International calling cards. Latest News

Summer calling cards

2010-08-10T02:02:00.000-07:00

If you looked toward the Santa Ana Mountains Monday, they might have appeared hazy and indistinct — the result not of smog or wildfire, but of a thick marine layer that some feel has lingered far too long.

“Typically, we have a maritime layer of some type out there,” said meteorologist Mark Moede of the National Weather Service. “It’s just that in August, it starts to convert a little shallower than it has been this August.”
calling cards
The reason? The same lasting low-pressure air that lingered long adequate last month to make it one of the coolest Julys on book for coastal Southern California.

And it lingers still.

Much longer, Moede said, and we’ll be transitioning into the Santa Ana wind flavor, which comes as early as late August but commonly in September or October. The warm winds blowing out of the dozenses can greatly increase wildfire danger.
pushline calling cards
The lingering low-pressure coulded another transition: between El Niño, a periodic calefacient of equatorial Pacific waters, to La Niña, a periodic cooling, which is bechancing right now.

Climatologist Jan Curtis of the Natural Resources preservation Service in Oregon traced the statistics backward, and ascertained the pattern. In years when El Niño was making the changeover into La Niña, the low-pressure “trough” along the West Coast dawdled longer than normal as well.

El Niño can mean added to winter rains for Southern California, while La Niña canful bring dry conditions, though it's too soon to tell how this winter’s rains will turn out.

The cool temperatures, meanwhile, could soon be shifting.

This week’s forecast calls for clouds in the morning, sunny skies in the afternoons, with a gradual warming toward the weekend that could acclivity inland temperatures as high as 91 Saturday and Sunday.

New Calling Card - Online Investment

2010-07-15T00:47:00.000-07:00

Republic of China Voice Holding Corporation (CHVC) (OTC: CHVC) announced today that it has established a new calling cards service distributed through its wholly possessed subsidiary, Wize Prepaid Inc., to be sold to various ethnic groups placed within the U.S. who are looking for a cost-effective way to call family and friends in their country of origin. The service is marked as "Wize Family and Friends" and is sold through the Company's current Wize Prepaid master allocators.

Wize Family and Friends is a new calling card that deports exceptional value to the caller, enabling very long calls, across international borders, or exceedingly low prices. This innovative product allows a caller to dial out to the a people of his choice, provide the called party with a PIN and a local access number and connect them for hours of talk time. Both callers use a local number; therefore, no additional long distance fees are incurred. Each call enables up to 8 hours of talk time for $1.00 per call.

Bill Burbank, CHVC's CEO, said, "Wize Family and Friends is a armed service that we expect to have a huge effect in the Calling Card industry. The flexibility of the service, also as the value delivered, is unprecedented."

Jose Ferrer, CHVC's COO, stated, "Wize Family and Friends bids a new way to unite people across the world, and it coulded as we know it today. This service is backed by carrier-class alternating systems and a proven and solid IP Network infrastructure. The first product offering is based on $2, $5 and $8 denominations. For example, our $5 card provides 5 calls, each up to 5 hours in length. Initially, we're offering country specific cards to connect with Guatemala, United Mexican States and El Salvador. Additional countries are in our future tense plans and will be announced at a later date. Today, Wize Family and Friends boundaries callers to call to and from the U.S. to a specific country. At a after date, we expect the service to allow callers to accept the ability to call to and from commonwealths other than the U.S. Our initial launch is in Florida this week, then with our master allocator in the Northeast, to be followed quickly throughout the U.S. and select International dispersion partners."

China Voice Holding Corp. ("CHVC") is a U.S. publicly-traded holding company headquartered in South Florida with a portfolio of next-generation communications products and services doing business in the U.S. and People's Republic of China. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides Voice over Internet Protocol ("VoIP") telephone services, office automation, wireless broadband, unified messaging, video conferencing, VoIP wholesale termination services, prepaid calling products and other advanced voice and data services. China Voice Holding Corp. trades Over-the-Counter and is listed in the Pink Sheets under the symbol "CHVC". CHVC files required financial and disclosure reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additional information may be found at www.chvc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
The foregoing, including any discussion regarding the Company's future prospects, contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to risks and uncertainties associated with economic conditions in the telecommunications industry, particularly in the principal industry sectors served by the Company; risks and uncertainties inherent in the operation of businesses outside the United States; changes in customer requirements and in the volume of sales to principal customers; the ability of the Company to assimilate acquired businesses and to achieve the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions; competition and technological change; and the ability of the Company to control operating costs and maintain satisfactory relationships with existing and potential vendors. The Company's actual results of operations may differ significantly from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements as a result of these and other factors, including factors that may be set forth in the Company's anticipated filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Calling Cards Come In Many assortments

2010-06-12T18:57:00.000-07:00

Online Calling Cards offer VOIP online calling. This is the newest type of phone card. You want to be sure you read the find print called for to know that you are purchasing the best service for the type of calls you place.

International reliance calling card are found in gas bases and store everywhere. These cards are sold for a specific dollar amount and mayhap restricted to a certain country or region. As you place calls money is deducted from the balance. Some of these cards can be reloaded with funds.

Prepaid phone cards are great for many people as they offer the freedom and flexibleness to make calls to and from a variety of locations. But many have hidden fees so make certain to read the fine print.

Calling cards are one of the most affordable ways to keep in touch with family and friends or with your company if you are traveling on business. Prepaid international calling cards are one of the most economical methods to stay in touch.

For calling long distance the prepaid phone card has been the biggest advancement in the industry. Calling cards will keep you in touch with business associates, customers, friends and family.

Calling cards have been around since 1975 and have grown into a billion dollar a year industry. Today you can purchase cards anywhere. Cards can be purchased to place calls from anywhere to anywhere. Different rates will apply depending upon the restrictions of the card you choose. The more specific you can be the best rate you will receive.

Prepaid phone cards come in handy during emergencies. If you are traveling you may not have cell service or perhaps you cell phone battery had died. You will not be stranded if you have a prepaid phone card.

Be sure to check the terms of the card. Read the fine print. There may be different fees and rates dependent upon when and where you place your calls. There may be an expiration date or minimum and maximum amount of minutes you can use during specific times. Be sure to compare the cards you are considering prior to purchase.

Cost per minute is not your only consideration when purchase a prepaid phone card. There may be surcharges for using pay phones or for every call placed. Be ware that the lower the cost per minute the higher the hidden fees.

Next cost per minute is the connection fee. This fee is charged for every call you place. The connection fee can greatly increase your actual cost per minute especially if your average call is short in duration.
source

International calling cards fly off the rack

2010-05-20T05:56:00.000-07:00

For $2, she can call her sister in Guatemala for their weekly half-hour chat. For more loquacious relatives, Tovar buys a $5 phone card with more than an hour of talking time.
As Tennessee's foreign-born population has grown to nearly 200,000, the international calling card market has grown rapidly. Groceries that carry immigrants' favorite treats from home also hang colorful signs in the window to advertise the best price per minute on international calls. Some promise a 20-minute call to Egypt for $2, for instance, while others offer calls to Bangladesh for 6 cents a minute.
The cards bear names such as Guatemala Gol, a reference to the next World Cup tournament, or Cotorron, Spanish slang for talkative people. Customers buy cards specific to landlines or cell phones. Before dialing the number, they punch in an access code that tells the phone company the call is prepaid.
For Tovar, a native of Guatemala who became a U.S. citizen, the cards are 60 percent to 70 percent cheaper than using the local phone company's international long-distance service.
"I'll buy the best ones with the most amount of minutes," Tovar said. "This way I don't have to worry about a monthly bill. I have a lot of sisters to call."
Illegal immigrants sometimes are forced to use the cards because they don't have the identification needed for home phone lines.
Many American-born locals first heard about the cards after the shooting death of Malith Wiek, a Sudanese Lost Boy who worked as a custodian at Montgomery Bell Academy. He sold calling cards on the side to earn money for a trip home. His relatives say they don't know how he got into the phone card business, but they wonder if he was killed last month so someone could steal his supply.
The case remains unsolved.
Ajuang Ajuang, Weik's uncle, says his nephew used the cards to call home to Sudan and sold them to other local Africans. "It's the only way the African community can call back home," Ajuang said. "It's so expensive (otherwise). We all use it." The scramble for the international calling card market started in the late 1980s and early 1990s with some pitfalls, said Alfredo Polo, owner of Tele Discount in Atlanta. Polo's company distributes to stores in the Nashville area, plus locations in Alabama, Louisiana and the Carolinas.
"It first started with calling cards in Europe and then here," Polo said. "You saw a lot of people calling back home to Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. The business really took off with little regulation, but it's more stable now."
As the market was getting established, fly-by-night operations advertised deep discounts but then sold worthless cards, or cards with only a few minutes on them. The government had to make sure companies offered disclaimers and listed all fees. More native-born Americans — those who travel and those with friends abroad —also are using calling cards, Polo said. Domestic and international long-distance cards are a $4 billion industry, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Recently, to make money off the increase in international calling cards sold in the U.S., foreign countries receiving the calls started charging their own fees, tacked onto the cards' price. Colombia has started charging; Honduras, after a coup, increased its rates.
Still, locals go to grocery stores to get their cards.
On Tuesday, Osmar Garcia stood behind the counter of La Vaquita, a Mexican market on Nolensville Pike, naming in quick succession the cards people buy based on their countries of origin. Guatemalans, Hondurans and Mexicans use a prepaid calling card called Domino. People from the Caribbean like a different one. All the cards hanging on the rack were $2 or $5.
Garcia uses calling cards every so often when his cell phone rates become too much.
"People would rather pay 7 cents a minute than the 25 cents the cell phone charges us," Garcia said. "It comes down to money and keeping in touch with family and friends."
source: tennessean.com

