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How does MobileTalk work?
MobileTalk is a small software application that monitors your international calls and redirects it to the Packet8 service. When an international prefix is dialed (starting with 011, + or 1), MobileTalk intelligently redirects the call to an access number in the same area code as your mobile phone number, and connects the call over the Packet8 VoIP phone service network. To sign up click here.
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What is a “smartphone?”
A “Smartphone” is a term used to describe cellular phones that have an operating system allowing them more capabilities beyond the basic cell phone functions. Some of the more popular examples of today’s Smartphones are the Blackberry, Palm Treo, and the Motorola Q. Click here to learn more about smartphones.
To view a list of the supported Smartphones click here.
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What does MobileTalk cost?
For a limited time, MobileTalk is offering new subscribers $0.00 monthly fees for the life of the account.
MobileTalk calls are billed on a per minute basis at Packet8’s industry-leading international rates, available here. MobileTalk users will also be billed (by their mobile carrier) for any charges or airtime used to connect their telephone to the local Packet8 access number in their area.
The monthly plan includes the ability to recreate your MobileTalk account for a different Smartphone at any time, online call records you can see at any time, and convenient payment of all monthly and international charges via your credit or debit card.
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Are all mobile phones in the US supported?
Most Smartphones are supported. During the signup process you will be able to see if your phone is currently supported. For a list of all compatible devices, click here.
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How do I know whether my phone is supported?
You can view a complete list of supported phones here.
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Can I load the same application on different mobile phones?
Yes, but you have to create a new license for each Smartphone. Your Packet8 MobileTalk account will only support one Smartphone. You can change the Smartphone at any time via our self-service website after logging on to your account. To login to your account click here.
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Can I load the same application on a similar phone?
Yes, the application is the same, but a new license is required for each installation. Each installation is associated with an individual phone’s unique IMEI or ESN.
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What is IMEI /ESN?
IMEI and ESN numbers are “MAC Addresses” for Smartphones. The number is imbedded in Smartphone at time of manufacturing and cannot be changed.
IMEI and ESN numbers are printed inside all Smartphones, typically beside or behind the battery. MobileTalk must use these numbers for each download.
ESN
MobileTalk must use the DECIMAL ESN number (do not include dots and/or slashes). Do not use the HEX ESN number
IMEI
Use first 15 digits of IMEI number from GSM Smartphone (do not include dots and/or slashes)
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Where can I find the IMEI / ESN number on my phone?
Step 1 – Use the key pad to find the number:
IMEI
GSM from ATT, Cingular, ATT Wireless and T-Mobile
Type *#06#
ESN
Sprint CDMA Smartphones
Type ##786#
Windows Mobile on all other CDMA Smartphones
START → SETTINGS → SYSTEM → ABOUT → PHONE → scroll down to find the ESN DEC, 11 digit number.
Step 2 – If key pad does not work:
Open your Smartphone, remove the battery and read the decimal number. (not the HEX number)
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Do I pay more for International calls using MobileTalk?
No. Our standard Packet8 rates apply to all MobileTalk calls. See here for a list of current per-minute rates.
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Can I use this service outside the USA?
MobileTalk is designed to work inside the USA only. When traveling outside the USA we recommend you turn off the MobileTalk application. Check with your cellular provider regarding roaming rates when traveling internationally.
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Does this work with both GSM and CDMA phones?
Yes. Most smartphones are supported. Click here for the complete list.
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What is SMS?
SMS stands for Short Message Service, and is often called “texting.” Click here to learn more.
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Why do I need SMS to use MobileTalk?
SMS messaging in only required as your first option to install the MobileTalk application. It requires you to also have a data plan to download the application directly to your Smartphone. If you do not have a data plan, refer to the installation email sent to your computer. Download the application to your computer and use your Smartphone connection software on your computer to install the application onto your Smartphone.
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What if I don’t have an SMS feature/Data plan?
In this instance, the MobileTalk software and accompanying system notifications will be sent to the email address you provided during signup. After receiving the MobileTalk link via e-mail, you download the application to your computer and install the application to your Smartphone using the connectors (USB cable or Bluetooth) and software that came with your Smartphone. See your wireless provider if you no longer have this available.
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What is a data plan?
A data plan is what smartphones generally use to access non-phone services such as Internet access, email, and advanced messaging. You do not need a data plan to use MobileTalk.
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Are MobileTalk calls high quality?
