some calls. Carrying lots of coins in your pocket would that be convenient to you? But carrying a prepaid calling card which is slim and paper like structure in your pocket, that’s convenient! Having your prepaid calling card with, you can easily make a call any time and anywhere and using any phone.

Prepaid calling cards come with different rates, features and services, so you can have a prepaid calling cards with the features and services you want and need. One of the obvious features that you can get with prepaid calling card is that you can make a call any tie and anywhere you are. So if you urgently need to make a call, having prepaid calling card, you can easily make one. With the prepaid calling card you can make local calls and even overseas calls, so convenient and easy to use.

With the prepaid calling card, you can also save money, since you can easily track your account. In prepaid calling card, you will no longer have any obligations with any company and no more phone bills to worry about every month.

But of course, as mentioned earlier prepaid calling cards differs from each other. So you have to take a simple research to know the features, rates and services of at least few prepaid calling cards in order to have the one that is good enough for your needs, wants and style.

There are heaps of prepaid calling cards out in the market, so you have to compare some of the cards in order to find the one that is good enough for you. You have to read the term and conditions of the prepaid calling cards and better to ask questions and gain information. Gaining the necessary information is an advantage to you since you can have the features and services you want in a card. Like for instance, prepaid calling cards have PIN in it, so if you find it convenient to have PIN in it and dialing it every time you make a call, then you have to find a card that has it. But if it is hassle for you to dial PIN each time you need to make call, then you have to find a card that doesn’t have a PIN, since there are prepaid calling cards that do not have PIN.
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Easiest Way to Venture Into Prepaid Calling Card Market

Author: Angela Hayden
Prepaid calling cards have become the hot property to start a business with due to their tremendous and ever increasing popularity. Calling cards are used to make cheaper long distance and international calls as compared to your regular telephone lines. Frequent travelers often complain about the exorbitant call charges charged by the hotels.

Calls made through a hotel ends up costing you heavily for the call is routed through a specific carrier working in cooperation with the hotel. The carrier normally charges you first minute rate, following per minute rates and a heavy sum as surcharge. Carrier gives a commission to the hotel and higher this commission more would be the surcharge in order to adjust the charges paid to the hotel. Hence even a single call while away on a trip will end up costing you a fortune!

On the other hand by using the international calling cards not only will the amount for surcharge be diminished but the per minute charges are also significantly low. This is precisely why the prepaid phone cards have found an expansive market worldwide.

Working Of Calling Cards:

Long distance calling cards are available in the market in varying and affordable denominations ranging from as small as $5 to $100 and even higher. Thus they fit perfectly in everyones pay pocket. Prepaid cards are pre-charged with the amount of the card. At the time of making a call you are required to dial a toll free number which is mentioned on the card itself. You will hear an IVR which will ask you to dial the destination number along with the area or country code and you will be easily connected to the number you wish to call.

Phone Cards Market:

In order to venture into the phone cards market you would need a considerable level of investment not to mention the back-end support and technical hardware and software needed to generate and market calling cards. An easier and more convenient option would be to obtain the services of a calling card platform provider.

A prepaid calling card provider ideally provides you with a one stop platform which helps you to easily step into this field. From generating PINS to online billing, a premium provider would ensure you with an end to end calling card solution.
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Benefits of Prepaid Calling Cards

by eliza ayson
Nowadays, people love to spend their spare time talking on the telephone. Usually, people communicate with their family, friends and associate with the use of telephone.
People love to call up their family and friends to talk about what's going on in their lives and call their business associates in order to discuss projects, deals and other business matters. Prepaid calling cards offer the best way to call people from almost any telephone and from anywhere in the world.
It was in 1970's in Italy that prepaid calling cards were introduced. Now, prepaid calling cards are gaining its popularity and are widely used in almost anywhere in the world.
Prepaid calling cards provide low costs and the simplest way to make long distance calls. Prepaid calling cards are so beneficial even in case of emergency since you can make a call any time and any where.
If compared with standard credit phone cards, prepaid calling cards are very much beneficial. Like for instance, credit phone cards typically charge differently, it depends on the time and even the days of the week, unlike prepaid calling cards it is being rate per minute.
But you have to take this note; there are prepaid calling cards that charge higher rates in making international calls than for domestic or local calls. So it is best to check the prepaid calling cards' rates and charges.
It is very easy using prepaid calling cards. Just simply dial a toll free access number, hit in your PIN number, and then dial the number you want to call. With almost prepaid calling cards, you are being informed with the available call time remaining that you can use in your call card.
Prepaid calling cards are very convenient. If you need to use the prepaid calling card with a payphone, you do not need to look for change, just take out the prepaid calling card and you are all set. You also do not need to bring lots of coins with you just to make calls wherever you are; all you need to bring is the slim and paper-like structure with you which you can put at any of your pockets.
With prepaid calling cards, you can budget your money and can manage how much you spend in making international calls. In using prepaid calling card, you can have the control over your spending in making calls and can avoid huge monthly telephone bills.
You can buy prepaid calling cards at most of any stores, but the best choice in searching for prepaid calling cards would be the internet. If you use the internet, you can compare different prepaid calling cards and can easily check out the rates, features and services of each card in order to get the best deal for your money. So it is best to check out the necessary information about the prepaid calling card before buying one.
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Easiest Way To Venture Into Prepaid Calling Card Market

Prepaid calling cards have become the hot property to start a business with due to their tremendous and ever increasing popularity. Calling cards are used to make cheaper long distance and international calls as compared to your regular telephone lines. Frequent travelers often complain about the exorbitant call charges charged by the hotels.
Calls made through a hotel ends up costing you heavily for the call is routed through a specific carrier working in cooperation with the hotel. The carrier normally charges you first minute rate, following per minute rates and a heavy sum as surcharge. Carrier gives a commission to the hotel and higher this commission more would be the surcharge in order to adjust the charges paid to the hotel. Hence even a single call while away on a trip will end up costing you a fortune!

On the other hand by using the international calling cards not only will the amount for surcharge be diminished but the per minute charges are also significantly low. This is precisely why the prepaid phone cards have found an expansive market worldwide.
Working Of Calling Cards:

Long distance calling cards are available in the market in varying and affordable denominations ranging from as small as $5 to $100 and even higher. Thus they fit perfectly in everyones pay pocket. Prepaid cards are pre-charged with the amount of the card. At the time of making a call you are required to dial a toll free number which is mentioned on the card itself. You will hear an IVR which will ask you to dial the destination number along with the area or country code and you will be easily connected to the number you wish to call.

Phone Cards Market:

In order to venture into the phone cards market you would need a considerable level of investment not to mention the back-end support and technical hardware and software needed to generate and market calling cards. An easier and more convenient option would be to obtain the services of a calling card platform provider.

A prepaid calling card provider ideally provides you with a one stop platform which helps you to easily step into this field. From generating PINS to online billing, a premium provider would ensure you with an end to end calling card solution.
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All About The Latest Technology in Communication - International Callback

When we talk about internet telephony or voice over IP services we often think that we need some sort of 'special computer device' to make phone calls. While in some cases this is actually true many applications and hardware solutions have been develop to turn this new technology around and transform it into a more user friendly solution.