A Better Calling Card

2009-04-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

In the old days, self-important people use to carry calling cards. Now we have Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites to turn us all into mini-celebrities. So what's the new calling card online? That position's being jockeyed for as we speak, and different contenders are taking very different approaches.

Twitter released an important new feature to selected developers yesterday that could make it a compelling alternative to the fast growing Facebook Connect system for logging into sites around the web.

Google has its own Friend Connect service and many people use their own website as an ID and data store. That's the goal with all these systems: giving new sites you visit secure access to information about you and your friends from other sites so that the new site can better personalize its service to you. There's reason to be particularly excited about Twitter's entry into this field.

Facebook Connect is being adopted rapidly by sites all over the web seeking to let people sign in with a verified identity, some social data and access to publish activity back onto the Facebook Newsfeed. Now Twitter looks to be offering a similar feature and it could be a better implementation of the same idea.
Yahoo's Eran Hammer-Lahav wrote an in depth article about the new "Sign in With Twitter" functionality yesterday. He celebrates the move as particularly adherent to agreed upon standards - no proprietary "special sauce" clouds interoperability as happens with Facebook Connect. He also draws a distinction between Facebook's offering a social layer to websites vs. Twitter's new feature and its work with 3rd party sites and services that are already tightly integrated with Twitter. We're not so sure that second distinction is so important, though. We can imagine this new Twitter feature being implemented far and wide.

The idea is that sites using the new Sign in With Twitter tool will go through a relatively simple process to gain permission to access your data from Twitter. They will see if your browser is already logged in to Twitter, then they will either give you a pop-up window to log in there or they will skip directly to asking Twitter to ask you if you'd like to give access to this new site. You never have to give the new site your Twitter password, but you can give it permission to access private data like Direct Messages and the ability to post in your name.

It seems quite similar to Facebook Connect and Google Friend Connect in a number of ways. It may be more exciting though, because Twitter is a fundamentally different beast.

All social networking services these days want to be "a platform" - but it's really true for Twitter. From desktop apps to social connection analysis programs to services that will Twitter through your account when a baby monitoring garment feels a kick in utero - there's countless technologies being built on top of Twitter.

It's always been that way, Twitter's API is open at its core. Twitter would be nowhere near where it is today without its developer community.

Facebook, on the other hand, not only uses a non-interoperable system of authentication in Facebook Connect - it's also not based fundamentally on openness. It's based on giving access to your information to a limited set of the people you know. No one can see your profile at all without your explicit permission. The company has long held that protecting users' privacy is of the utmost importance. Of course Facebook is still about sharing, it's not completely closed, and it could be toying with and changing our understanding of privacy more than we know.

Is this just an accident? Hammer-Lahav doesn't think so and put it quite well on the OpenID mailing list last fall. "They never made the effort to truly engage the community and understand either specifications [OpenID/OAuth]," he wrote. "Second, for the most part, they reused existing Facebook pieces to create Facebook Connect. Those pieces could have been converted or added support for OpenID and OAuth a long time ago. And third, this is exactly what they wanted to do - these are some of the brightest minds in the industry and they know what they are doing."

The point is, though, that when I give you my Facebook "calling card" using Facebook Connect, that system has a long list of do's and don'ts for what developers can do with the data. It's letting sites borrow the data - not setting data free.

Twitter's version of the calling card should be more developer friendly and it's already more standards adherent, which is another way to say developer friendly. Prove you are who you say you are to Twitter and it will give sites you approve a big open field of your data to work with. In other words, web developers should be able to do a whole lot more for me when I give them my Twitter calling card than if I give them one from Facebook.

At least that's the way I suspect it will unfold in the near term. This battle is far, far from over though and it's an important one to the future of the connected web.
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Seedlings and leaving their "calling cards" throughout your landscaping.

2009-04-17T01:34:00.000-07:00

(ARA) - You love the great outdoors, especially gardening. But sometimes wildlife can be just a bit too wild, with rabbits munching prized plants to the ground, deer devouring petals of roses and azaleas, and cats rolling over seedlings and leaving their "calling cards" throughout your landscaping.

Unfortunately, these critters are a common, perpetual annoyance to home gardeners. Learning a little more about their habits and identifying the culprits is your first step to critter control. First, you'll need to recognize your four-legged foraging foe. Here are some tips to help you determine the critters you'll need to thwart:

Rabbits: Bunnies don't just dine on clover and grass, they'll also wreak havoc on your vegetable plants and can even damage woody plants in your landscape. Tell-tale signs that bunnies are bountiful include damage that is usually no higher than 2 1/2 feet above the ground, and sharp cuts at 45-degree angles on plants.

Deer: A lovely sight almost anywhere other than in your backyard. Deer can, and do, cause major damage to plants, landscapes and vegetable gardens, consuming about 12 pounds of foliage in a single day. To determine if your flowers and vegetables are disappearing due to deer damage, look closely at the half-eaten plants. If you see a jagged, rough edge, you can be sure the damage was done by deer as they have no incisor teeth and tear at the food source, leaving proof of their presence.

Squirrels: These furry, funny, cute creatures can be quite destructive when it comes to your gardens and landscapes. Squirrels are burrowing animals; they usually feed on bulbs and green leafy material during the spring and summer of phone cards, switching to seeds and grains during the fall and winter. They love wild bird feeders and have a reputation for driving away the very birds you put the feeder out to attract. You have squirrel damage if you see gnawing marks on tree bark and outside wiring, and signs of digging and burrowing. You'll also see them in the light of day sitting atop your birdfeeder.

Cats: Cats love to dig in soft already-tilled soil, making gardens just perfect for their digging desires. Most cats think the outdoors is their litter box, and a patch of dirt is an invitation to come do their business. It also makes a great place to play or roll. They'll roll over your plants, breaking new shoots and foliage. A sure sign you have a cantankerous cat frolicking in your flowerbeds is cat droppings.

These critters don't have to be the enemy of your gardens, and trapping them won't solve the problem. The arrival of warm weather means the arrival of new foliage, green grass and pesky critters in our backyards and gardens. As spring is sprung, we're suddenly faced with long gardening to-do lists and a wide variety of unwanted animals in our garden beds. As a rule of thumb, it's far better to prevent animal damage than to wait until it occurs and try to combat it.

There are a number of less-than-ideal approaches for dealing with these frustrating problems. Messy, dangerous chemicals pose unacceptable risks for most homeowners, considering pets and children. Sealing off entire areas of your landscape would be impractical, inconvenient and potentially very costly. Trapping is a lot of effort, and again, it would be a perpetual labor as trapping does nothing to prevent new pests.

All-natural alternatives can help keep critters out of your gardens and landscape. Look for 100 percent certified organic products like those made by Messina Wildlife Management. Easily applied in ready-to-use spray bottles, these organic products dry clear, smell good and work for 30 days before reapplication is needed, no matter the weather. They're safe to use on vegetables and none will harm the animals they're intended to repel. Natural products use taste and smell aversions to keep critters like rabbits, deer, squirrel, cats, groundhogs, moles and even armadillos out of your backyard.

For most animals scent and taste are the primary senses that attract them to food sources. If you disrupt the animal's sense of smell and taste, you have won the battle against the constant parade of pesky critters in your landscapes. Visit Messinawildlife.com for more information on natural, safe, effective pest repellents.
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Students encouraged to skip school on 'Day of Silence'

2009-04-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

A national coalition of pro-family groups are urging parents to keep their students home this coming Friday in protest of the annual "Day of Silence," when students vow silence to bring attention to the discrimination of gay students.

