![]() ![]() With both apps, the setup was quick and easy and the voice quality was good. When using Wi-Fi, a weak or spotty connection could lead to diminished or temporarily dead service.ĬBC News tried Fongo and TextNow using Wi-Fi. "As long as your internet connection is solid, it should be as reliable as a phone service."īut there's the catch - obviously, you need Wi-Fi access or a data connection. He admits the small uptake in Canada of his product leaves him scratching his head. "For some reason, Canada is a little slower to catch on," says Derek Ting, CEO of TextNow. TextNow has around 6.5 million mobile app customers - however, 97 per cent of them are American. Wireless rates rise with hikes in internet, home phone aheadĭiscount wireless startup Sugar Mobile could be crippled by dispute with Rogersįongo reports that it has 400,000 active users.So why isn't everyone using one of these mobile apps to cut down their bills?Ĭanadians are famously known for complaining about the cost of their mobile phone service - we pay some of the highest rates in the industrialized world. (Fongo)īoth Fongo and TextNow make most of their money by displaying small ads on the phone's screen. 'There is no catch,' he says of his company's app. Greg Dalton is president of Fongo, based in Waterloo, Ont. "It's completely legal. There is no catch," says Greg Dalton, president of Fongo. What's the catch?īy now, you're probably thinking there's a catch. ![]() ![]() Besides Wi-Fi, the app will also work using your phone's data plan. For example, Thomson pays two cents a minute to call family in Ireland.įongo customers can also transfer their current phone number for a one-time fee of $25.Īnd if you're not ready to give up your current mobile plan, you can still download either app as a secondary service on your phone to avoid draining your talk minutes. Fongo charges $1.99 a month for texting.īoth services have low-cost long-distance deals. TextNow also offers free texting in Canada and the U.S. Countrywide calls with both services are also free. You will immediately get a phone number and access to voicemail service - for free. To get calling, simply download either app at no charge and sign up. "If you're vigilant about using them in a certain way, they can be useful to you," says Daniel Bader, senior editor with the tech site Mobile Nations.īy downloading the TextNow app, you can make calls for free with Wi-Fi access or using a data connection. ![]() The apps aren't for everyone, especially for consumers desiring simple and seamless phone service.īut for those willing to make the extra effort and contend with a few hiccups, the apps could drastically cut down or even eliminate your cellphone bill.
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