Voice over IP sends sounds through the internet to its destination which is usually a phone or a computer, but currently there is a wide range of options which can be applied to this new technology. It's main advantage over conventional phone service is that voice over IP costs a lot less.

The traditional way, currently used to make VoIP calls involves having a computer with sound card, a high speed internet connection (ADLS, DSL, CABLE, T1,etc.) and finally a headset connected to the sound card which is a very simple setup; then a software application (also known as a softphone program) is installed in the computer which will act as a bridge between the Caller, the company lending the low cost service and the person receiving the call. After a connection is established all the conversation will be sent through the internet instead of traditional phone lines. This method allow to make calls from a PC to another PC or from a Computer to a land line/cell phone, regardless of the geographical location; which is convenient to most users.

Another VoIP calling method which doesn't require a computer to make phone calls is known as 'callback service'. This VoIP calling method is extremely useful, it enables anyone with a phone to make a VoIP call without the need for other computer devices. The way it works is similar to using a phone card, but the main difference is that instead of making an actual call to connect to the service, users get a call back from the service after requesting if from the web or a phone. Receiving a phone call is free, according to most landline and mobile companies. A callback can be requested from a home phone, cell phone, work phone, from a hotel, etc.

There are several callback systems but the most popular are Web Callback and SMS Callback. With Web callback users log on to a web site and provide the number they want to call to, and the number they are calling from, after providing this information a call back is requested and the conversation can begin. SMS stands for short message service which is also known as 'text messaging'. With SMS callback users will have to send a text message to the system to request a callback in order to start the conversation.

This technology not only helps users but businesses. VoIP Wholesalers and business owners have adopted this new turnkey calling card platform in order to maximize revenue through volume due to the high demand this new technology has.
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Easy and Convenient International Calls

While being a student and living in country far away from my native town I used to spend all my saving to pay tremendous bills for international calls. You may say, that it’s not reasonable enough. Why shouldn’t I use e-mail? Of course, it’s much cheaper and convenient, but sometimes e-mail wasn’t enough for me. You know how important it is to hear the voice of someone you love. I missed my family and my friends and I couldn’t spend even few days without talking to them.

Luckily now I know about convenient and easy way of making international calls. Now I know about international phone cards, which save me a lot money and time helping to avoid high international rates. International phone cards are prepaid method of making international calls from anywhere. It’s convenient, safe and inexpensive. Currently I work abroad and these phone cards are really safe for my budget. I can call my family and my friends from any part of the world. And I’m really happy being not tied into those tiring commitments with the phone operators and their endless telephone bills.

You may ask me how could it be that calling with the international phone cards is much cheaper? Let me explain you the matter. Lower cost of international calling is stipulated by so called least cost routing (LCR), which provides customers with cheap phone calls. Due to this international voice telecommunications service it became possible to make international calls at a lower price and acceptable quality.

Well, it’s not an easy task to choose the most convenient international calling service among the variety represented on the market nowadays. International phone cards can be used both with your home phone or cell phone. It’s not a problem to find online phone cards shop, but it’s a great deal to choose the best one for you. All the companies offering international phone cards have their websites, which provide customers not only with complete information but 24/7 customers’ support and possibility to make order online as well. All the phone service companies claim to provide you with the best service and the lowest prices. Make sure to check the rates carefully before exactly buying any of the international phone cards. Feel free to contact telephone service provider and learn more details in order to choose the most suitable and convenient international calling service.
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Choose A Prepaid Phone Card With The Best Rate

Prepaid calling cards have been one of the latest technological innovations in our telecommunications this generation. The use of prepaid calling cards has given us a new way of constantly communicating with other people, whether they are our friends or loved ones, and makes it more convenient and efficient as supposed to using the basic long distance carriers.

It is important to remember, however, that not all prepaid phone cards offer the same advantages as other prepaid calling card phone companies would in their prepaid phone cards. There are a lot of different prepaid phone cards out there, each one with its own advantages, perks and features. In order for you to get the most bang of your buck, you need to make sure that the prepaid phone card that you are buying (or using) is the right one for you, and if it offers you the best rate that you can get from your money.

Before choosing what prepaid phone card you are going to use for your calls, you must first decide from which provider/s you are willing to buy these prepaid phone cards from. It is important that you choose those providers that are reliable. There may be a lot of cheap prepaid phone cards out there, but if you find that they are from companies which have a questionable character, then you should probably think twice about purchasing prepaid phone cards from them, especially since you cannot guarantee the quality of the product that you are buying.

Once you have chosen from which prepaid phone card providers you are going to purchase your phone card from, you must now research about the prepaid phone card that you have set your eyes on. Make sure that the features of the card are exactly what you need, if not more. It is always a good idea to know a little something about the item that you intend on purchasing before you actually purchase it.

This is the time when you need to inquire about the rates of the prepaid phone card that you are going to purchase. Keep in mind that calls directed internationally may be billed at a much higher rate as compared to calls made locally. Also, you need to make sure that the prepaid phone card that you have purchased does not have any hidden charges and fees that will eat most of the credits in your card, making spend more than what you actually thought you would be spending on a cheap prepaid phone card. There are also some cards that round the number of minutes that you have used in calling, thereby making you pay for minutes that you haven’t even used. You end up spending more than necessary.

The call rates of prepaid cards can vary, depending on your location and the location of the person that you are calling. So make sure that you are aware of the different rates for the calls that you may make just so you wouldn’t be put in a position wherein you unexpectedly cut your calls because you have much less talk time than what you expected.
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Enjoy the Benefits of An International 800 Number

An international 800 number allows you to just dial the 800 toll number plus the 8-digit number irregardless of the country from which you are calling. An international 800 number is also known as the universal international freephone number or UIFN. This number is issued by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), of which there are now about 30 member countries.

With the world getting smaller and smaller because of innovations in connectivity, doing business internationally is not limited to big multinational companies anymore. Even small companies can now conduct business internationally. For example, a small-scale business in Los Angeles can process orders from Seoul by using an international 800 number. Small businesses and individuals are making use of this innovation to keep in touch with other points of the world.

With increasing connectivity comes a tremendous impact on the supply-demand chain. This has a positive effect on prices - which tend to fall, thus making products and services more affordable. What's more, you don't need to pay an arm and a leg to buy an international 800 number.

The toll free international number provides you with amazing sound clarity, without sacrificing cost, time, and connectivity. It is very affordable and there is no queue required for activation. Thus, you can talk to your client in Japan while you are in an elevator in Chicago. There is no need for you to fear that you might lose your connection.

The multiple benefits of this virtual phone type, include its superior connectivity and real-time operational facility. You could have the international 800 number rung from as many phones as you like across the globe - it's up to you to focus on the countries which you wish to reach with your products and services.

When someone dials your international 800 number, the call is routed to your number straight away. You can allocate a number of phones for this purpose. All you need to do is give the phone number or phone numbers to the service provider. You can even change the number or numbers as often as needed. The changes usually cost nothing.

It does not matter in which country you are taking the call, the international toll free number remains the same. There is no necessity to add on extra phone lines or any other expensive equipment to support the number. You can also make use of this number to make outgoing calls, anywhere in the world.