Over 20 Christian-based conservative groups have called for the massive walkout from middle and high schools participating the April 17 event, arguing that the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)'s sponsored event politicizes the classroom to support the belief that homosexuality is moral. They include state chapters of American Family Association, Concerned Women for America, Illinois Family Institute, Liberty Council and Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays.

"This day is not about 'tolerance' as it claims, but about forcing propaganda and acceptance of high-risk behavior into the schools with no opposing views allowed," said Linda Harvey of Mission America, which also supports the walkout.

Laurie Higgins of the Illinois Family Institute said that while "all of civilized society must oppose bullying," she opposes the "illegitimate means of using public education to affirm volitional homosexual behavior."

Campaign for California Families said the demonstration will serve as financial "leverage" to get the message across, saying public schools in California lose $100 a day for each child absent.

The groups have encouraged parents and teens who are not willing to risk teacher retribution or missing school to send a letter to schools officials expressing their objections to Day of Silence.

The coalition has also called attention to a resolution sitting before Congress that would urge the federal government and public schools to officially recognize and celebrate Day of Silence. The legislation also requests that "the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the National Day of Silence with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities."

House Concurrent Resolution 92 was introduced on April 1 and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

GLSEN claims that over 8,000 students participated in last year's Day of Silence. The organization says the observance is needed, pointing to its 2007 survey showing 86 percent of LGBT students reported being verbally harassed because of their sexual orientation while 44 percent report being physically harassed.

The band of pro-family groups, meanwhile, says that by opposing the event they are in no way endorsing the bullying and harassment of those in the LGBT community.

One Christian professor, however, has come against the walkout, saying it's not very productive.

"How can we get anything accomplished if we leave the field?" Dr. Warren Throckmorton, professor of Psychology at Grove City College in Pennsylvania, wrote last week on his blog on Crosswalk.com.

The expert in mental health and sexuality issues contends that students taking part in Day of Silence have a point, saying he has spoken with Christian students who have admitted to bullying or harassing gay students.

Throckmorton has created an alternative response to Day of Silence, asking Christians to take The Golden Rule Pledge and show up at school to live out the teaching of Christ to treat others as they want to be treated.

When Day of Silence students hand out pincards asking, "What will you do to help end the silence?" Christian students should respond: "This is what I am going to do. I pledge to treat others the way I want to be treated. 'Do to others as you would have them do to you.'"

Meanwhile, several other Christian-based conservative groups are promoting the Day of Truth on April 20, the following Monday, as a direct response to Day of Silence. According to Day of Truth's Web site, it was established to "counter the promotion of the homosexual agenda and express an opposing viewpoint from a Christian perspective."

Alliance Defense Fund and Exodus International, the promoters of Day of Truth, are encouraging students to speak the "truth in love" and engage in conversation about homosexuality.

Participants are also asked to hand out pin cards reading: "I'm speaking the Truth to break the silence. True tolerance means that people with differing - even opposing - viewpoints can freely exchange ideas and respectfully listen to each other. It's time for an honest conversation about homosexuality. There's freedom to change if you want to. Let's talk."
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Chivas USA clinch Best Mexico sponsorship

2009-04-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

Best Mexico, one of the leading companies providing calling services from the United States to Mexico, has partnered with Chivas USA as the Major League Soccer club’s official calling card company.

The deal joins MLS’s Mexican-owned, Los Angeles-based team with a growing international communications company making an aggressive move into the California market, as Best Mexico prepares to launch distribution of its cards in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area and beyond, starting April 13.

“As Best Mexico launches its low-cost, high-value calling card service in California, Chivas USA was a clear choice for a partner,” said John M. Wise, President of Viscom International, Inc., the parent company of Best Mexico. “Like us, Chivas USA is an organization offering tremendous value to consumers. We look forward to working with the club to help show fans and consumers the best way to call Mexico.”
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Raise Your Credit Score - Some Quick Tips You Should Bear In Mind by Alan Willis

2009-04-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

In this piece I'm going to explain some of the critical ingredients in relation to the subject of how to raise your credit score. There regularly is rather a large amount of bafflement with reference to this subject. The really great thing is that there is only a few totally crucial elements that you need to have an understanding of.

Going through your existing credit report for errors and inaccuracies is a very important subject to attempt to look at. Acquiring your existing credit report is obviously the first part of this process. The next part of this procedure is to write and object to errors or inaccuracies you uncover. The correction of any mistakes can certainly help your total score.

Calling a halt to new requests for credit is a particularly key subject to make an effort to investigate. This kind of new application will lead to a large body of activity on your account. Ultimately, that can really ruin your overall credit score. That is why avoiding making any new applications to new credit card companies straight away is extremely important.

Leaving open any good accounts you may have is a very key feature to make an effort to remember. Most people will choose to shut down this kind of additional credit international card account. Preserving them is a far better approach. This will lay down a better track record and lift your rating at the same time.

As I pointed out in the opening paragraph of the article, this has been a brief appraisal of some of the most critical items about the subject of how to raise your credit score. There are just a small number of other utterly critical issues that you really have to have an understanding of.
source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1529988
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March Leads Offer Hope for Some Pool Builders

2009-04-09T18:24:00.000-07:00

Many builders across the nation reported that March saw an increase in leads for middle- to high-end pools over January and February.

While this is nothing approaching the spring leads seen during the housing boom, it represents a much-needed improvement.

“There was an explosion of phone calls for us in March,” said Steve Toth, owner of Acclaim Pools, LLC, in The Woodlands, Texas.

While unemployment numbers continued a grim upward trek, there were still reasons for optimism. The stock market saw its best four-week run since 1933, jumping more than 20 percent. The Obama Administration announced relief programs for small businesses, car companies and banks. And the National Association of Realtors reported new-home sales up 4.7 percent in February, while existing home sales rose 5.1 percent.

While these are only slight improvements — many from record lows — perhaps some homeowners believe there’s cause for optimism.

“On the middle end to higher end, I think people are starting to soften up a bit, to make commitments and get projects started,” said Russ Watters, owner of Watters Aquatech Pools & Spas in Las Vegas.

Some builders believe the shock of last autumn’s historic market downturn may have worn off a bit. Others say people just want to swim come Memorial Day.

“It’s my assumption that people are getting more used to what’s happening and they’re not as frightened, and there’s a little more hope,” said Dan Essig, president of Essig Pools in North Miami, Fla.

“We didn’t sell a ton of pools, but we definitely did better than we have, and we had substantially more estimates than we’ve had in the last five months,” he added.

Builders also reported that their leads are more likely to buy than in the past.

“I think there’s pent-up demand,” Toth said. “The folks who are calling card say, ‘Hey, we’ve been wanting to do a pool for a year, but we’ve been a little nervous about the whole idea, and maybe the worst is over.’

“We just sold a project and the family said, ‘We’re going to do the whole thing on credit cards.’”

Despite the signs, most pool professionals are cautious in their optimism. In the current economic environment, it’s hard to predict whether a customer can obtain credit. Additionally, many consumers are pitting one builder against the next as they try to squeeze every last dollar from the price. This creates a longer lead-to-conversion time than usual.

Other than the increase in leads, industry pros report the same trends of the past few months: Service and renovation remain strong; commercial and higher-end residential construction seem least affected; and lower-priced inground pool sales remain stagnant.
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Calling cards to soldiers

2009-04-09T06:26:00.000-07:00

BRONXVILLE: Since it began in February 2008, the "Hearts to Home" program has raised more than $56,000 to send calling cards to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It recently partnered with the United Service Organizations, which will host an event from 4 to 5:30 p.m. April 26 at the Schoenfeld Campus Center of Concordia College, 171 White Plains Road. For more information, call 914-337-1313.
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Refreshments will be provided by Scarborough Fair in Bronxville. The suggested donation is $15. Make checks payable to USO Metropolitan New York. To RSVP, call 212-695-5590, Ext. 228, or e-mail choepker@usonyc.org.

If you are unable to attend and wish to donate, the address is: USO of Metropolitan New York, 625 Eighth Ave., North Wing, Second Floor, New York, NY 10018.
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Shave for the Brave to raise funds for calling cards

2009-04-09T06:13:00.000-07:00

Shave For the Brave Buzz-A-Thon will be held Sunday May 3 starting at 1 p.m. at Ratch and Deb’s Pizza, 720A Merritt Ave.

Participants will shave their heads or get a military cut to help raise funds for prepaid calling cards for troops overseas.

Pick up a sponsor sheet at Ratch and Deb’s Pizza, Andy’s Pub, LeRoy’s Tavern and Gentelman’s Choice Barber Shop in Omro. Contact Mark Stormer at (920) 210-2982 or Tim Golding at (920) 410-9419 for more information.

