Web Activated Phone Calls

[Gareth]

I just saw this when browsing the Firefox site...

http://www.jajah.com/

Originally, I thought it was just a form of VoIP, but it's actually different to Skype, Vonage, etc... because you still use your standard landline (unless I've completely misunderstood )

Originally Posted by jajah.com

What is JAJAH?
JAJAH is an innovative and simple way to make cheap phone calls using the Internet without headphones, microphones or having to install any software at all. JAJAH connects two standard telephone machines, whether they are landline or mobile, local or anywhere else in the world, regardless if the owner is connected to the Internet or not. JAJAH is just like using your regular phone, only a lot cheaper!

What is the difference between JAJAH and other VoIP services?
The calls made through JAJAH WEB are phone-to-phone, which means you don’t need a headset, a microphone or a special phone to use it, so you don’t have to be tied to your computer. JAJAH WEB also uses the web browser, so you don’t have to download or install any kind of software to use it. Using JAJAH WEB is as simple and as comfortable as placing a regular phone call, only much cheaper.

How much does it cost?
The first 5 minutes are free for any landline destination! Later the rates change according to your destination and the type number you are calling (mobile or regular).

Gonna test this out tomorrow when I'm not so sleepy but this looks like a really cool idea - let's just hope it lives up to my expectations

[bopdude]

Looks interesting, let us know

[ian@huth]

As far as I can see you only get free calls between Jajah users and how many of those do you know? It seems that you can get 5 minutes of free calls to other than Jajah users but that 5 minutes is only available once from a particular telephone number and any number called during that free period cannot be called again for free unless its a Jajah registered number.

There are other call providers with cheaper call rates using your landline if you look around particularly if you are using a telecoms line provider other than NTL/Telewest. As you have to use your computer to initiate a Jajah call you might as well consider a VOIP service.

[Gareth]

Well, gave it a try at work and it does exactly what it says on the tin, but I was a bit disappointed by the quality of the call... there wasn't any delay but it wasn't as clear as I would have liked.

[Chris W]

I don't really understand the point in it??

You enter a number onscreen, then it calls your phone and connects you to that number... seems a bit pointless though really- if i want to ring someone then i pick up my phone and dial the number... That is much easier than opening a browser, typing in a number, then picking up my phone...

Well, I tried it and got my five free minutes, but TBH we don't use our phone much so BT Option 1 has always been the cheapest deal for us.

It's clever though. I assume it's routing the call via the US - I got a ring back from an unspecified international number while it was setting up the call.

[Gareth]

The point, as I see it, is that you can call numbers abroad at VoIP rate without the hassle of using a headset attached to a PC, i.e. as Skype users do, because it uses your POTS handset and line.

Admittedly, as ian@huth correctly pointed out, if you're having to open your browser on your PC to enter your details, then it does kinda negate the point of using their service as opposed to any other VoIP service.

I suppose if you're using a WAP-enabled phone then you could browse to their site and enter your details that way, and save on the normal charges applied to mobile phone calls