Here are some fees that you may expect to pay when you use your international 800 to receive calls from some countries. These are per minute rates by pence:

Australia - 12p, Bahrain - 92p, Brazil - 36p, Canada - 13p, Bermuda - 69p, China - 99p, Cyprus - 22p, Austria - 13p, Belgium - 9p, Denmark - 11p, Finland - 18p, France - 10p.

(To convert these numbers to dollars and cents, multiply by 1.5).
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Addressing the Calling Cards Mania

There is no denying the growing popularity of calling cards across the world, among both residentials as well as from different sectors of the industry. Whether you want to call your long distance sweetheart or an overseas client, calling cards are the most beneficial solution. Using fixed line telephones end up costing you almost the double of what calling cards charge for long distance international calling. Add to this the trouble of finding a fixed line phone when in a different country with a different native language. Most of the hotels usually add a hefty service tax in your total billing amount thereby making the bill to shoot up higher.

On the other hand, international calling cards are not just one of the most cost effective and easy way of calling but they are available in every second grocery shop round the corner.

Who Uses Prepaid Phone Cards

Calling cards have got a vast market. Not just residentials but even corporates are utilising this cheap method of calling long distance. Whether you are out on a business trip or to want to call overseas prepaid calling cards is definitely the best way out.

Overview Of Phone Cards Business

Keeping in mind the high level of investment that goes into selling calling cards, number of IP telephony providers provide a fully equipped and ready to use calling card platform. This hugely cuts down on the level of investment and risk.

Selecting The Best Phone Calling Card Platform

One should always look for a provider who can help you to easily start selling the cards to your target audience. Sooner your provider can help you to start marketing, the better it would be for your business. The calling card platform essentially allows you to generate and manage PINS for the card. A feature to look out for, is the online billing panel. It gives you the benefit and the convenience to manage the accounts of your customers whenever you want 24x7.
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Cards For Colleagues

by EditorsChoice
First impressions do last. But it would last even longer if along with that first impression is a little something to remember you by. Like newfound friends giving friendship bracelets, couples exchanging rings and some people trading each other's pictures, business colleagues give away calling cards. These cards are primarily for contacting purposes but they can also serve as a reminder or even as a form advertisement. That is basically why having a calling card is a very effective way of competing in the industry.

There is a wide range of business cards available today. If you are an employer then you have to think about getting one for your company. If you are a high-ranking employee who usually represents the company during corporate affairs, then you should have one. Here are some pointers that could help you when you have decided to have a calling card made.

Dimensions

Calling cards are made to fit in a person's wallet. In this case, there is a high possibility that that person will remember you. So if you are thinking of giving off a lasting impression by getting an enormous card, then you should think twice. The standard size is 2 x 3.5.

Information

If you are the employer, start with the business name, business type, a catchy slogan of your company, hours open, your name as the owner, contact information, address and company website. If you are the company's representative, put the company's name first, followed by your name, position, the company's address and contact information, as well as yours, and website.

Design

Depending on what the company's line of work is, you don't need to place a symbol of the profession. You could try various designs and patterns that are not hard to place a connection with your company. For instance, if you organize parties and events, you could tell people of how fun and exciting your parties are by making your business card look cool and definitely not boring at all. The important thing is that you show people what you mean and that is business. Avoid putting too much distraction in the card.

If you find having someone else make your business cards such a hassle, you could always make your own. All you need is software, some creativity and a lot of patience. Once you have your cards, give them away for people to see. Pretty soon, people will start going to you to have their business cards made. The next thing you know, you have just started up another business.
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Contribution Allows U.S. Troops More Than One Million Minutes of Free Calling Time

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Justin Brands, Inc., in partnership with the Armed Forces Foundation, Adopt-a-Chaplain, Inc., and Sprint, will donate 46,000 calling cards - totaling 1,380,000 minutes - and allow men and women in the United States Armed Forces to call home for the holidays.
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"Giving back is part of our western industry as well as our company's heritage and corporate culture," said Randy Watson, president and CEO, Justin Brands, Inc. "If we find ourselves in a situation where we're capable of helping, we do. Here, we figured out a way to reallocate our resources to benefit troops and their loved ones who aren't able to be together this holiday season."

Watson is referring to the altruistic way Justin Brands transformed minutes into quality time for troops and their families. Partnering with the Armed Forces and Adopt-a-Chaplain organizations to distribute the calling cards to military personnel, Justin hopes the outreach will brighten the season for those serving in 11 countries this holiday season.

"All of us at the Armed Forces Foundation are honored and thankful to be a part of this generous donation. We work with Service Members and their families all over the world, and one of the most helpful items they can receive is a phone card," said Patricia Driscoll, President of the Armed Forces Foundation. "We are grateful for Justin Brands' donation and will make sure the cards get into the hands of troops and families that need them."

Adopt-a-Chaplain - a non-profit corporation providing support to chaplains serving in the Middle East - also joined forces to facilitate the project.

"Adopt-a-Chaplain is privileged to open its chaplain network to distribute these phone cards. The role of chaplains in the Middle East has become increasingly important," says Daniel Hoebeke, Adopt-a-Chaplain spokesman. "We provide resources for the chaplains who, in turn, help soldiers through their personal crises. There is no greater gift than a voice from home. The generosity of Justin Brands will have an extraordinary impact, one voice at a time."
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Justin Brands Donates ``Time for Troops''

Contribution Allows U.S. Troops More Than One Million Minutes of Free Calling Time

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Justin Brands, Inc., in partnership with the Armed Forces Foundation, Adopt-a-Chaplain, Inc., and Sprint, will donate 46,000 calling cards – totaling 1,380,000 minutes – and allow men and women in the United States Armed Forces to call home for the holidays.

“Giving back is part of our western industry as well as our company’s heritage and corporate culture,” said Randy Watson, president and CEO, Justin Brands, Inc. “If we find ourselves in a situation where we’re capable of helping, we do. Here, we figured out a way to reallocate our resources to benefit troops and their loved ones who aren’t able to be together this holiday season.”

Watson is referring to the altruistic way Justin Brands transformed minutes into quality time for troops and their families. Partnering with the Armed Forces and Adopt-a-Chaplain organizations to distribute the calling cards to military personnel, Justin hopes the outreach will brighten the season for those serving in 11 countries this holiday season.

"All of us at the Armed Forces Foundation are honored and thankful to be a part of this generous donation. We work with Service Members and their families all over the world, and one of the most helpful items they can receive is a phone card,” said Patricia Driscoll, President of the Armed Forces Foundation. “We are grateful for Justin Brands' donation and will make sure the cards get into the hands of troops and families that need them."

Adopt-a-Chaplain – a non-profit corporation providing support to chaplains serving in the Middle East – also joined forces to facilitate the project.

“Adopt-a-Chaplain is privileged to open its chaplain network to distribute these phone cards. The role of chaplains in the Middle East has become increasingly important," says Daniel Hoebeke, Adopt-a-Chaplain spokesman. "We provide resources for the chaplains who, in turn, help soldiers through their personal crises. There is no greater gift than a voice from home. The generosity of Justin Brands will have an extraordinary impact, one voice at a time."