Contributed by Mark Stormer and Tim Golding
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How to Select a Good Prepaid Phone Calling Card for Your Long-distance Calling Need

2008-12-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

International phone calling cards and long-distance prepaid phone cards have become more important than beneficial to us. These plastic cards can makes us easy and simple to contact our family and friends, especially if we are very far from them in a different country. One does not need to carry a mobile phone or search for a service provider for the SIM. These prepaid calling cards can be utilized from any standard landline, mobile phone and pay phone, to quickly make calls anytime and anywhere. And there are no anxious moments for hefty or wrong bills. You will know the call charges as soon as you have completed the call.

If you are buying these prepaid cards for the first time, then you need to closely make comparisons on each calling card providers' services by clearly and properly understanding the fine print that is provided along with the calling card, and make decisions on which one are the best ones that suits your needs and requirements.

Compare Each Calling Card's Connection Fees

Prior to buying a calling card, find out if there is a connection fee being charged. These fees are generally charged every time you make a successful call using that calling card. Successful call here also includes connecting to a voice mail, answering machine or pager. These types of fees generally vary between different calling card providers, and if you generally use the calling card to make short-distance calls then you may end up paying more as connection fees rather than the cost of actual call made. For consumers who make only short calls on a regular basis, be sure to check the 'per minute rate' and the connection fee to ensure that these would not be too excessive, as it would be no good paying low per minute rates and higher connection fees for a quick call. There's usually a trade-off between per-call charges (connection fee) and per-minute charges. The higher the per-call charge is, the lower the per-minute charge usually is. If you make a lot of long calls, go with the higher per-call rate. If you make short calls, the higher per-minute cards are probably better for you. Presently, many prepaid phone cards providers have cheaper per minute charges, however have high connection fees.

Learn More About Rechargeable Cards And Expiry Dates

Prepaid phone calling cards do expire after a certain period. Check for the expiry dates provided by the calling cards providers. The usual expiration dates range from 3 to 6 months from the date of purchase or from the initial use of the calling card. If the calling card expires with a considerable amount of time as credit, you will surely lose that out after the expiry date. Some prepaid calling cards are rechargeable, and all you need to do is to simply add more minutes by contacting the calling card provider's toll-free hotline numbers or support numbers.

Gain Valuable Product Info Before Buying One

It is needless to say that considering only the above two points can help you find a good calling card. You need to also clarify if these prepaid calling card communication devices can offer high-quality connections and are easy to of use. Search on internet for the reviews of providers. You can also contact their customer support for questions or concerns regarding the quality of the phone calling card and judge from their response and feedback.
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Library aids program to provide calling minutes to military personnel

2008-08-11T02:06:00.000-07:00

The Ocean County Library will participate in the national “Cell Phone for Soldiers” program by distributing postage-paid envelopes for shipping cell phones at 17 of its branches.

The local distribution of the envelopes will begin Monday August 11, said Senior Librarian Meagan Toohey.

“Cell Phones for Soldiers” is a 501.c.3 non-profit organization. It sells the collected cell phones to ReCellular, Inc. which recycles the units. Each donated cell phone purchases one hour of talk time. A receipt for cell phone donations will be available at the branches.

“Cell Phones for Soldiers” will accept any make or model cell phone, cell phone chargers, batteries, accessories, Blackberry PDA's and pagers.

“Americans will replace an estimated 130 million cell phones this year,” said Mike Newman, vice president of ReCellular, “with the majority of phones either discarded or stuffed in a drawer. Most people don't realize that the small sacrifice of donating their unwanted phones can have a tremendous benefit for a worthy cause like Cell Phones for Soldiers.”

Information for removing data off a donated cell phone can be found at www.recellular.com/recycliing/data_eraser/default.asp.

The money the organization collects from selling the phones is used to purchase prepaid calling cards that are distributed to military personnel. Since the organization was formed in 2004 by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass., it has raised more than $2 million and purchased more than 500,000 cards. That equals nearly 18 million minutes of talk time, according to the group's Web site www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com .

“Cell Phones for Soldiers started as a small way to show our family's appreciation for the men and women who have sacrificed the day-to-day contact with their own families to serve in the U.S. armed forces,” said the teens' father Bob Bergquist. “Over the past few years, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of others. But, we have also seen the need to support our troops continue to grow as more troops are sent overseas for longer assignments.”

The prepaid envelopes can be picked up at the following locations: Barnegat; Bay Head; Beachwood; Brick; Berkeley; Island Heights; Jackson; Lacey; Little Egg Harbor; Manchester; Plumsted; Point Pleasant Borough; Stafford; Toms River; Tuckerton; Upper Shores (Lavallette); and Waretown.

Ways To Spot The Right Prepaid Calling Card For You

2008-08-11T01:57:00.000-07:00

Each of us needs to communicate. Certainly, you want to have Isis best means to communicate, Government student loan consolidation one that can give you convenience and handiness.

Prepaid calling cards were developed in order to compensate the use of coins coloring books you need to make a call. So do you find that convenient and handy?

How do you find carrying about hundred of coins in your pocket in order to make calls anytime and anywhere, is it convenient and handy for you? Prepaid calling cards possess about hundred of dollars worth of prepaid calling credits. Prepaid calling cards are paper like structure which you can put in any pocket of your pants, thats convenient and handy right!

Prepaid calling cards possess lots of features that can be very useful and helpful to you. But there are no two prepaid calling cards that are the same, each prepaid calling card differ. Each prepaid calling cards differ from rates, features and services. Yes, you heard it right; they differ from each other, so you have to do ways in order to find the one that can suit your wants and needs.

Each of us has different tastes, preferences, and styles, so it is better to look for the one that can make you happy and convenient. You are maybe wondering on how to find the one that suits you since there are lots of prepaid calling cards out there.

If you truly want to find the one that is right for you, you have to research. You can compare at least few of the prepaid calling cards in order to find the one that has the right rates, services and features that you want and need.

The basic feature of prepaid calling cards is that you can use it anytime, anywhere, and with the use of any phone. So if you need to make a call immediately, you can use your prepaid calling card with any regular phone.

Some prepaid calling cards possess charges and fees, so you better check these out before purchasing any card. Of course, each of us wants to have the best out of our money, so in order to achieve this; you have to gain the necessary information about the prepaid calling card.

How can one gain the information that he/she needs about the prepaid calling card?

You have to be alert and initiative. Go ask about the information that you need. Do not be shy of asking questions, since this can help you gain the information you need. Reading the terms and condition is a must. It may be boring to read but you have to in order for you to have the information you need. Definitely, you do not want to be caught or surprised with the hidden charges that the prepaid calling card that you are using midway right! So before purchasing one, make simple research and gain the information you need about the prepaid calling card.

Observation, researching and gaining information is very important in order to have the right prepaid calling card for you. Having the right prepaid calling card can make you happy and convenient in using it.

International Calling Cards: Now Talk At Cheap Rates

2008-08-11T01:04:00.000-07:00

When information technology underwent a total change in last century, some people thought that it will lead to the emergence of ground breaking methods of communication. However in no time, the mobile phones, basic or landline telephones, e-mails and Internet captured the eye of normal customers. Earlier, these methods were very costly and expensive to maintain but as the time passed, the technology improved and so did the rates, charges or tariff of calls came drastically down. Every kind of call, be it local regional call, interstate call or even the international call, the rates of all calls were slashed to an extent that they do not bother the users when they are talking. However despite many networks are offering the calls at very cheap rates but still, making the international calls are considered to be a big deal today. Why? It is because, even today, the rates of making international calls are very high which makes it an expensive proposition for most of the average persons and middle class families. Hence, to save people from it concepts international calling cards have been started.

These international calling cards are the normal looking calling cards, the only difference is that they are used for communicating through Internet. Yes, to most of the people it may sound a new development but in fact it is a technology that is in use for the past many years since the advent of Internet in our daily lives. The credit of evolution of these long distance calling cards goes to the demand of users for the cheap international calls. These calling cards can be bought to serve to the VoIP connection. These cards offer full talk time and at a very reasonable rates. With these cards the users can make international calls at a very economical rates. Since chances are there that in mid of an important call the credit in the card of user may expire. Hence to save users from facing this problem, these cards come with a PIN number that helps the users to get the VoIP minutes credited in to his account.

These calling cards are offered by every renowned network providers. These long distance calling cards offer its users exceptional sound quality to facilitate the talk session. Also these international calling cards are available at a very cheap rate and the users need not to pay any kind of hidden costs or charges. The only thing that is necessary for taking advantages of these calling cards is that the user must have a Internet connection and the VoIP handset. The handset is very reasonable and looks like a regular basic telephone. The users can also avail the advantage of transferring of balance in some kinds of calling cards.

