Cheap International Communications (BB Vol 2, Issue 8)
International Calls via Low Rate Access Number Web Sites
I'll start by drawing your attention to a web site that offers cheap international phone calls:
http://www.telediscount.co.uk/index2.php
Here you can find cheap tariffs to fixed line and mobile numbers worldwide. Access is via a special number, which alters per country and also depending on whether you want to connect to a fixed line or mobile number. Membership or registration is not required; it's as simple as looking up the country you want to call and dialling the access number.
I know that there are many similar services around and I'm not claiming that this is either the best or the cheapest. However, in my use of it I've always experienced acceptable quality connections at cheap rates.
Of course, one can use Skype too, which is a wonderful service, however sometimes you just need to make a simple phone call, and these cheap sites are really great at providing a good service. I you know of some others, why not share them on the Professional Speakers Journal forum?
BlackBerry Messenger
I know of many business colleagues and friends with BlackBerry handsets - and wonderful pieces of kit they are too. However, many people seem not to know about the BlackBerry Messenger service - here's an overview:
The Messenger feature enables you to text chat with other BlackBerry users. To use this feature, you must have the BlackBerry Messenger program installed on your BlackBerry - however, this tends to be in the core product nowadays.
Getting Started:
Using Messenger is easy and is a useful time saving device. It requires a little setting up but once up is easy-to-use. Click on the BlackBerry Messenger icon. The first-time you use Messenger you need to specify a display name that identifies you to other users. You must also create a password. After creating a display name and password, you are logged in automatically when your BlackBerry device is turned on and connected to the wireless network. You can then connect with other BlackBerry users by exchanging your PIN's (Personal Identification Number). Your PIN is found under "status", within "settings". You can also add user's via e-mail address too.
Here's a link to the full BlackBerry Messenger User's Guide:
http://www.kingscollege.net/blackberry/blackberry_messenger.pdf
The essential points are these: Messages created and sent with BlackBerry Messenger go directly from device to device over the data network, regardless of carrier (Orange, Vodaphone, etc). They are therefore different from "ordinary" SMS (text) messages, which are sent over the voice network.
This is where you need to check the usage plan you have with your carrier. If you have (say) unlimited data and 250 text messages per month, then using Messenger between fellow BlackBerry users is free, whereas sending the same message via SMS will count against your monthly text message allowance. Messenger transmissions are also heavily compressed, so even if you don't have an unlimited data plan, it's likely that BlackBerry to BlackBerry 'Messenging' will turn out cheaper than BlackBerry to BlackBerry 'SMSing', (to coin a phrase).
I mention this simply because so few of my BlackBerry enabled friends and colleagues seem to know anything about it and I believe it's well worth serious review, having checked out the limits of the usage plan you have with your carrier.
(BlackBerry is a registered trademark or Research In Motion (RIM)).
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