Justin Brands, Inc., a recognized leader in Western footwear, is a Berkshire-Hathaway corporation (NYSE: BRKa) and its divisions include Justin Boot Company, Tony Lama Company, Nocona Boot Company, Chippewa Shoe Company and Justin Original Workboots.

Batelco cuts Gulf tariffs

MANAMA: Batelco has announced new rates for calls to GCC countries for its prepaid calling cards.

All calls to Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman will now cost 85 fils per minute.

Batelco prepaid calling cards are available in denominations of BD 1, BD 3 or BD 5.

"The new rates have been introduced in time for customers to phone their friends and families over the Eid holidays," said Batelco corporate affairs general manager Ahmed Al Janahi.

"This is a permanent reduction, not merely a temporary promotion, and as many Bahrain residents have friends or family in the GCC states.

"Additionally, as all calls are routed over Batelco's modern network, we can guarantee the high quality of the connection when using these cards."
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Musical Calling Cards From Way Back When

By BERNARD HOLLAND
Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra on Friday night would have fit nicely under the title “Giving Them What They Want.” At Carnegie Hall, Pierre-Laurent Aimard was conducting three pieces and playing the piano in two of them.
Haydn’s late B flat Symphony (No. 102) represented salesmanship at its most sublime. This was written on his second trip to London, and by then he had figured out how to tease, shock, amuse and touch his English clientele. Trick codas taunt the listener’s expectations. The unexpected, managed with an amazing sense of balance, becomes the better than expected.

The second of four piano concertos Mozart wrote in the key of C (No. 13, K. 415) was part of a Salzburger’s campaign in the 1780s to win fame and fortune in Vienna. The string of concertos that followed was prime material for private evenings in great houses and subscription events that Mozart produced himself, sometimes selling tickets from his own front door.

The Beethoven B flat Concerto (No. 2) arrived, also in Vienna, in 1795 and advertised a 25-year-old pianist hot in pursuit of a virtuoso career but also eager to challenge Haydn’s originality as a composer. Art for art’s sake is hard to come by in these three pieces. Mozart described it best: “There are passages only the connoisseur will really get, but they are written so that everyone else will like them without knowing why.”
The Lucerne Festival Orchestra, both as a unit and piecemeal, had a busy five days in New York. Its core is the talented Mahler Chamber Orchestra, which has the look and sound of all things young. Mr. Aimard, who has won the world over as a pianist, was its precise, high-energy conductor on Friday.

There is an element of reflection and repose in the great Haydn symphony that I think a young conductor leading young players will always have trouble settling into. What I missed here was the presence of a wise man approaching old age looking on with wry amusement at his music and its effect on others.

Wouldn’t it be nice to hear Mr. Aimard with an orchestra of old folks, stirring things up yet subject to the gravitational pull of age and experience? Wouldn’t it also be nice to hear an older musician conducting the younger ones, occasionally tapping the brakes on this high-performing, new-model conveyance?
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CUBIC TELECOM LAUNCHES MAXroam SIM CARD

Cards sold to more than 30 countries in first weekend of pre-sale
- New SIM card will save customers up to 95% on mobile roaming charges

Cork, 3rd October 2007 – Cubic Telecom, the innovative global telecoms company, today launched its much-awaited MAXroam SIM card, which will dramatically reduce costs for people roaming internationally. MAXroam cuts call charges for both the caller and the call recipient by up to 95% – no matter where they are. In the first weekend of pre-sale, Cubic Telecom has sold MAXroam SIM cards to consumers in more than 30 different countries around the world from its website at www.maxroam.com.

The MAXroam SIM is the result of years of negotiations with traditional mobile phone companies around the world. It was designed by a team with extensive knowledge of the mobile market and years of experience in running consumer mobile and wireless networks.

The SIM card allows users to allocate up to fifty local landline numbers from around the world to the user’s phone. A businessman based in Dublin who travels regularly to the USA and Canada can allocate landline numbers from Dublin, New York and Toronto to his MAXroam SIM, meaning that he can be contacted cheaply and directly by colleagues and customers at any time. His Canadian customers simply call a Toronto number, and his mobile phone will ring wherever he is. His Irish colleagues simply call a Dublin number, and get connected straight to him – whether he’s in Dublin, New York, Toronto or elsewhere.

Cubic designed the product for several large markets of consumers who are looking for ways to reduce the cost of international telephony: (1) the growing population of émigrés who buy pre-paid calling cards to call friends and family overseas; (2) travellers who are looking for ways to reduce the costs of roaming on traditional packages; and (3) globally distributed teams – commercial, not-for-profit, and governmental organisations – that are seeking better ways to manage the cost of global calls.

“It’s great that we’ve now reached the stage where we can start selling our MAXroam SIM,” says Pat Phelan, CEO of Cubic Telecom. “The response from consumers has been massive. Within a few hours of setting our website into pre-sale mode, we were selling hundreds of SIM cards. 75% of enquiries so far have been from small business owners, and we’ve also had interest from a few Fortune500 companies, as well as many individuals who have family living abroad or spend a lot of time travelling. This is a great product because it’s not only good for your pocket as the user, it’s also good for those who are calling you from overseas. There are no more massive bills for calling mobiles across borders with MAXroam in your phone.”
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International Calling Cards: The best way to earn more!

Making international or long distance calls through your standard phone lines or public switch telephony network is enough to create a deep rip in your pocket. If you are a frequent traveler or if you have friends and families staying overseas, your trouble will only escalate further with your telephony expenditure rising due to frequent international calling. International calling cards is one option that you can rely on for making long distance calls.
Why Calling Cards?

Understanding Calling cards is no rocket science and chances are you would have most probably heard about them or used them too. A calling card is a sort of a telecommunication credit card through which you can make long distance calling at cost effective rates. By using a calling card instead of a hotel's phone service or your standard phone, he surcharges are waived off.


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Prepaid phone cards can be purchased from a calling card service provider and is available for different affordable denominations. For instance 5$,10$, 20$ and so on. You can make calls worth the amount of the calling cards. One of the prime reasons for their growing popularity is that through the same card you can make international calls too besides making long distance domestic calls. Also prepaid calling cards are very small in size and therefore it is extremely easy to carry them with you where ever you go.

Increasing Your Revenue Generation Through Calling Cards

The market for phone cards is red hot right now and this is the best time to start selling this little piece of paper that is capable of tremendously increasing your revenue. If you are looking to step into the fast rising IP telephony sector then calling cards could well provide you with a very profitable solution.

Nowadays an even better preposition is put forth by certain providers dealing with VoIP enabled services. The provider would provide you with entire infrastructure and technical equipments or hardware needed to generate calling cards and PIN numbers. Thereby your investment in the business minimises substantially and so does the risk factor.