All in all these long distance calling cards are the easiest and the cheapest means of staying in touch with your friends, relatives or spouses sitting far from the users.

international call using a landline

2008-08-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

While most people that I know of can afford a mobile phone, there is still no substitute for placing an international call using a landline. Transmission is clear, efficient, and most of all, cost-effective. With cheaper calling cards now available virtually everywhere you go, placing an international call has never been made easy and convenient. In fact, at 5.4 cents per minute, you can call any of your relatives, friends or love ones from USA to the Philippines with these affordable pinless calling cards. Lay aside your cell phones for a while, these crunch times, using these cards are way cost effective.

Cool distance--to the formal calling card

2008-08-05T04:25:00.000-07:00

In the 1800s, there was a certain logic--and a cool distance--to the formal calling card. Those who were part of, or sought a place among, the social élite would deliver a card with their name engraved on it to someone's home to request a visit. But now that you can IM, e-mail or text pretty much anyone immediately, the Victorian practice seems laughably outmoded, right? Not so, according to a growing number of enthusiasts reviving the old-fashioned social-networking tool. "Is it technology fatigue? A colorful way of branding yourself? We're not sure," says Peter Hopkins of Crane & Co., where sales of the cards have doubled in the past two years. "But the demand is clear. They are our fastest-growing item."
For a flagging stationery industry, calling cards--essentially nonbusiness business cards--have brought a welcome dose of energy. Some are teenier than standard business cards, others much bigger, and many come in bright colors that seem anything but stodgy. Among the buyers: playdate-seeking parents eager for a sane way to exchange contact info, retirees who miss having business cards to hand out (Memphis stationer Baylor Stovall calls them "cruise-ship customers") and itinerant young professionals whose cell phones and e-mail addresses are their most reliable locators. Elaine Milnes, a stay-at-home mom in Grand Rapids, Mich., got fed up with searching for pens on the playground and made a card for herself (title: Caroline's mom). She now operates a thriving online cardmaking venture, MommyBiz.net Ditto for nonparent Ilene Segal, founder of Baby iDesign, a four-year-old stationer in Manhattan. She thinks her playdate cards have caught on because they're "a nicer way of connecting than plugging someone into your cell."

For young job-hoppers, a calling card offers not only a sense of permanence but also a chance for self-expression. In June, Mitch Stripling, an emergency planner who recently moved to New York City, printed cards with cell-phone, e-mail and descriptor ("neo Victorian calling card thingy") info for his 10-year college reunion in an effort to reconnect with people he knew he wouldn't have a chance to speak with at length. "I wanted to get away from the whole status thing at reunions, so a business logo didn't feel right," says Stripling, whose card was a buzz-generating hit at Williams College. "Having my own little logo frees me up. It's a way to be expressive of me outside of whatever job I happen to be doing at the time."

Perhaps the biggest reason the cards have delighted jaded 21st century types is that they work. Says Stripling: "I can't say for sure if it was the card or just the effects of a reunion, but I heard from around 30 people from school in the weeks after." Some are even planning visits.
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Some prepaid calling cards are no bargains

2007-12-24T19:19:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-16T21:09:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-16T20:59:00.000-08:00

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.
coldcallingcards.com
Cheap international phone cards

Schools to give calling cards to military

2007-12-11T10:09:00.000-08:00

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.
Link
Cheap international phone cards

Long Distance Calling Cards And Cheap Phone Cards

2007-10-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

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.”
Link

10 Tips: Dial up some help with your phone bill

2007-10-21T02:48:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-18T22:18:00.001-07:00

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?

2007-10-18T22:16:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

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.
Link

All About The Latest Technology in Communication - International Callback

2007-10-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-12T10:10:00.001-07:00

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

2007-10-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

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''

2007-10-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-10T02:58:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-10T02:56:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-10-10T02:53:00.000-07:00

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.

Vendor Guru has done the research to help you quickly find respected, cutting-edge CRM companies with the products and services that are right for your business. Click here to learn more.

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

2007-10-10T02:50:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-02T22:45:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-10-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

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.
Link

My calling card not meal coupon

2007-10-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

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.
Link

Calls for US

2007-09-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

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.
Link

Buy Phone Cards Online

Omley Case Study

2007-09-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

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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BSNL launches instant pre-paid mobile card for foreigners

2007-09-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

By PTI
New Delhi: Seeking to tap the inbound foreign tourists segment, state run BSNL has launched a special pre-paid card with instant activation facility at a cost of Rs5,618.
Foreign tourists often complain of difficulties in getting a pre-paid connection due to regulatory reasons or identification problems. In calling cards the charges are exorbitantly high.
On the BSNL card, a user has to pay Rs5,618 for an initial talk value of Rs3,000 with a 30-day validity. The applicable pulse rate is 60 seconds and the charges are same as for India citizens, company officials said.
Local call charges are 90 paise a minute for BSNL’s GSM network and Rs 1.20 for non-BSNL network. For STD calls, charges are Rs 2 per minute for BSNL’s GSM and fixed line phones, while for other it is Rs2.40.
For international calls, the charges are Rs7.20 a minute for calls to the US, Canada, the UK, Sri Lanka. For calls to Europe (other than the UK), Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Oman and Qatar, the figure is Rs 9.60, while for the rest of the world, it is Rs12.
Earlier, BSNL had reduced international roaming tariff for foreigners using its network in the country by up to 40%, a relief for tourists who often complain of high telephone charges while on the move in India.
For foreigners visiting India, the tariff for outgoing local/STD call is slashed to about Rs30 per minute from Rs49, while an ISD call will cost Rs70 per minute, against Rs99 earlier. For an incoming call, a person has to pay Rs50 per minute instead of earlier Rs75 a minute.
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Veterans collecting calling cards for soldiers

2007-09-15T18:38:00.000-07:00

PORTSMOUTH — During September, Aquidneck Medical Associates in Portsmouth and Newport are participating in a statewide campaign to collect and distribute international calling cards to overseas military personnel so they can call their families without worrying about the expense.

On average, it costs more than $4 a minute to place a call from Iraq to Boston. The cards are given to soldiers and not to their families because soldiers are not stationed in any one place long enough to have a phone number they can share. Veterans and US Family Health Plan staff members will collect the international calling cards and deliver them to US Family Health Plan at Brighton Marine Health Center, the originator of the campaign.

Aquidneck Medical Associates, 69 Turnpike Ave., 683-2290, is serving as a drop-off site. They are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday.

Calling cards also can be mailed to: The Calling Card Campaign, US Family Health Plan at Brighton Marine Health Center, 77 Warren St., Boston, MA 02135.
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Prepaid Calling Cards Are Convenient in Making Calls

2007-09-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

Prepaid calling card is a card that you can purchase in order to make local and international calls. A lot of people are using prepaid calling card since they can conveniently use it when making calls, they can use it any time and any where.

Since you pay in advance, with the use of prepaid calling card, you do not have any bills. Typically, prepaid calling cards are being use among students, travelers, and to those who normally make overseas calls. Prepaid calling cards are available in the market and even online. You can also see and purchase prepaid calling cards to several news stands, stores and restaurants.

Prepaid calling card can make you save money, since you can only purchase certain amount that you need in making calls, you do not have any bills at all.

But take note, there are wide array of prepaid calling cards to choose from, so you need to pick up the one that can give you satisfaction and can best suit your needs and wants. So it is wiser on your part especially if you are a starter, you need to compare few prepaid calling cards and know there features, rates and services, since each prepaid calling card differs from each other. You need to allocate little of your time in comparing several prepaid calling cards until you find the one that has the rate, services and features that you want and need.

Usually, prepaid calling cards come with PIN which you need to use in making calls. How can you use a prepaid calling card? In making call, you need to dial the access number, next is you have to enter the PIN. After that, a voice prompt will tell you to enter the phone number that you are calling and the voice will remind you with the remaining balance that you have.

There are prepaid calling cards that you can purchase and be recharge by the prepaid calling card company with the use of credit card. But there are also prepaid calling cards that after the balance was used, you can throw it away and buy a new one. Yes, there are lots of prepaid calling cards, and each differs, so it is really up to you with prepaid calling card do you prefer, you need to know there features, rates and services in order to know which with give you convenience and satisfaction.

Typically, prepaid calling cards have expiration dates; it can be in a week, month or a year. So you need to use your balance before the date expires to avoid inconvenience.

Prepaid calling cards can allow users to make calls away from home and office, since these cards can be use with any tough-tone telephones and pay phones. Prepaid calling cards are truly convenient to use since it eliminates the need to bring coins just to make calls.

