Review by JoeSchmoe007  - Location: New York,New York,NY
- Cost Contract price not specified.
Good "It just works. Tech support is prompt and competent."
Bad "Website should explain better that 'unlimited' is one way only (in OR out)"
Overall "Will probably use as my landline in the future."
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(ratings match consensus)
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I got a new number with Callcentric just to familiarize myself with VOIP technology. I haven't used it as my real landline or used it for a long time, so keep this in mind.
That being said my experience can be summarized like this: CC just works. All features perform as described. Support is prompt, courteous and knowledgeable about their product. Any changes you make in control panel are instantly in effect. The only minor complaint I have about service is that sound quality seemed a bit on a "tinny" side, lacking low and mid frequencies (I only used it with softphone clients, may be related to software settings but I have felt it on different platforms with different software).
My biggest complaint is how "unlimited" plans are presented on their website. Coming from unlimited plan from your phone or cable company it is somewhat misleading to say the least (I currently have FIOS Digital Voice which is unlimited in/out). If right now you go to their "Personal Unlimited" plan description here:
»www.callcentric.com/dids/personal_unlimited
you will not see it mentioned anywhere on that page that only incoming calls are unlimited. "Price per minute $0.00" also only applies to the incoming calls but again this is not mentioned anywhere. You will pay per minute for all outgoing calls (including, I think, calls to toll-free numbers - but I am not 100% sure about that) but there is no link to price anywhere on that page.
Same situation with their "North America Unlimited Rate Plan" - only outgoing calls are free.
Same situation on this page: »www.callcentric.com/compare_did/ - nowhere it is mentioned for unlimited plans that "Price per minute $0.00" is only for incoming OR outgoing calls.
I complained about this to customer service, they admitted that this could be explained better but no changes were made to their website.
Considering how well-respected Callcentric seems to be here on DSLR I don't think it was their real intention for their website to be misleading about their "unlimited" plans. But it was, at least for me.
All this considered if you really need unlimited in/out calls CC may not be such a good deal comparing to your phone company/cable company unlimited plan. For me it may be a good deal after promotional price on my FIOS package expires because I don't use my landline all that much.
My other complaint is that website control panel interface is cluttered (esp. "Dashboard") and outdated, however everything works well.
9/12/2012 update
I've had an echo problem when using one of CC "free" NYC DIDs. It was a peculiar one, only occurred when I received calls from specific numbers. CC troubleshooted it and fixed it - now this is real customer service! You really don't know how good your service is until you have a problem that doesn't have quick and easy answer. More details here: »[SOLVED] Callcentric -echo for incoming calls for some calls
member for 10.7 years, 2078 visits, last login: a few hours ago
updated 1 year ago
Comments:
  crazyk4952Premium
join:2002-02-04
united state
kudos:1 | "tinny" sound You may want to verify that you are using the G.711 codec. If you follow many of the callcentric config guides, they tell you to prefer the G.726 codec. | |
|  | PX EliezerPremium
join:2008-08-09
Hutt River
kudos:13 | Re: "tinny" sound Agree, the G.711 (PCMU) codec should be used, unless there are bandwidth issues, or unless one is doing lots of overseas calls. | |
| | | Reviews:
 ·Optimum Online
 ·Callcentric
 ·Verizon FiOS
| Re: "tinny" sound said by PX Eliezer:Agree, the G.711 (PCMU) codec should be used, unless there are bandwidth issues, or unless one is doing lots of overseas calls.
Can you elaborate on overseas calls? I don't do a lot but I do some. Why does G.711 become an issue? | |
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PX EliezerPremium
join:2008-08-09
Hutt River
kudos:13 Reviews:
·callwithus
·voip.ms
·Optimum Voice
·Vitelity VOIP
| As you like it. I'm glad that you like CallCentric, it's always worked great for me.
I understand your comments on the rate plans, however pretty much all of the BYOD VoIP companies (such as Vitelity, Voip.MS, Call With Us, FlowRoute) are similar in that regard: You have the freedom, flexibility, and responsibility to choose inbound and outbound services separately.
For inbound service, you can choose PAYG, or unlimited, or not have it at all.
For outbound service, you can likewise choose PAYG, or unlimited, or not have it at all. The outbound unlimited service is best suited to heavy users.
Most CallCentric users can save money by going PAYG, especially for outbound. My own bill at home is around $ 10 a month including PAYG outbound with unlimited inbound.
But even IF you decide to choose the most expensive options all around (unlimited inbound, unlimited outbound) the cost (including 911) is still quite favorable compared to FiOS or cable company phone service. Unfortunately, you are in NY, and that's the only state where they must collect sales tax.
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I think that part of your confusion is going to the wrong landing page.
This is the page that describes the inbound and outbound plans:
»www.callcentric.com/products/
If you go to the main page, then click on "Products", you'll get to that same place.
But I agree, there's always room for upspiffing.
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I've looked at the websites of about 20 providers, used about 10 as a customer. I think that CC's website is very well-organized and extremely functional, and that the advanced features are very easy to use and well documented. But different (key)strokes for different folks.  | |
| | Reviews:
·Optimum Online
·Callcentric
·Verizon FiOS
| Re: As you like it. said by PX Eliezer:....But even IF you decide to choose the most expensive options all around (unlimited inbound, unlimited outbound) the cost (including 911) is still quite favorable compared to FiOS or cable company phone service. Unfortunately, you are in NY, and that's the only state where they must collect sales tax...
No, if you select unlimited inbound+outbound the price is not always favorable comparing to cable or FIOS, even in NY. From CC it would be $26 plus taxes/fees. But then of course you need internet provider who usually gives extra discount if you order phone service from them as well. My current 2 year promo from FIOS ( 15/5 internet + unlimited in/out phone) is $50 before taxes/fees, $54 after. | |
| | | | | | | | Sorry to bump, but I agree with JoeS wholeheartedly regarding the lack of clarity on calling plans on CC's website. I have Verizon FIOS internet and phone service, as well as Vonage for business. I also have 2 teenagers in the house and zero access to the phone at night. I was researching inexpensive options as it seemed both Verizon and Vonage want about $25/month for an additional line.
CC at first seemed like a slam dunk, $5.95 unlimited. Not 'til after I'd signed up did I stumble upon the outbound plans (my fault of course... if it sounds to good to be true...) As anyone else with teens know, there's no way a PAYG plan is going to be cost effective. Not only do the teens use the phone more than 30min/day, it's more like 120min/day x 30 days/mon. Sigh, this seems to be the price plan most Voip providers have gone toward. | |
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