Earn more revenue on International calling cards offered by leading VoIP Platform Providers.
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Trustcash Provides Additional Information on Proposed Acquisition/Merger

NEW YORK, Oct 7, 2007 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX) -- TCHH | charts | news | PowerRating -- Trustcash Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:TCHH) confirms that the term sheet referred to in the October 5, 2007 news release from the Company is a binding agreement (the "Agreement"). The Agreement with Paivis, Corp. ("Paivis") outlines the terms of an acquisition/merger wherein Trustcash will acquire all of the issued and outstanding Common and Preferred shares of Paivis and its subsidiaries; on a share for share basis. The closing of the merger is subject to amongst other things the completion of legal and financial due diligence. This Agreement will be filed, in the form required, with the Securities and Exchange Commission within the required timeframe.

About Paivis

Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Paivis, Corp. is a wholesale telecommunications carrier that generates approximately $10,000,000 in annual run rate revenue from the sale of prepaid calling cards, wireless services and international wholesale termination. Products are sold at over 7,500 locations throughout many of the country's major retail outlets, including Duane Reade, 7-Eleven, and Chevron.

Paivis recently announced they have entered into Definitive Agreements to acquire both Detroit Phone Cards Inc. ("DPC") and AAAA 4 Media Services, Ltd. ("A-4"). Paivis' closing of the acquisitions of DPC and A-4 are subject to completion of a financial audit and other conditions.

Paivis provides the following information in their news releases, 8-k Filings and Website (www.paivis.com) about DPC and A-4.


* DPC generates approximately $30,000,000 (unaudited) annually from prepaid cellular phone revenue and the sale and distribution of prepaid long distance cards. * DPC's wireless and calling card products reach consumers through more than 2,000 locations nationwide. * DPC serves more than 30,000 wireless customers and generates over 50 million network minutes per month, with an employee's team of 30 people. * Detroit Phone Card, Inc. sells annually more than 50,000 phones and processes more than 50,000 consumer wireless service subscription activations. * DPC facilitates the distribution of wireless products and services for specific carriers and manufacturers such as Sprint Nextel, Verizon Wireless, Boost Mobile and T-Mobile. * A-4 generates approximately $36,000,000 (unaudited) annually in revenue from the distribution of prepaid wireless products. * A-4 distributes T-Mobile, AT&T and Boost Mobile prepaid wireless products amongst others through their master dealer agreements to over 7,000 locations in the continental United States.


Greg Moss CEO of Trustcash comments: "A Trustcash and Paivis merger along with DPC and A-4 will create a Company with a combined revenue stream of over $73,000,000 with economies scale and a management team that will be a force to be reckoned. Although a fast moving and mammoth endeavor, I am confident in our aggressiveness and the merger becoming a success."

About Trustcash

Through its Trustcash brand and website www.trustcash.com, the Company is a pioneer of anonymous payment systems for the internet. It developed a business based on the sale of a stored value card (both virtual and physical) that can be used by consumers to make secure and anonymous purchases on the internet without disclosing their credit card or personal information. Trustcash provides to its customers the "Trustcash" payment card, which is sold in denominations ranging from $10 to $200 either online, through any of over 500 websites, or at over 50,000 retail locations in the United States via MoneyGram. Trustcash's non-reloadable, virtual Trustcash card is the only "stored value card" that can be purchased where no personal data is stored or available, providing a unique level of both security and privacy to the purchaser.

Forward-Looking Statements

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "PLSLRA") provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements so long as those statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements.
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Telephone calling cards and computer accessories

By Douglas S. Malan
Harold Cort knows a thing or two about security breaches. He received a letter from the state of Connecticut informing him that he was among the more than 100,000 taxpayers whose Social Security numbers were on a Department of Revenue Services laptop stolen from a car on Long Island this summer.

As executive director of New Haven, Conn.-based Tyler Cooper, he also works closely with information technology staff to ensure that the firm's and its clients' sensitive information is protected.

Tyler Cooper, Cort said, constantly reviews security software on laptops and handheld personal digital assistants, such as BlackBerry devices. The firm chooses its network with a keen eye toward security, meaning it avoids high-profile companies that may be easier to breach, Cort said.

"Some software houses have a target on their backs because people want to do damage to them," he said. "We don't use Microsoft Outlook because it's such a big target. We've never had problems with people trying to hack in" to our network.

Other law firms employ various security measures and policies in place to combat hackers, thieves or the simple carelessness of lawyers.

The issue of data security was put in the spotlight this summer by thefts of Connecticut state-owned laptops that compromised taxpayer and state information involving Social Security numbers, state payroll, accounting, purchasing and additional classified data.

According to one report, state employees have had 29 laptops lost or stolen since July 2006. Three of those were purchased by the Judicial Branch and stolen in July 2006 following a break-in at the Alternative Incarceration Center in Bridgeport. Also taken were telephone calling cards and computer accessories.

The Judicial Branch did not deem the theft serious enough to terminate its contract with Community Solutions Inc., the nonprofit contractor that runs the AIC, branch spokeswoman Rhonda Stearley-Hebert said.

The AIC location in Bridgeport was not yet in operation when the theft occurred, and the laptops "probably didn't have anything them because we were just opening," said Sherry Albert of Community Solutions Inc.

Laptop thefts from a law office are not uncommon, either, said Dennis McCarthy, chief operating officer and IT guru of Pepe & Hazard in Hartford. Before the firm's offices were secured in the Goodwin Building 18 months ago, people came off the street and stole six laptops, which never resurfaced, McCarthy said. Pepe & Hazard has since implemented a key card system to secure its office space.

With passwords and other levels of encryption, Pepe & Hazard never suffered any loss of confidential information from the stolen computers, McCarthy said. The firm also takes security measures by creating strict user policies for the computers.

"We ask that no one store information on the laptop itself," he said. "We want [lawyers] to take a memory stick with them in the event that the laptop is stolen.

The Judicial Branch's policy regarding remote use of computers is similar.

"These computers should not contain any restricted, sensitive or confidential material unless the information is stored in encrypted form or is password protected," it states.

Smaller information storage devices, made by BlackBerry, Treo and other companies, present problems based on their compact size. They are more likely to be accidentally left behind at dinner or in transit. But many firms have a remedy for such instances.

If a lawyer were to lose one, "we can wipe it clean [of information] remotely," said William M. Rubenstein, a partner in Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider's Hartford office. Once a call is placed to the IT department about the loss, a software program allows the law firm to automatically erase the device the next time it is turned on.

Reloading a new PDA is "actually really simple and very quick," Rubenstein said.

CARELESS E-MAILS

Some breaches come down to carelessness, such as when a lawyer uses the automatic e-mail address function and sends confidential files to an incorrect recipient that happens to have a similar address as the intended recipient.

"Officially," no one at Pepe & Hazard has ever made such a mistake, McCarthy said. But, he said, "I would have to believe that happens, but I'd be the last person they'd notify, unless they want to get the information back."

He added that he has received some "what if ..." questions about retrieving information from misfired e-mails, and sometimes the inquisitor "turns white and walks away" after hearing his answer. Thus far, McCarthy said such e-mails have caused no crises.

The current efforts to control remote devices will stop most unauthorized parties from viewing any sensitive information, said McCarthy. But with technology developing rapidly, even the most prudent firms can be at risk if they're in the crosshairs of a dedicated code-cracker. "The bottom line is, if someone wants to get the information, they can get it," McCarthy said.
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Practical Calling: Using Prepaid Phone Cards To Get In Touch

Probably one of the most practical methods of keeping in touch with your family, kids, employees and friends, without the need to pay skyrocketing phone charges at the end of the month, is to have a prepaid phone card.
Most people generally have been using phone cards have found out that using it for long distance calling really does make sense. Prepaid phone cards have various practical uses.