Of course, you want to have the prepaid calling card that can give you convenience and satisfaction, so it is wiser to check out the prepaid calling card’s authenticity from Better Business Bureau offices.
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International Cell Phone Service

2007-08-27T22:02:00.000-07:00

If you are a business traveler who often travels outside the United States, you will need an international cellular service before you can make calls outside of the country. There are a few countries which are on a unified system which is known as global services for mobiles. These international services require a GSM phone and a SIM card which allows your phone to connect to local wireless carriers in whatever country you are in.

If you already have a cell phone service the chances are fairly high that your phone will not work outside of the United States. Some phones are sold as world phones but they too will have limits as to what countries they can be used.

There are different ways you can obtain GSM phone service while you are traveling outside the United States. One way is the sign up for a regular monthly account but this way is not practical since it would probably commit you to a contract for a year or more.

Roaming: You can always ask your current provider to switch you to global roaming and this would let you use your present phone almost anywhere in the world. This feature does have a big drawback. The roaming charges are very expensive. Some of them can be from $1 to $6 per minute so if you travel often and use your phone a lot this might not be the way for you to go.

Prepaid SIM cards: These cards provide a simple solution because they allow you to have a local phone number and calling rate in whatever country you are in. They are fairly inexpensive and will usually allow anybody to call you at no additional charge. The cost for these cards is bout $30 to $60 and they are usually active for up to a year. However, this can get confusing if you visit many different countries since your number would constantly be changing.

Global Roaming: There are a few companies that have programs that allow you to use your SIM in your phone in all of the countries you plan to visit. The best benefit to this is you will keep the same phone number and the rates are fairly reasonable. Your rates may be a little higher with this plan but you will be able to receive and make calls in about ninety countries around the world.

If you only travel outside the United States occasionally it might be more cost effective for you to buy a prepaid plan which is customized to meet your needs during travel. These might be a little more expensive but if you only travel rarely there is really no reason for you to buy a phone since the cost of a phone can run up to $200.

There are some tips to help keep your international calls at lower rates. Often if you have a prepaid SIM card it is cheaper for you to get incoming calls than it is to make an outgoing call. Call the person you need to talk to and ask them to call you back. Another way to save is to use the call back service. Call the number and hang up before anyone When they get an answer you will be on US service which is provided at a discount rate.
by Kelly Hunter
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Benefits Calling cards , Phone cards. How To Choose

2007-08-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

Prepaid phone cards sales are skyrocketing. Using prepaid phone cards wisely can help you control your phone bills. Prepaid phone cards are also very convenient. For consumers who do not want to switch their long distance carriers, stand-alone prepaid phone cards are the answer. You receive mobility (calling from any phone including cellular), independence from local carrier and anonymity. Prepaid phone cards are also extremely popular with college students, truck drivers, travelers, and international visitors. Often you can find the absolute LOWEST rate to a particular international country by using prepaid phone cards rather than direct dial 1+ service or 1010 dial. We invite you to search our prepaid phone cards rates and purchase your prepaid phone cards online.
Why Phone Cards Online?
Buying phone cards online is very convenient and it has a lot of advantages:
Wide range of the phone cards in one place;
Easy to compare the rates and select the best card for you;
Get the PIN instantly at any time and any place where you have an access to the Internet (go through verification to eliminate any delays).

Buy Phone Cards Online

Six Reasons To Avoid VoIP

2007-08-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

VoIP gets all the headlines, but it's not for every enterprise. If voice quality is mission-critical, for instance, there is a business reason for retaining traditional phone service.

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Cingular (AT&T) Waiver Ruled "Unconscionable" By Circuit Court

2007-08-18T21:55:00.001-07:00

Like many companies, Cingular has a little thing in their contracts saying that if you use their service, you void your right to a class action lawsuit and instead have to go through "mandatory binding arbitration," which is basically an extra-judicial corporate court exempt from many of the basic laws and procedures and rights of real court.

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Why iPhone will cost £329 and £399 in the UK

2007-08-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

Mobile Choice Blog has been analysing the differences between other Apple products in the US and UK, and used that info to predict the unsubsidised price of the iPhone in the UK.

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Early iPhone Adopters Extremely Satisfied: Best Rating of any Cell Phone

2007-08-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

Better than three-in-four (77%) owners report they are Very Satisfied with their Apple iPhone and another 15% say they are Somewhat Satisfied, for a combined 92% Satisfaction Rating – the best we’ve seen for a cellular phone device

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The IPhone Is Internet Explorer 4 All Over Again

2007-08-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

Facebook, Netvibes and Meebo all launched new iPhone-optimized versions of their sites this week and all three of them are very nice, but wasn’t one of the points of the iPhone that it offered “a real web browser?”

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How International Prepaid Calling Cards Started

2007-08-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

There are millions of international prepaid calling cards being sold and used everyday. You may be wondering how it all began.
Although international prepaid calling cards have become a powerhouse technological system generating billions of dollars, you might be surprised to know that it was first developed three decades ago. The history of prepaid calling cards is as interesting and amusing as other modern invention stories that you may have heard before. The cards were originally made in Europe then reached America after a decade. Today, almost every nation in the world has a variety of international prepaid calling cards available.
The 70’s
In 1975 SIDA, a producer and distributor of vending machines in Italy began experimenting with the idea of making calling cards. The idea was to replace coins being used for payphones since medal coins were in shortage and theft and vandalism was rampant. The first batch of made prepaid calling cards were released into the market in 1976.

These were very slim cards from cardboards and got stuck on more than one occasion. They operated via a magnetic strip at the back of the card that can be scanned by new special phones upon insertion of the card. The idea of paying per minute was already incorporated in this pioneer batch.

In 1977, the popularity of the new prepaid calling cards rose after one year and nearby countries in Europe like Sweden, France, the United Kingdom and Austria also started using the system and manufacturing cards. The magnetic strip validation was the key trait of the cards. A year later, Nelson G. Bardini from Brazil used inductive technology to improve international prepaid calling cards. There are sequences of coils that identified how much is used up in the card.

The 80’s

The new cards using inductive technology was presented at the national inventors’ exhibition in 1982. Japan also began manufacturing prepaid calling cards which sold several thousands daily. The Nippon Telephone and Telegraph company was the first in Japan to adapt to the new system. In 1984, France developed the technology by using chip-based “smart cards”.

Three years later, World Telecom Group, Siemens and General Electric manufactured magstripe cards which contained information. This is the same technology used by credit cards today. In 1988, the first catalogue of telecards was released in England by Dr. Steve His*censored*s. In 1989, AT&T invested in the system as well producing several thousands of cards daily.

The 90’s

In 1990, the non-magstripe calling card was made by Regional Bell Operating Company in New York which involved dialing a toll-free access number. The caller would then input the Personal Identification Number or PIN. This new system started the rise of international prepaid calling cards since it was very versatile and allowed access to any phone in the world. By 1995, over six hundred million dollars in sales were made from international prepaid calling cards.

The 2000’s

Sales continued to soar well into the 21st century counting in the billions. The system replaced most collect call systems and coin payphones and continued to develop with other gadgets as well like cellular phones and the internet. With its continuous success, international prepaid calling cards are definitely here to stay.
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International Calling Cards

Long Distance Bill! Secret To Slashing

2007-08-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

Long distance today is getting cheaper and cheaper. You should no longer be paying those expensive monthly fees or outrageous per minute billing rates. The secret to slashing your long distance bill is to use a discount long distance rate, pretty simple right?

Here are some tips to be sure you choose the right provider:

Figure out what fits your needs. Look at the details of each long distance calling plan you are considering. What are the in-state (intrastate) rates and what are the state-to-state (inter-state) rates for each plan. Often you will find in-state rates are more expensive then state-to-state so keep that in mind if you make a lot of in-state calls. It is possible to use a different provider for each type of call if you use a dial-around or calling card.

Be aware of any monthly recurring fees. Some carriers charge a monthly access fee in order to make long distance calls at a discount rate. This is ok if you make a lot of calls however if you are not careful, you could actually lose money if you don't make any calls at all. For example if you talk an average 20 minutes per month at 2.9 cents per minute and there is a $4.95 monthly fee then in reality this means you have paid an outrageous 27.65 cents per minute. This is highly overlooked so be aware when you are evaluating providers.

Check to see if there are connection fees. Some calling plans have a connection fee in order to connect your long distance call. This is especially true when making an international calls or when using a calling card. Be sure you read the fine print on this one.

Check if there a minimum per minute charge. Be sure there isn't a minimum charge when connecting your call. For instance, some companies will connect your call and it may only last 3 minutes however they charge a minimum of 5 or 10 minutes. This is especially true when making international calls or using a calling card.

