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Have a computer with a broadband connection? You have what you need to make the MagicJack work and eliminate monthly phone bill charges.

It's similar to Vonage and other cable-phone services, with one big advantage: you don't pay a monthly bill for it; and all of your local and domestic long distance calls are included. (You can call the US and Canada through MagicJack).

The MagicJack adapter is tiny- and slides right into your USB port. Once you install it, you can plug in any landline phone on the other end of the adapter, and start dialing. You can even receive calls using it- the only disadvantage is the computer must be on to make and receive calls- but for most people that doesn't pose a problem.

I'm currently using Vonage as my home and office phone system. The monthly bill is minimal, and includes all of my calls. It saved me considerable amounts of money over paying my local phone company for landline service- because my phone company charged for calls to everyone outside a very limited calling area. With Vonage- all calls were included in the monthly rate- even long distance calls.

MagicJack takes it a step further though. Instead of paying a monthly fee; you pay about $40 for the adapter and the first year of service and then just $20 per year. This is going to offer many families considerable phone savings, as I'd be willing to guess everyone spends at LEAST $20 a month on their phone bill for basic service. Then if you have call waiting, three way calling, caller ID or other features- chances are you pay more for each of those features.

Why not eliminate the monthly phone bill completely and put that money to better use? MagicJack offers a free 30 day trial, so you can test out the quality of the service before you make any commitments. If you've never used cable phone service before, this is a good way to see for yourself if the phone calls come in clear and whether it will work for your family. MagicJack includes call waiting, voicemail and caller ID in the $20 per year plan, as well as directory assistance, so you could easily be saving $400 a year or more (based on a $35 monthly phone bill). MagicJack includes call waiting, voicemail and caller ID in the $20 per year plan, as well as directory assistance, so you could easily be saving $400 a year or more (based on a $35 monthly phone bill).

If you make long distance calls, you'd be crazy not to try one of the various cable phone services to keep more of your money in your pocket.

Learn more about this author, JQ Adams.
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