InventorSpot

Our Guest Blogger, Joe Eitel, is a freelance writer/graphic designer from West Michigan who always stays on top of the latest technology, and has written many articles relating to computer technologies. He has some interesting technology finds he wanted to share with the readers of InventorSpot.com.

Here's his article:

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Is it possible that in the near future consumers will be able to get phone service for free? A company in Palo Alto, California says yes. The name of this company is Ooma, and they have been in business since 2005. They claim to have created a phone, and service, which will offer the consumer who purchases this phone free phone service for life. It sounds too good to be true, but it's not.

Ooma says that customers who purchase an Ooma Hub, as the phone is called, will not only receive no monthly phone service charges, but they'll also get a free second line, answering machine, and the ability to manage call settings and voicemail online. Whats the catch? Well, the initial cost of purchasing the phone is high. Right now, Ooma is offering a pre-sale price of $399 for the Ooma Hub. In 2008, this price will jump to $599 MRSP. Also, if you want a multi-phone set-up, you must purchase Ooma Scouts which cost an additional $39 a piece. For example, if you want a four phone set-up at your house, you would purchase the Ooma Hub ($399) and three Ooma Scouts ($39 per Scout).(Source)

The phone works much like a VoIP phone, which uses a broadband internet connection to place and receive calls. Ooma says that they have already had thousands of people purchase the phone through their pre-sale pricing. You may call 1-866-452-6662 for more information about the pre-sale pricing.

Although the initial cost of this Ooma package is high, you will save money in the long run. The Ooma phone will pay itself off usually within one or two years, when you consider monthly phone charges you currently receive already. The only question mark is whether or not Ooma is a reliable company that will provide good service to its customers. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Joe Eitel
Guest Blogger
InventorSpot.com