The Gizmo Project

I have experimented with many VOIP products, trying ineen, google talk, yahoo, and adcalls among others. Some I have not tried.

I have not tried Skpye because of the peer to peer operation where your computer becomes a node in the overall network. I want the resources of my computer to be mine, and I don’t want my communication packets to be routed through hardware with unknown security.

I have used Vonage since 2003, and in fact replaced my regular landline service in 2004 after Hurricane Charley wiped out my local Sprint service. After 2 months without Sprint, I called and cancelled. Vonage has served me well.

But, I want free. Enter Gizmo Project. Gizmo offers a VOIP service based on SIP technology, which does not rely on other users computers like Skype. The SIP server is owned by SIPphone, a leader in the technology of connecting VOIP with the POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) They offer free calls Gizmo to Gizmo, provide a free Nevada US number for call-in purposed.

Also available are optional call-in numbers from other US area code, costing as little as $3USD/month. Call-out minutes to any US POTS phone may also be purchased for 1 cent/minute. (Sold in 1000 minute blocks)

I signed up for the service. Gizmo to Gizmo works flawlessly. Gizmo using call-out minutes to POTS numbers works well also. I have had some problems receiving POTS calls made to the Nevada call-in number. The incoming call goes directly to voice mail. I have heard that this is a problem they are working on and should be solved shortly.

I have just purchased a call-in number fron the Indianapolis, IN (USA) exchange. I have heard that the problems affecting the free Nevada numbers do not affect the paid numbers. As soon as my number is validated, I will try and report back.

In the meantime, sign-up for your free Gizmo account and play around. You may get it here.