Smart Plug N’Talk

Plug N’Talk, the latest service of  Smart Communications ,  uses a USB device that contains the ff components:

• sound chip - that connects to the earphone-mic as a calling device
• data storage - contains the software (sofphone) that is automatically installed to the PC. The phone number is also stored here. The user dials when the softphone is run.
• SIM - stores the prepaid amount

The target market is - OFWs abroad  especially in Middle East where the phone rates is one of the highest in the world (over US$0.20/minute).

Plug N’Talk is much cheaper - at PHP 6.50 (approx US$0.12) per minute for PLDT/Smart phones up to P8.50/min for non-PLDT/Smart. It’s similar to MagicJack, Vonage, or LanVox generic SIP phones where it’s has a VPN (Virtual Phone Number) assigned in USA or Canada. However, Plug N’Talk  is linked to a Philippine-assigned VPN so it can dial (and be called) as long as Plug N’Talk is ONLINE.

Plug N’Talk is the best option if  Philippines (not the country but the contact person) has no broadband Internet connection.  Otherwise, other options like Magic Jack, generic SIP IP phones or high-end Nokia phones like E51/52, E63 or N70 will come out cheaper since the per-minute charge will be practically ZERO. In fact, 2 of my readers, one in KSA and the other in NZ, called my SIP phone adapter using their Nokia E51 phone. Using mobile phones is more convenient because they can call the Philippines anytime - even from their office.