Call Long-Distance At Affordable Rates

If you find it hard to get a good long distance phone service at a affordable cost, then prepaid phone cards can surely help you out. These prepaid cards can be the answer to your needs for a lot of reasons. With prepaid phone cards, you pay as you go so there will never be a chance that you have to pay for huge monthly long-distance phone bills.

As long as you charge your long distance calls on your phone card, expect that you only have to pay for basic service. However, you have to first go through the motions of dialing the phone card number before you can make a call.

Get Prepaid Phone Card From Reputable Providers

If you’re the type of person that uses, and also gives prepaid phone cards so that your kids, friends or co-workers can keep in touch with you, ensure that the cards are bought from trusted and reputable companies. It is expected that you’ll find some prepaid phone cards undesirable due to their busy signals.

Which means that, when you call in, you will hear a recording that says the circuits are all busy at the moment and you should try to call up again later. This kind of phone cards can’t do any good especially if the call is very important or urgent and you are unable to contact someone. There are cards that allow you to recharge its amounts every now and then, so that you and your family can call you up anytime.

Prepaid Phone Cards Offer Ease Of Use

The next best thing afforded by using prepaid phone cards is that it offers customers the ease of use. Prepaid phone cards can be used at home, on payphones, in hotel rooms and lobbies, and just about anywhere there is a standard phone service. By following the standard, yet simple instructions on the back of each card, the caller can enjoy the benefits of using prepaid phone cards on a pay phone without using a lot of coins.

The high charges that accompany with using a pay telephone are also avoided. A prepaid phone card’s per-minute rate and amount of time are also dependent on the card’s Denomination, since these are usually determined by the merchant. Connection charges may apply depending on where the card was purchased. Domestic rates per minute apply for long distance calls placed anywhere within the U.S mainland 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week.

Overseas rates are variably higher than domestic calls. The amount of time available for a particular overseas destination will be provided with use of the card. When the international number is dialed, but before the call is connected, a voice prompt tells the user how many minutes are left.
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Calling card was defense

Mike Preston
The trademark swagger has disappeared as the yards and points continue to pile up.

For the past seven years, the Ravens' calling card was defense. Opposing teams feared the Ravens because they talked, intimidated and backed it up with some of the most ferocious hitting this side of the 1985 Chicago Bears.

But four games into the 2007 season, nobody fears this defense anymore. It's one thing to get lit up by Tom Brady, but second-year quarterback Kellen Clemens from the New York Jets in the fourth quarter? It's one thing to get beat by Peyton Manning, but the Cleveland Browns' Derek Anderson in only his sixth career start?
Young quarterbacks once feared cutting their teeth on the Ravens' defense; now, they're just cutting up the secondary. But it's not just on the back end of the defense.

Where are the playmakers?

The Ravens have given up 20 or more points in three of their four games, including 23 against the Arizona Cardinals and 27 to the Browns on Sunday.

In their brief history in Baltimore, the Ravens have produced great linebackers such as Ray Lewis, Peter Boulware, Jamie Sharper and Adalius Thomas.

They seemed to have two more on the way in Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs, but they haven't made many big plays this season. That's not to say they haven't played well, but there haven't been any bone-rattling, game-changing plays.

Last year, Scott had the hit of the season, on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Suggs had 9 1/2 sacks last season and was mentioned around the league as one of the top young pass rushers in the game.

Suggs doesn't have a sack in 2007. Neither does Scott. At least Scott has an excuse. With Thomas signing with the New England Patriots during the offseason, he has assumed some of Thomas' duties, especially dropping into pass coverage.

And Suggs can point out that he gets more attention as far as double teams because defensive end Trevor Pryce has missed the past two games with a broken wrist.

But great players overcome other teams that game-plan specifically for them. Boulware did. So did end Michael McCrary and tackle Sam Adams. They started the swagger that these Ravens have begun to lose.
You could see it on the sideline Sunday. Lewis was in some animated conversations with assistant coaches and at one point was consoled by one of them.

Outside the locker room Sunday, Lewis spoke only briefly about the game, and he was biting his tongue as much as he could. But the more he held back, the more you could see the pride start to swell his chest and the frustration show in his face.

"Football is a very simple game," Lewis said. "You take the best people you have, line them up against their best, and let them go at it. Forget all of this deception and trickery. Let's just keep it basic."

Lewis wouldn't elaborate. But basically, he was telling defensive coordinator Rex Ryan to stop trying to play so many mind games with other teams and to keep the game plan simple.

Lewis, though, probably isn't done. The Ravens play in what former defensive coordinator Mike Nolan used to call "Ray's World." In the past when Lewis was upset, he would walk into a defensive coaches meeting. The room would go quiet, and Lewis would say, "OK, let's fix this thing," and he offered instruction.

It will happen again. But Lewis might not be able to fix these problems. With or without starting cornerback Samari Rolle, the Ravens have had trouble covering in the secondary.

Corey Ivy, filling in for Rolle, is adequate as a nickel back, but will continue to struggle as a starter. Reserve Ronnie Prude might be better as a safety than as a corner. Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed continues to gamble and give up plays. The player who has played well is cornerback Chris McAlister, even though he gave up a 78-yard touchdown reception Sunday.

But a lot of receivers are making plays against the Ravens. The Bengals' Chad Johnson had five catches for 95 yards and a touchdown in the season opener. Jerricho Cotchery had seven receptions for 165 yards for the Jets, and Arizona's Anquan Boldin caught 14 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns.

Some of the catches are the result of the scheme Ryan plays. Because he puts so much pressure on the quarterback, it often leaves his cornerbacks exposed one-on-one. Also, because the Ravens have been so dominant against the run, teams might think pass first and run second when they play them.

This is a new experience for the Ravens. For so long, defense has been the backbone of this franchise and has carried it into the postseason and even to a Super Bowl title after the 2000 season.

The Ravens need a lift. They might be able to build some momentum this week against the San Francisco 49ers, who have a weak offensive line and will be playing with a backup at quarterback in former Raven Trent Dilfer.

The Ravens have to become a dominant defense again, especially going into the second half of the season with games against New England and the Indianapolis Colts.

The Ravens talked quite a bit about being a serious contender after last season. They talked about playing for the championship in the big game and how they could be better than last season.

But that's when they had a swagger. It's not there anymore. If the Ravens are to go deep into the playoffs, they have to get it back.
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Why I have given up on the concept of VoIP

I have used VoIP for a while now but a recent reshuffle of pricing and the realization of the poor state of Broadband here doe not make it a viable option..

have played about a bit with Voip and must say, it's not all it's hyped up to be but certainly has possibilities if deployed in the right way.

If you can piggyback it on existing hardware or cabling which is already intact, it's cheap to deploy.
otherwise instead of running a cheap analogue twisted pair, you are running a thick CAT6 cable which can get rather expensive plus you need to buy the often overpriced equpment.

