Ooma Review
Ooma is a telecommunications company based in Palo Alto, California. It allows users to place free phone calls anywhere in the United States. There are no monthly service fees. Users only pay the applicable taxes and fees which total around $3.50 per month. In 2008, Ooma formed a new sales and marketing management team. Their peer-to peer exclusive technology approach was discontinued in January, 2008. This allowed their users to completely eliminate their standard POTS telephone service.
Their service is restricted to residential use as opposed to commercial use. A limitation has also been set at under 5,000 minutes for outgoing calls per month. Those who subscribe must purchase a device known as an “Ooma Hub” or “Ooma Telo”.
Products and Services
The Ooma Hub™ connects to your high-speed Internet and existing home phones. Free home phone service is provided in the U.S. calls with international rates. This device is the original connection equipment offered by Ooma and retails for $219.99. Features include:
• Free US calling. Only pay for taxes and other applicable fees
• Bundled calling feature such as caller-ID and cal waiting
• Voicemail with one-touch access
• Choose a different area code
• Keep an existing number (one time porting fee of $39.00)
• E911 service
• Landline backup service for Internet outages
• Online call log
• International calls start at 1.4 cents per minute.
• 60-day free trial of Ooma Premier
Ooma Premier™ Services
Ooma Premier™ is the deluxe Ooma package that provides enhanced calling features. The cost for Ooma Premier is $9.99 per month or $119.99 annually. Signing up for a year will provide a free number port (normally $39.99). Ooma Premier features:
• Instant second line that can be used with additional Ooma Telo handset
• Three way conferencing
• Ring to another location simultaneously or forward call
• Back-up number for Internet outages
• For Telo customers – Google voice extensions
• Bluetooth supports (Telo customers)
• Enhanced voicemail and privacy features
• Phone support
• Ooma Mobile iPhone app users receive 250 free US minutes every month.
• 500 minutes to over 70 countries for $4.99 per month
Ooma Equipment Options
Besides the Ooma Hub, there are other equipment options available. These are:
Ooma Telo™ is a device that features support for Ooma Telo handsets. In addition, the Ooma Telo has: a USB port for expansion, an online phonebook and is Ooma HD voice ready. This device retails for $249.99.
Ooma Telo™ plus handset will allow phone availability in more than one room. One Ooma Telo can support up to four handsets. Handsets may be purchased separately for those who own a Ooma Telo. The cost for one Ooma Telo plus one handset is $299.98.
Ooma Scout™ is a device that will extend the Ooma Hub to other phone jacks. This allows access to Ooma Hub features that include second line and voicemail.
Ooma Bluetooth Adaptor allows Ooma Premier customers to connect an Ooma phone to standard cell phones. Bluetooth earpieces may also be connected. Up to seven devices may be paired through the Bluetooth connection.
Ooma Mobile Iphone App allows domestic and international calls to be made through: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch. This can be done over any 3G or Wi-Fi network.
Support is provided through a downloadable guide plus online tutorials. There is also a knowledge base and forum. Ooma can also be reached by email and a toll free number. Hours are: Monday-Friday 7am-7pm Pacific and Saturday-Sunday 8am to 5pm Pacific. Holiday Support Hours are: 8am to 5pm Pacific