Since the shutdown of the best free calling service to US from anywhere on earth 'Earthcaller', there has not been any other service so great to allow free calls to US and Canada from anywhere in the world. Then Google moved into the space with Google Call Phone option and provided free call to US and Canada - but there was a catch it was free only for US citizens. But thanks to T-Mobile for bringing a no strings attached solution a.k.a. Bobsled to the rescue.
Well, the service is from T-Mobile US. Its perfectly safe to use it with existing FB id's. I used mine and it worked like a charm! BTW an android and iPhone app is also available!
Firstly, the correct link is http://bobsled.com
Secondly how does being T-Mobile make it perfectly safe to use your existing FB account?
You have to sign ino FB everytime you want to call.. Call me cynical, somehow I don't think they're doing this out of the goodness of their hearts, they're after your info in exchange.
Useless app. Can't directly dial a phone number, can only call facebook contacts.
dude there is a tab to dial phone numbers! Beside the searchbox there is a dialpad icon click on it and you can dial!
Yeah, it seems the iphone app doesn't allow dialing of numbers - only the pc version. INFACT, reading below it doesn't really allow any dialing of numbers in the truest sense of the word. A scam I think…
here's this confusing explanation about making a call on their FAQ page:
"To place a call, launch Bobsled by clicking on the browser button or visiting the application page at http://bobsledapp.com/start. Use the Bobsled Bobsled window on the right side of the screen to select a friend and click on the “Call” button on the next screen. The person you call will receive a Facebook chat message from you with a link. When they click on the link, your call will be connected. Your friend does not need to have Bobsled installed to answer the call, but must accept Flash and Facebook permissions."
"In order for you to call your friend, they should be logged into Facebook and be visible to you on chat.
However, you can leave a voice message for any of your friends, whether they are available in Facebook chat or not. Go to the Bobsled application page, open up your Bobsled Bobsled window, select a friend from the list and click on the “Call” button to initiate a call. Click “Cancel” and follow the recording prompts to record your voice message."
Been using GTalk to call US without problem for ages.
Unless we have to pay now but still cheaper compare to skype
This maybe one for the forums.
It would be interesting to compare the difference of VoIP providers for calls to the USA.
I have both Pennytel and World Dial point VoIP and USA calls are untimed 8 cents or 10 cents or a per minute charge of 1.8 cents, not much money if your only making a small number of calls, and saves the effort of signing upto another provider.
There's heaps of free phone calls to the US and UK. Wish it was an Asian country. :(
Does anyone know of a free call offer that doesn't involve a computer at the other end? would love to free call family in Canada, but they are technophobes, so Skype and the usual are out of the question.
Well, The options described above does not require computer at the other end! It is a computer to telephone call(both mobiles and land lines). So you can use your computer to call any phone number in Canada. All the best!
See my post above - it seems to me it does still require facebook at their end:
'Use the Bobsled Bobsled window on the right side of the screen to select a friend and click on the “Call” button on the next screen. The person you call will receive a Facebook chat message from you with a link. When they click on the link, your call will be connected. Your friend does not need to have Bobsled installed to answer the call, but must accept Flash and Facebook permissions.'
'In order for you to call your friend, they should be logged into Facebook and be visible to you on chat.'
@sean…don't knock it before you try it!
I just installed and made calls to a LANDLINE in America. No Facebook/computer on their end necessary.
Jack, i tryed the iPhone version and could only see facebook contacts. May give the software version a try, sounds good that this is able to work for USA landline numbers.
Just installed it (windows version) and gave it whirl. Works great! Thanks heartrobber!!!
Give them your facebook id and login?
To be safe create a new one.