You can get a "national presence" or even "International presence" in a remote town which is ideal.
Of course, the links back to NZ suffer for major jitter and latency so this is often an impossible reality, use your cellphone instead.

You can roam around the place with it and it's like you never left.
but you are of course reliant on the internet and if it goes down, you are stuck.

It's often FREE to call between users...
but remember you still pay for your internet traffic.

It's not overly cheap... You need to buy the equipment, setup an account and often pay a monthly fee for it.

Recent "naked DSL" pricing with a VOIP line have proven to be nothing special on pricing. You are often better off getting a real analogue line installed.

Call charges are also not overly amazing, compared to regular "tolls" they are reasonably cheap but not when compared with most of the cheap calling cards*, you pay quite a premium using Voip!

Call quality, it's inferior to a landine, period, faxing is also a worry. If you take into account the real performance with delays, packet loss and jitter, it's really not worth the hassle.

It's certainly been a fun concept to play around with but the reality is, it's not yet ready for the mainstream and is an overhyped marketing tool..
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Telehop supplies toll-free, calling card and cellular long-distance services

TORONTO - Telehop Communications Inc. (TSXV:HOP) says it has hired the investment banking firm Orion Securities to advise on a potential sale of the company and other strategic alternatives.

Telehop supplies toll-free, calling card and cellular long-distance services to residential and business customers.

"Our company has strong cash flows in its core operations, strong brand recognition, a significant loyal customer base and a net cash position of over $3 million," chairman Hersh Spiegelman said Tuesday in a release.

"This process is designed to try to deliver the value of the company to our shareholders."

Telehop offers its branded 10-10-620 and the 10-10-100, Dial Around Services and WorldTalk equal access long distance and alternative directory assistance programs. It also provides toll-free numbers, calling cards and the Broadtalk voice-over Internet protocol flat-rate service.

Tuesday afternoon on the TSX Venture Exchange, Telehop shares were down four cents at 76 cents.
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Prepaid Calling card guide for cheap calling, The tricks and some of the traps!

This is a semi-review on two calling cards and why some others should be avoided.

I have a preference to good quality calls at a slightly higher price so this is not a "cheapest card available" guide.

Firstly a note.....

BEWARE some of the really cheap calling cards.

There is usually a catch somewhere, usually it's just a hidden "connection fee" which makes the value completely vanish or "call success charge" but sometimes can be such things as the calls are carried over bad quality Voice over internet or worst still, shunted overseas and then routed through the cheapest system they can possibly use resulting in disconnections, errors and plain bad quality..

Currently I use and can reccommend.:

TalkPlus which is a TelstraClear provided product for my landline originated calling.
Yabba, which is a Telecom provided product for my mobile originated calling.

Both cards can be assigned to a specific number meaning I do not have to enter the PIN each time I make a call which makes calling a LOT easier, just dial the access number, then dial the number to call and wait.

Talkplus handles all my Landline calling, it offers superb quality calls at the same or often a lower price than my iTalk Voip line did!
If I use a local access number, most countries and New Zealand are between 4c and 6c per minute and include GST.
I can use an 0800 number from a landine and pay just 10c more on top of this rate, or from a mobile and pay 45c more.

Here are the countries I call and pricing as a brief summary.
Talkplus Global. (Previously Clear Talkplus)

This card is ideal for making cheap calls from a landline based phone and also offers some of the cheapest 0800 calling around.

Access number for "national calling" 015222, this number is basically an 0800 number so is free of charge to call.
0800 165 000 still works as a regular 0800 but not sure for how long.

Add 10c per minute for 0800 calls from a regular landline.
Add 45c per minute for 0800 calls from a Mobile phone.

NATIONAL
Land to Land $ 0.04
Mobile to Land $ 0.59
Mobile to mobile $ 0.94

Australia $ 0.05
Australia (mobile) $ 0.39
China (includes mobile) $ 0.06
UK* $ 0.05
UK (mobile) $ 0.39
USA (includes mobile) $ 0.05
Canada(includes mobile) $ 0.05
Ireland $ 0.05
France $ 0.06
Hong Kong $ 0.07
Spain $ 0.07
Chile $ 0.09
South Africa $ 0.12
India $ 0.29
India Mobile $ 0.29

Most countries are between 4 - 7c a minute.
National calls are very cheap and excellent quality.
YaBBa (previously Talkaway)

Calls from a TELECOM mobile phone incurs no extra surcharge to international destinations.
Calls from Payphones incur a 24c per minute surcharge.

Access numbers are always free of charge to call.
0124 (Free from landlines and Telecom mobiles, does not even work from Vodafone, oh what a pity!)
0800 825 528 (0800 Talkaway) ditto...

NATIONAL
Land to land $ 0.30
Mobile to Land $ 0.70
Mobile to mobile $ 1.10

Australia $ 0.10
Australia (mobile) $ 0.30
China (includes mobile) $ 0.10
UK* $ 0.10
UK (mobile) $ 0.30
USA (includes mobile) $ 0.30
Canada(includes mobile) $ 0.30
Ireland $ 0.10
France $ 0.10
Hong Kong $ 0.10
Spain $ 0.10
Chile $ 0.10
South Africa $ 0.25
India $ 0.29
India Mobile $ 0.29

Most popular countries are 10c a minute.
Mobiles in the most popular are 30c a minute.

National calls are expensive with this card, 30c normally, 70c from a mobile phone.
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My calling card not meal coupon

By Alcuin Papa
Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines -- It’s a calling card from Camp Crame, period. Not a flimsy “badge” to be brandished at traffic officers or parking attendants, a lifetime food-and-drinks coupon, or even a movie pass.

The newly installed chief of the Philippine National Police on Tuesday issued this stern reminder to hundreds of individuals to whom he had handed out his business card throughout his 33 years in the service.

“It is not a license to commit any infraction of the law, or even (enjoy) free entrance to movie houses or wherever,” PNP Director General Avelino Razon told reporters.

Razon, who formally succeeded retiring Director General Oscar Calderon on Monday, was asked at a press conference in Camp Crame how he intended to deal with influence peddlers or name-droppers, especially motorists who would show off such police VIP cards when stopped for traffic violations.

“The reason we are giving the cards is for the recipients to know where to send their correspondence, where they can call, e-mail or text us. The purpose is to bring the PNP commanders and personnel closer to our people,” he said.

Razon surmised that he had given out hundreds of calling cards since his days in the defunct Philippine Constabulary.

Before his appointment to the PNP’s highest post, he served as its deputy chief for administration, commander for the National Capital Region, and chief of the Western Police District covering the city of Manila.

Not employment agency

On his second day as PNP chief, Razon reported receiving a steady stream of visitors, including people looking for jobs.

“We are open to everyone, and if anyone asks for our help we put the request through the process,” he said. Yet later, he sighed: “Well, the PNP is not an employment agency.”

At the press conference, Razon also disclosed his plan to reword the ranks of police officers.

According to his “Commander’s Manual,” basically an outline of his programs as PNP chief, a “Police Officer” will become a “Patrol Officer,” while “Senior Police Officer” will be changed to “Supervising Police Officer.”

