Futurephone Free International Calls
Free international phonecalls, no hooks. Dial 1-712-858-8883, a number in western Iowa. It works like a phonecard, but with no charges. Then enter the international number you would like to dial (landlines only). I’ve tried it several times– works great, decent call quality.
Take a look at Alec Saunder’s VOIP blog: http://saunderslog.com/2006/10/11/whats-with-the-712-area-code/
The Futurephone business model is possible, according to Saunders, through an antiquated termination-fee schedule in rural Iowa. By routing the calls through Iowa, the company collects taxpayer dollars, and pays minimal charges for the outgoing call connection. The result is likely a fraction of a cent per minute profit for Futurephone. Probably not sustainable in the long run, but clever.
*** Update April 2007 *** Service no longer works. A message has appeared on the Futurephone website saying “This service is no longer available” http://www.futurephone.com/ .
