Guide to Callback & VoIP Usage & Available Services
 

This is an Effendi sanctioned initiative.

It is often very difficult for new users to understand the technical jargon and abbreviations being used in connection to callback and VoIP setups. Also, many of the companies offering callback services have websites that do not explain their service entirely until you have signed up and paid. This thread is meant to be a place where users can share this information, and which can be updated when there are changes.

So far, I can think of 3 topics, but if you think I should add some, please let me know:
Definitions
Callback Services Strictly by Phone
VoIP Services

In each topic's post, I will start with a bit of what I know in order to give an example of what kind of information should be provided (and if I am wrong, please correct me. I will edit the post). If you post additional information about services I have no included, I will try to edit the original posts to reflect these changes.

Definitions
 

VoIP
What is VoIP?
How is this useful?

DID
What is a DID?
How can it be used?

Betamax
What is Betamax?
How can it be used?

Callback
What is a Callback? A process where you call a given callback service's number, hang up, and are called back by the service. Generally, an automated system asks for a number to call and connects the call for you. You generally pay the callback service for connecting your call.

How is this useful? Callback is a good way to avoid high roaming fees for calling directly. This is most true for phone plans that allow free incoming calls. Often, the rate charged by the callback service for connecting the call is relatively low.

Callback Services Strictly by Phone
 

Callbackworld
Services offered:
- Callback - Call from any phone to trigger callbacks on your phone.
--- Callback setup includes:
------ USA callback trigger number
------ no need to complete connection. 1 ring is sufficient to trigger callback.
------ speed dial numbers
- PIN2DEST - Give family and friends in the USA a 1-800 number and PIN to call you directly.
- International direct-dial access numbers - While abroad, call to local numbers that will connect you to international numbers.

Service and payment details:
- 6 second billing
- Actual usage billed to credit card monthly, No credit/top-up



mywebcalls
Services offered:
- ANI Callback - Call from YOUR phone to trigger callbacks on your phone.
--- Callback setup includes:
------ UK callback trigger number
------ no need to complete connection. 1 ring is sufficient to trigger callback.
- SMS Callback - Send an SMS from YOUR phone to trigger callbacks on your phone.
--- Callback setup includes:
------ UK callback trigger number
- PC-related Services
--- Web Callback - Trigger callbacks to your phone from the web.
--- PC to Phone - presumably VoIP
--- Device to Phone - presumably VoIP using a device

Service and payment details:
- 1 second billing
- Buy credit, minimum top-up $5

VoIP Services
 

Voipcheap
Services offered:
- VoIP - Make calls to phones using your computer.
- PC triggered callback to your phone

Service and payment details:
- Buy credit, minimum top-up $10

Obviously, these are not complete. I really don't know enough to fill the details out for everything, but this gives some examples of what would be helpful from all of you. Please help add information and explanations. I will edit the original posts to include your additions.