“The change is meant to convey the real duties and responsibilities of our police personnel. When we call them ‘patrol officers’ we know that their responsibility is to patrol our streets,” he explained.

Rename TMG

“Supervising Police Officer,” on the other hand, would connote that the officer supervises a group of policemen, he added.

Razon also proposed renaming the Traffic Management Group (TMG) as “Highway Patrol Group.”

The TMG is the PNP’s lead unit against highway robbery and car theft -- and rarely gets involved in traffic management, he pointed out.

“So it should be (called) ‘highway patrol’ since its job is (to maintain) police visibility in our highways,” he explained.

The PNP law may have to be amended to make such changes, Razon said.
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Calls for US

by Frank Vanderlugt
Making calls to US to our loved ones is not an easy task. It is obvious for our hearts to desire for more when it comes to establishing a conversation with people we love. However, limited talk time and exorbitant call tariffs leave our hands lied.

There are several ways to communicate in the US including telephones and emergencies.

When it comes to phone numbers, the standard American telephone number is ten digits such as 555-555-1234. Now, here the area code consists of the first three digits and often need to be dialed when one makes a local call. In case, you are calling a number outside the originating area code, you would require to dial '1' prior to the ten-digit number if you are calling via a residential landline phone such as 1-555-555-1234. You should also check with your hotel before dialing a long distance number because hotels usually have their own specific dialing policies.

Most 'toll-free' phone numbers are with area codes "866", "800", "888" and "877". These numbers are billed to the owner of the particular number and not the caller. Hence, you don't require to pay anything for these numbers via a pay phone. However, you should keep in mind that most of the hotels in the US still change a fee for connection if you want to dial these numbers from a room phone.

Emergency calls from the US can be made by dialing 911. This will provide you immediate assistance from an emergency personnel. This number can also be dialed to reach the fire department, police or medical assistance. 911 is a free number and can be dialed for no fee at all from any phone including pay phone. If you are looking for directory assistance, dial 411. Here, you may require to pay some charges.

There is also a provision in the US to make calls in case a spider or snake bites someone. All one requires to do is to contact the poison center at 1-800-222-1222. This will provide you prompt assistance.

Cell phones are really popular in the US. The coverage of cell phones here is good in well populated areas however, you would find different carriers with exclusive systems and areas. This indicates that the cell phone service provided to you in certain areas of the country may be extremely poor and really great in some other areas.

You may have to face mediocre or non existent coverage in several subways and buildings. GSM mobile telephones work at varied frequencies in the US as compared to other countries. The 1900 MHz is really common in the US. These days 850 MHz is really common in the US. These days 850 MHz is used in cellular phones, specifically on the cingular network.

You may additionally require a tri or quad-band telephone service to work well in the United States. Try contacting your cellular provider regarding the phone and service compatibility prior to traveling.

You can also purchase calling cards from convenience stores. Almost every super market sells these cards.
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Buy Phone Cards Online

Omley Case Study

The Customers Situation
In 1989 Larry Vo came to the United States with a driving mission. He wanted to find a way to for his displaced Vietnamese countrymen to communicate. Over 1,000,000 people fled Vietnam after the war in 1975, and many of them could never go home again. In the exodus, many families were split up and lost communications and Larry was one of them.
In the 1990s he founded USA Gateways which is a multi faceted business provider of services for the Asian Community including: travel, accounting, calling cards and pin-less numbers. Larry also had a vision to connect his business enterprises and expand his services into the VoIP world and connect his US customer base directly with Vietnam and Asian. In Vietnam it is illegal for business to operate traditional TDM systems, and Larry felt VoIP was the perfect solution. He wanted to offer his customers the most advanced technology that had room for expansion because he expected explosive growth in this new market situation.
In 2006, he founded Omely Telecom Corporation in California. This company expanded its infrastructure with XRainbow a SIP Based, class 5 softswitch from Seawolf Technologies (News - Alert) Inc. XRainbow is a powerful turnkey system and had the capabilities to enable Omely Telecommunications to provide broadband, calling cards, pin-less and softphone services. It also allowed them to establish a web site and manage thousands of agents globally: USA, Canada, Japan, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
The Solution
The synergy between Omely Telecommunications and Seawolf was tremendous. Omely was a savvy marketing organization but did not have the VoIP technological backbone needed to set up and run a carrier grade system and work with the Vietnam and Southeast Asia carriers. They needed the latest VoIP technology to meet their goals and penetrate and capture the Vietnam market. They also had to move quickly to deliver the services they contracted for with the Vietnam carriers. Seawolf was there to help them set up the softswitch, train their people and walk them through operation every step of the way.
In addition, Omely needed customization to set up their sales agents to give them a competitive edge. Seawolf was able to develop the software they needed in a matter of a few weeks. Seawolf set up the entire system to run their operation on just a few servers. Larry Vo was quoted to say, XRainbow is so powerful and has everything all in one and it made it much easier for me to start this business than I anticipated. With just a few servers, you can market to the world!
Seawolf had become a trusted provider to Omely Telecommunications during the sale and installation of XRainbow. When Omely expressed its special needs to work with the carriers in Vietnam and convert H323 to SIP and via versa, Seawolf proposed XGateway. This is a product which works like a conventional TDM gateway and offers multiple IVR languages, has traditional routing functionality and interchangeable termination. It also converts SIP to H323, and H323 to SIP as well as allows them to maintain a neutral position with their carriers. Omely used this product in conjunction with their TDM gateways and found that it saved them time and money. It also helped speed their time to market and Larry believes it helps keep him ahead of competition.
The XRainbow solutions recommended by Seawolf Technology provided all of the features necessary for Omely Telecommunications to introduce a competitive service offering meeting all of their requirements. They were able to offer calling cards and pin-less numbers and have their agents work with them through a special website that was built by Omely Telecom. Their customers are now experiencing features such as web-based consumer provisioning, voice mail, selective call forwarding, global follow-me numbers, and other revenue generating services.
"Our relationships with Seawolf really helped us grow our business. Sam Wen their CTO has been wonderful and he and his team have given excellent technical support. There is no problem they can not solve. XRainbow is the best technology and is very powerful platform and gives my customers a variety of products to choose from." said Larry Vo.
Results
Omley Telecommunications had a very successful launch of the service in March, 2007. Their 1st month they added over 40,000 customers and their revenues grew by close to over $200,000 in that month. Their customer base and revenues have increased steadily since then. From March 2007 to June 2007 their VoIP customer base grew over 700% and their revenues grew over 885% in the same time period. They have an integrated system that is easy for their customers and sales agents to use. Their technical staff has learned from the experts at Seawolf how to operate in a VoIP world. The company has been able to capitalize on this business opportunity and has positioned itself as a VoIP leader in Vietnam.
In the four months following their service launch, the company grew both their customer base and revenue alike. Their success has allowed them to move from a 3,000 sq ft. building into a 20,000 sq ft building on 4 acres. They have been able to hire an additional 50 people to help with their growth. Growth is expected to continue as Omley utilizes a combination of innovative marketing and leading edge technology. They expect to stay ahead of competition and be able open up new opportunities with Seawolf as a partner.
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