International Calls. This can be tricky if you call more than one country. You may have the cheapest rate calling one country and pay a higher rate to call another. Take the time and be sure you are getting the best rate you can possibly get; this can really save you a ton of money. Calling cards are usually much cheaper than making calls from a standard telephone as long as you use all of the above criteria when selecting a provider.

Check USF Fee. The universal service fund fee is a fee paid to the government and cannot be avoided. The average is about 9% today however most phone companies charge much more than this. It cannot be applied to in-state calls however if you make a lot of state-to-state calls you will be subject to this tax.

If you follow this guide you should rest assured that you have chosen the best possible provider. Be sure to check back with your provider frequently and be sure your rates are still the best. As technology continues to change it will drive competition and make prices cheaper. I would check at least once every six months to ensure you are still getting the best rate you possibly can.
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Long Distance

Prepaid Calling Card – Best Tool to Communicate

2007-08-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

Communication is a connection that allows access between persons or places. So if you are traveling a lot or live abroad, you need a convenient means to communicate with family and friends.

Of course, you want to keep in touch with family and friends. You may have tried sending emails, chatting with them, but the best way is to talk to them and hear their voices. Definitely, you want to communicate with them anytime and any where without any problem or hassle but what can be the best way to communicate?

Prepaid calling cards are developed to communicate without the use of coins. Prepaid calling cards were developed in replacement with the coins. How hassle it is to bring hundred of coins in your pocket in order to make calls. But with the use of prepaid calling cards which are slim, paper-like structures that you can keep on your pocket and you can use anytime and any where with the use of any phone. So do you find that convenient?

There are lots companies that produce prepaid calling cards and each of these cards differ from each other; each of these cards possesses different features, rates and services. Because of these, you should not have to purchase any of the prepaid calling cards out there, you have to search for the prepaid calling card that can make you happy and satisfied with its rates, features and services.

Do simple research by comparing several prepaid calling cards out there. There are lots of features that you may want in a card. So you have to know those features and select the one that has the features you want.

Some prepaid calling cards have fees and charges, so you have to know each of these, in order not to be surprised with all of these as you use the prepaid calling card. So it is better to gain information that can be helpful to you in finding the right prepaid calling card for you.

The essential feature of prepaid calling cards is that you can use it any time and any where. And the other basic feature is that it is easy and simple to operate or use.

But there are lots of other features that you should look at, such as the PIN. Usually, most prepaid calling cards comes with PIN that you have to dial every time you make a call, this PIN is for the safely of your account. But there are also prepaid calling cards that do not have PIN, so if you find it a bother to dial it every now and then when making calls, so prepaid calling card without PIN is the card for you.

This is one of the reasons why you should look and check out the features of prepaid calling cards. In order to find the features that you want and need and that are useful to you.

It is also advisable to check out if the company is a reliable and trustworthy. It is better to purchase a prepaid calling card with a reliable company in order to assure that you’ll get high quality product and best services.
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Prepaid Calling Cards

AT&T Lied, Employee Discounts Don't Apply To iPhone - Employee Letter

2007-08-12T18:52:00.001-07:00

AT&T pulled the bait and switch on its own employees. One was repeatedly told that his employee discount would apply only towards iPhone calling plans, but not the iPhone itself, or its associated data plan. The employee twice verified the existence of a calling plan discount - at an AT&T store, and with AT&T customer support.

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Long Island Call To Arms

2007-08-12T18:49:00.001-07:00

A serious issue us long islanders have to deal with

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Why Is iPhone Better? Here My Story

2007-08-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

The third item down was the name of the chinese restaurant across the street from me. I tapped it, flicked down and then tapped "Create new contact". I put the phone away and had about 30 more seconds left before the train went and the light went green.

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Total Telecom: XXX content drives mobile video shortcode market

2007-08-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

Content company D2see notes that 'girls and gambling' dominate video downloads; growth could be hampered by lack of cross-network support.

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Calls To Verizon

2007-08-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

"Poor Jason. Eight months after ordering Verizon FIOS, he is still without decent phone, television, or internet service, though not for lack of effort on his part"

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Pearl Jam censored by AT&T, calls for a neutral 'Net

2007-08-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

After a pair of political Pearl Jam lyrics are censored on an AT&T webcast, the group publicly calls for network neutrality. AT&T says that's not the issue.

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Make Free Pc to Phone Calls - Really works

2007-08-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

Hi friends I want to share a website with you people where you can make free calls from Pc to mobile and It’s absolutely free. So get ready for it. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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American Idol Finalist LaKisha Jones featured in calling campaign

2007-08-08T17:28:00.000-07:00

When the phones of Houston's trendiest singles started making noise, those who answered were surprised by the voice on the other end.

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Webacall.com - VoIP Service Provider

2007-08-08T17:18:00.000-07:00

Webacall.com is currently providing VoIP services. Unlike other VSPs they seem to provide more and diversified services. Eg pc2pc, pc2phone, device2phone and then they also have ani/sms/web/wap callback on the same account whilst also providing refillable virtual calling cards for several access numbers. Add to that they have DID incoming numbers..

VOIP PHONE

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Rhino Equipment announce analog telephony card On - Board Echo Cancellation

2007-08-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Rhino Equipment Team is pleased to announce the release of our plug-in PCI analog telephony card product line with on-board echo cancellation as a standard offering. The Rhino FXO and FXS analog telephony product line consists of non-modular (permanently affixed FXS/FXO circuitry) and modular (user defined FXS/FXO module circuitry) models in order

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Will the iPhone be iPwned?

2007-08-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

The dark lining to Apple's silver cloud

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TUAW releases iPhone Voice Recorder app

2007-08-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

Secret undocumented AVRecorder class allows you to record audio using AMR format. VOIP is now realistically within sight!

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iPhone Display Needs to Reboot

2007-08-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

Hey PC fanboys, now you can use this shot of a Windows XP display at an AT&T store when those smug Mac worshipers tell you about how such-and-such Zune commercial was made on a Mac, and how "all media types and artists" use Macs. Windows runs the world, baby.

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iPhone and iPod

2007-08-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

Timex teamed up with Apple for this Ironman iControl watch, which is pretty much a standard workout watch with one major difference: It has iPod controls on it. You're able to control play/pause, volume up and down, and the go to the next/previous track on any iPod with a dock connector.

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Music from the iPhone Ads

2007-08-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

Let the YouTube parodies begin!

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All About International Calling Cards

2007-08-02T18:46:00.001-07:00

All sorts of businesses, profession or hobbies can benefit from calling cards. Whether you use them as a businessman, real state agent, doctor or any other means you can always be one step ahead of your colleagues or competitors when you have calling cards. Having a calling card is like packing all your business identity, contact information and lo

digg story

The Boston Area Mobile 2.0 Round-Up

2007-08-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

Comprehensive listing of Boston-area mobile start-ups.

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apple iphone available to buy in internet

2007-08-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

now you can order your apple iphone online

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AT&T: Phone Stolen? You Still Must Pay for the $450 In Porn Downloads

2007-08-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

Tiffany's cellphone was stolen right before she got on a chartered sailboat for a week of vacation. When she got back, AT&T told her she was responsible for the entire week of soft core porn downloading that the thief had enjoyed during the time she was away.

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iPhone Reverse Engineering Opens New Door to Total Unlock

2007-08-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

The iPhone Dev Team keeps closing up on their total unlocking target: they just announced that they have reverse-engineered the software which controls the iPhone's radio communications. The team has now a new way to search for the key to make the JesusPhone work with other carriers...

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Inside AdSense: How to win advertisers and influence ad competition

2007-08-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

More and more people are turning to Google Adsense to generate an additional income, it's free to join and easy, so why not? Communities are sharing their revenues between its contributing membersInside AdSense: AdSense and Calling cards

iPhone and sub-zero temperatures?

2007-08-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

Mikko Hyppönen of F-Secure tests if the iPhone works in nordic, sub-zero temperatures

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New iPhone Cases by Incipio Silicrylic

2007-08-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

he Incipio Technologies presents iPhone cases in four solid colors, the SILICRYLIC Case are only for Apple iPhone, its cost is $30 co

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AT&T Wireless drops iPhone from main page

2007-08-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

Rumors that Apple is wearing the pants a little too often in their iPhone relationship with AT&T have received a boost, now that the wireless carrier seems to have stopped promoting the pricey phone on their main page barely a month after its June 29th launch.

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In which, iPhone apps are built.

2007-07-30T23:10:00.000-07:00

It turns out that creating new GUI iPhone apps is both harder and easier than you expect.

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If AT&T Ran the Highway System...

