Totally Free Private Phone Number- Voicemail, Blocking Includes MySpace Integration.
Posted in Netzero Launches PrivatePhone and it is one of the neater services (private voicemail with option to publish them) I have seen plus it is rather useful too.
You get a voice mail phone number, with privacy features, that gives you more control over your social and professional life. You can access your voicemail messages any time, anywhere over the phone or on the web.
FAQS from the site:
Is my PrivatePhone number really FREE?
Yes, your PrivatePhone number is free. There is no obligation, no hidden charges. No Catch.
PrivatePhone will be introducing future enhancements that will make your PrivatePhone experience even better; some enhancements will be available for a nominal fee, others for free. At any rate the voice mail number is totally free + you get free dial-up and 2 gig of email.
Can you blacklist phone numbers?
You can allow/whitelist 500 different numbers. You can BLACKLIST several hundred NUMBERS so if you have a problem caller, just add them to the block list. Saying no was never this easy.
How about credit cards, contracts, or credit checks?
No contract, credit checks, or extra equipment required.
What are the storage limits
In the free version up to 10,000 messages. If you get more than that you need a secretary.
Can you “add glitter” to your phone number for sites like MySpace?
Yes- you can “glitterize your phone number” for MySpace numbers, or Xanga style codes.
Can you get local or non-local, “exclusive” area codes?
Yes- most area codes are open- you even have yours in Beverely Hills, New York or Laguna Beach…keep in mind if you access these numbers by phone instead of your computer you might have to pay long distance charges- but most people can get a local number or you can Skype into the number cheapy. Grab a Google Pack and add the latest version of Skype- you are all set, plus you can add in Google Earth Satellite (to see where the phone number originates from.) and Google Video among other neat add-ons.
How easy is it to setup?
Takes about two minutes to setup. Anyone can do it.
What do I need to listen to the calls?
You need either Windows Media Player, QuickTime, or Real Player to play the Voicemails.
How can I use my PrivatePhone number?
Here are some ideas:
Use it when in Second Life so you can give out a number without getting lockedin to a weird avatar.
Use the number on sites such as eBay, Craigslist, Xanga, MySpace and/or Rapleaf.
Use the number in your message board signatures to give credability with anonymity.
Use it on web forms, when asked, and let telemarketers figure it out later. Never be annoyed again.
With the web integration you can allow (if you want) just your friends to hear your funny or strange messages…I had ideas for this….
I am not more intrigued by SpoofCard a Caller ID Spoofing Calling Card. Free Trial is offered.
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[...] Original post by wayne.porter for Myspace News Totally Free Private Phone Number- Voicemail, Blocking Includes … [...]
Wayne,
I took your advice and signed up for the “Totally Free Private Phone Number…”
What a joke! It’s worthless because the only people that can get through to your free number are people / callers who pay net zero for premium service - unless you pay for premium service.
I jumped through a lot of hoops to sign up and the net result is that net zero stole / wasted my time by not disclosing a material fact in their sales pitch - nor do you.
How free is a number is someone has to pay to either leave or accept messages at that number?
Wayne you appear to be touting a scam!
Please reply.
Pat
Hey Pat,
Thanks for the feedback- but I have had no problem and no other problems reported from anyone- however I will check it out right away.
Thanks for the tip!
regards
Wayne
Pat,
Just tested on a friend of mine’s phone and it worked without a problem. I see no scam.
Can you let us know what “steps” you went through?
Again- tested on standard line to free number and worked perfectly.
regards,
Wayne
Hi Pat, try with them again and I think it is a bit unfair saying I am touting a scam…still we will keep investigating. My tester received this after I called.
Feel free to call below…if you get through leave an apology perhaps.
You have a new PrivatePhone message!
Hello,
Your PrivatePhone number 740-513-4173 (MEMBER ID: donaldcramer) has received a voicemail on 12/19/06 at 10:33 PM from 440-xxx-xxxx To listen to your voicemail go to http://www.privatephone.com/voicemail….*rest truncated*
Hi Wayne,
I’m impressed that you answered me - and so promptly!
Here is what net zero has to say, please take a look:
TROUBLESHOOTING FAQ
I am not able to receive calls from some of my friends
If you are not a Premium NetZero Voice member, you will not be able to receive calls from non-members. You will need to upgrade your service to take advantage of calls from outside the NetZero Voice network.
http://www.netzero.net/support/voip/technical/no-receive.html
Hi Wayne,
I unknowingly took your advice and signed up last month before you posted your enthusiastic encouragement for “Totally Free Private Phone Number…”
Perhaps your service still works because your 30 days aren’t up yet.
Or perhaps you upgraded your service and paid for your phone number.
Anyway my “Totally Free Private Phone Number” won’t even accept phone calls from me now.
Pat
Pat,
i see problem i think- the voicemail is FREE- but the VoIP is not- none I know of is is except skype *until end of year*….somehow you signed up for free calls not free voice mail I think—
that make sense?
will investigate further- give me a day please.
regards,
wayne
Wayne,
It’s possible - but I had no intention of signing up for VoIP and I did not download any software.
I accepted the offer of a free phone number.
I was assigned a phone number and during the first month I received about eight voice mail ads from net zero, one wrong number and one hang up.
The free voice mail is no longer accepting calls or voice messages (from non-members).
Thank you for looking into this.
Regards,
Pat
Hi Wayne,
Sorry for all those similar messages above.
Each time I clicked on the Change button, I thought it would change the original, rather than post a new message. It said change - but it didn’t change the post at issue.
Anyway, here is the email in part, that I rec’d from net zero, when I signed up:
Dial your number, press the star (*)
key when your voicemail greeting starts,
enter your PIN *****, and follow the instructions
to listen to your messages.
There was no mention of VoiP in their message to me when I accepted the offer of “Free” voicemail.
Sorry again for all the posts.
Pat
Hi Wayne,
I apologize for writing that you appear to be touting a scam!
Your responses have been intelligent, prompt, helpful and earnest.
I called you tester’s number and heard his outgoing message, but did not leave one.
I will send my free phone number to you at your other address.
Net zero sends me email saying I have a voice mail account and have received messages.
They also sent me an email saying my number is a different one - and in Texas. I called that number and left a message for the guy and told him I received his mail from net zero and to please call and leave a message for me. I will keep you informed.
I was able to log in to my private phone account. The settings all looked fine.
Please see if it answers for you - it still won’t for me.
Thank you ,
Pat
Wayne & Pat,
You might want to check out spokenbuzz.com. Similar service but they actaully connect live calls to you, instead of just voicemail. There is atleast one free plan and others that you can pay more for depending on how much you use it. Haven’t got any ads yet.
-Dave