Chatter Bug

This is a small electronic unit that is placed between the wall jack and the phone input jack. Available at retailers for $19.95, $9.95 service fee /month first month free. Can also be purchased off their website.

This is a real boon to those who don't have want or need a broadband internet connection but want to take advantage of some of the savings VOIP offers.

Lagunawave "Chatter Bug" adapter is $19.99 (+tax) at Kmart. You can also get it from Wal-mart. You get 2 months of service free. Works out to be a free adapter, since you pay $20 for it and are getting $20 worth of service. Normal Monthly service is $9.95 (monthly service price already includes taxes and fees).

Chatter Bug is an adapter that simply plugs in between your phone and phone jack. No internet or anything special required. Chatter Bug homepage (currently sells for $24.95 on chatterbug.com with no free months of service).

I don't make many long distance calls. However; it would be nice to not worry about how long I talk or who I call. Had it installed in about 5 minutes once I got online and entered my information. No contract, setup fees or cancellation fees. Guess they are pretty sure of themselves.

Chatter Bug is better suited for friends or family who don't understand technology. Such as my Mom. They don't have worry the internet, 911, rebooting a router, etc.

In my opinion this is a good alternative to paying Verizon an extra $24.95 (+taxes) a month for unlimited long distance alone. One of my friends has the sprint unlimited long distance plan on their home phone for around $17, they also have to pay the fees associated with having a LD provider on the line.

I also found out (searching the web) that the Chatter Bug device calls an 800# when it detects that you dial a long distance number. I tried calling the 800# without the chatter bug plugged in, got a dial tone, then dialed the 11 digit number and got connected. Tried it from a different phone line than what I registered it on and got a fast busy signal. So the service is tied to the registered phone number and not the device.

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