2007-07-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

Drivers would have to prepay their tolls, based on the estimated number of miles they expected to drive. Those who drove fewer miles than estimated would get no refund; those who drove more would be charged for the overage at a higher rate. The AT&T-approved Apple iCar would be limited to a top speed of 30 mph. Sales people in AT&T car showrooms w

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Cell phones light up operating room during blackout

2007-07-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - The light from the cell phone screens allowed surgeons to complete an emergency appendix operation during a blackout in a city in central Argentina, reports said on Saturday.

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Today iPhone Gets Bejeweled by PopCap For Free!

2007-07-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

Many folks waited in line, in the United States, to get their fingerprints on an iPhone. Today, it all becomes worth while for casual gamers and their sleak black Apple designed mobile phone product. PopCap Games announces Bejeweled for the iPhone...

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Iphone Without AT&T

2007-07-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

DVD Jon finds a way to use the iphones ipod and wifi features without giving away any personal information or money to AT&T!

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Reliance launches intl calling cards

2007-07-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

Mumbai, July 23 (IANS) Reliance Communications (RCOM), one of India's leading telecom players, Monday launched Passport Outroamer calling cards, which enable Indians travelling abroad to make calls to any international destination from a mobile phone, landline or payphone at lower rates.

The calling card enables savings of up to 90 percent as compared to international roaming.

V.K. Aggarwal, president, global voice business at RCOM said: 'The Reliance Passport Outroamer calling card is the beginning of a series of initiatives to offer cost effective solutions for outbound travellers to stay in touch with family, friends and business associates.'

It can be used to make calls from the US, Canada, Britain, Singapore, Australia and Malaysia at attractive tariff plans with rates starting as low as Rs.5.50 per minute.

'The product is in line with the global focus of Reliance Communications and is an effective way for us to tap the international voice market in order to further enhance our leadership position,' Aggarwal added.

The card also has value added services like Voice Portal that allows users to stay updated with the latest happenings in India.

RCOM also launched the Reliance Passport Advantage - an inroamer service for people travelling to India. By using this service, traveller can save up to 75 percent over other international roaming services.

The service is presently available for travellers coming into the country from the US. It will be extended to other countries later.
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Telstra farewells Say G'day cards

2007-07-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

TELSTRA has walked away from the international calling card market as the big telco streamlines in line with its five-year transformation plan.

The carrier has agreed to sell the business unit behind its Say G'day and Super Buzz international pre-paid calling cards to call card specialist Telecorp.

"Telstra's decision to sell the brands is part of its strategy to streamline its product offerings and reduce complexity in the business," Telstra spokesman Peter Taylor said.

Telstra would review its operations to find other opportunities to simplify its business, he said. "Each product and area of our business is being looked at on its merits and long-term strategic fit. Where rationalisation opportunities exist we will take advantage of them."

Telecorp, which trades as Gotalk in Australia and New Zealand, declined to reveal how much it paid for the business but it's understood that Telstra agreed to sell the for less than $10 million.

Telstra would continue to sell its PhoneAway and Phonecard cards, which could be used to place calls overseas but they were not aimed at the international call market, Gotalk chief executive Steve Picton said.

Analyst Paul Budde said the sale indicated niche markets were declining in importance for Telstra.

"This has become a niche market application. It has declined in importance for Telstra as a whole, but for a smaller company this is still a very lucrative market with plenty of opportunities," Mr Budde said.

"It's our core business so we believe the business is probably worth more in our hands," Mr Picton said.

Gotalk said its business turned over $150 million a year. The acquisition could push its share of Australia's call card market above 60 per cent.

Calling cards started losing their appeal for consumers as low-cost pre-paid mobile and internet telephony services entered the market.
Author: Andrew Colley
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Guangzhou Global Telecom inks agreement with China Unicom

2007-07-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

Jul. 17, 2007 (China Knowledge) – Guangzhou Global Telecom has announced that its Zhengzhou Branch has signed an agreement with China Unicom's< CHU ><762 >< CUNCF > Zhengzhou Branch. Guangzhou Global telecom is a mainland mobile phone handset and pre paid calling cards distributor and provider of mobile handset value-added services.

Consumers to choose direct dialing long distance option

2007-07-05T19:36:00.001-07:00

The Peruvian government has given the public from July 2 until Oct 31 to freely choose a long distance operator to make domestic and international long distance calls through direct dialing, local news service Agencia Andina reported.
Though telecoms legislation has always allowed customers to freely choose their operator and set up direct dialing using the 0 prefix for domestic long distance and 00 for international calls, most long distance operators have offered their services through a four-digit dialing code or calling cards.

Incumbent Telefónica del Perú (TdP) has been the main operator offering direct dialing through the 0 and 00 prefixes. For that reason, most of the general public believed that direct dialing was only possible through TdP.

The four-month period will include an educational program informing consumers about their right to set up direct dialing contracts with any of the 15 existing long distance companies operating in the country.

Once the period ends, anyone who has not set up a direct calling contract will only be able to make long distance calls using four-digit prefixes provided by the operator or calling cards.

According to local telephony regulator Osiptel, the measure will enable the entry of new operators into the market. Clients that set up direct dialing contracts before October 31 will be allowed to change operator every two-months if they want.

According to Liliana Ruiz, a former director of Osiptel and current president of telecoms consultancy Alterna Perú, this measure is aimed at promoting competition in the long distance telephony segment.

"I think it is very important the regulator has taken charge of the selection process so the user receives the appropriate information," Ruiz told BNamericas.

Ruiz said that among operators offering four-digit prefix and calling card dialing include Impsat Perú, Sitel, Movistar, Gamacom, TdP, Infoductos y Telecomunicaciones del Perú, Nextel, Americatel, Convergia, Telmex (NYSE: TMX), IDT, LD Telecom, Perusat and LA&C Sistemas.

By Juan Pedro Tomás
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AT&T Helps Military Families Connect for Independence Day with Free Phone Calls and Support from the USO

2007-07-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

AT&T Donates 10,000 Additional Prepaid Phone Cards to U.S. Military Members and Honors Military Members and Veterans for the July Fourth Holiday

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) has announced the donation of 10,000 prepaid phone cards, which is the third installation toward more than 50,000 prepaid phone cards that AT&T will give away in 2007. The total 2007 donation is valued at more than $450,000. With the help of the USO, the cards will be distributed to military personnel who are stationed overseas. This donation builds on more than 85 years of AT&T support for U.S. military families and a 20-year partnership with the USO.

The latest donation marks 30,000 phone cards donated thus far this year via direct handouts with the USO. This set of 10,000 phone cards will be distributed on overseas military bases during USO entertainment tours that are slated for the weeks following Independence Day. According to AT&T, this donation is in honor of U.S. families, whether they are on active duty or have a loved one who is actively serving.

In the coming weeks, the USO will help AT&T distribute the phone cards to troops who are serving throughout Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, South Korea, Japan and Europe. Each donated phone card will provide 20 free minutes of talk time from Iraq to the U.S.

"As we celebrate one of the most patriotic holidays of the year, we salute U.S. military families everywhere,” said Carmen Nava, AT&T senior vice president-Distribution. "We also hope this donation will help ease some of the challenges posed by distance, time zones and ongoing military duties — and bring loved ones closer together."

The donation builds on AT&T’s work to help keep military families connected. Since January 2006, AT&T has donated nearly 200,000 prepaid phone cards — valued at nearly $1.8 million — to U.S. military members and their families. In the past 20 years, AT&T has contributed tens of millions of dollars to the USO in support of Operation USO Care Package, Operation Phone Home® and USO entertainment tours. AT&T also has helped the USO enhance troop morale through funding regional operations in Europe, Southwest Asia and the Pacific.

“USO is the way Americans support the nation’s troops,” said Ned Powell, USO president and CEO. “This kind of generosity by our worldwide strategic partners such as AT&T and the American people makes our work possible.”

Since 1941, the USO has provided morale, welfare and recreation-type programs and services to enhance the quality of life for military personnel and their families around the world. The USO currently operates more than 130 centers, including 10 mobile canteens, and offers free Internet and e-mail access, prepaid phone cards, entertainment and lounge areas, libraries, travel assistance, educational programs and refreshments. USO entertainment tours bring volunteer celebrities to entertain and lift the morale of troops and to express the gratitude and support of the American people.

For more than 85 years, AT&T has remained dedicated to supporting active military personnel, their families and veterans through charitable contributions, sponsorships, the hiring of military veterans and maintaining policies that support reservists when called to duty. Since 2000, AT&T has donated nearly $8 million in free prepaid phone cards to military members and has provided nearly $6 million in grants that support military members and related nonprofit organizations. The company also has built 70 calling centers in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan that help keep military members in touch with their families.
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