All of your international calls will be completed by connecting to Packet8 using your local cellular service, and your calls will be as clear or clearer than regular cellular phone calls.
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Do I need to enter any kind of PIN number before dialing?
No pin number is required. MobileTalk automatically redirects calls, making it easy to dial your international contacts out of an address book or a callback/callers list on your phone. MobileTalk makes it simple, easy, and affordable to dial your international numbers while driving or during a meeting or business function.
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Do I need to enter any special prefix before dialing the international number?
No. MobileTalk is easy to use and will redirect calls for you. Just dial any number on your mobile phone beginning with the ‘011’ prefix (or the ‘+’ prefix if you are using European-style “plus” dialing).
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What should I do after signing up?
You will receive two emails upon completion of the order process - an order confirmation email and an application download email. If you selected SMS, you will also receive your download link via SMS.
Once you have received your download link-
a. With SMS and data plan: click on the link and follow directions to download the application directly to your phone.
b. With SMS, no data plan: the link in SMS is also sent in an email that can be used to download your unique copy of MobileTalk to your computer. You can use a data/synch cable or a wireless connection like Bluetooth to install the application from your computer to your phone.
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When will I receive the confirmation email after signing up?
It usually takes five to 15 minutes to have your license created and ready for download.
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How do I install the software on my phone?
You download it directly to your Smartphone or download it to your computer and install it to your Smartphone via the application loader provided by your wireless provider.
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Can I start making calls immediately after I install MobileTalk on my phone?
Yes. Once you have completed the installation, you may immediately begin making calls. Certain Smartphones require more steps before making international calls. MS Windows Mobile requires you to “Start Service” and Palm operating systems requires an “Installation” step.
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How does MobileTalk decide what numbers are international?
Any number beginning with the 011 prefix + prefix or 1 plus area code will be analyzed by MobileTalk. Any area codes outside the USA or international telephone numbers will be redirected by MobileTalk.
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Can I call US phone number using MobileTalk?
Yes. However calls to US numbers through MobileTalk will be charged at 1.5 cents per minute. To call a US number, dial the number as 011-1 plus the phone number you wish to call, for instance 011-1-408-555-1212. As with other MobileTalk calls, you will also be charged by your existing mobile phone provider for any charges related to the call to the local Packet8 network access number.
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Are calls to Canada treated as international calls by MobileTalk?
Yes. Calls to Canada are redirected through MobileTalk and you will be billed for the very low Packet8 Canadian rate.
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Where can I find installation instructions for my phone?
Installation instructions for your specific phone and operating system can be found under the documentation section of the support web page. Click here
NOTE: We recommend changing the customer notification email to include a link for the Smartphone installation instructions section of the website to allow easy reference.
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Will I use my airtime when using MobileTalk?
Yes. While the call will be routed to a local number, airtime charges will be applied according to your cell phone plan.
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Will I be charged by my mobile service provider for any international calls?
No. All of your international calls will be routed using MobileTalk.
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How much will I pay for international calls?
All of your international calls will be billed by MobileTalk at Packet8's low per-minute international calling rates published here.
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I see two calls recorded on my phone’s call log when I make an international call. Why?
This is normal. In certain Smartphone operating systems (may apply to MS Windows Mobile and Palm), the first record is the number you dialed, and the second is the connecting service for MobileTalk.
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Is there a troubleshooting guide?
Yes. The troubleshooting guide can be found under the documentation section of the support page.
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Where can I find my call history?
You can view your account history at any time by going to and clicking on “my account” and logging in.
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I hear a long silence when I dial an international number. What should I do?
Sometimes, the delay in connecting international calls is longer than when making calls within the USA, sometimes by as much as 30 seconds. When the call goes through, you will hear the following voice prompt: “Now connecting with MobileTalk.”
You should also see a pop-up window with the Packet8 logo during the redirect process.
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Will my Bluetooth headsets work with MobileTalk?
Yes.
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My international calls don’t go through. Why?
Just like normal cellular calls, you must have service coverage in the area you are calling from. In the event that your cellular network coverage is not available, you will not be able to make calls- including MobileTalk calls.
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How do I know when my call has been routed using MobileTalk?
You will notice that the call you dialed will be briefly disconnected and another call will be dialed immediately. You will also hear the following voice prompt: “Now connecting with MobileTalk” just before the call begins ringing at the other end.
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How can I download the software again?
You can log into your MobileTalk account page and download the application again. You will have to press “RECREATE PACKAGE” and reenter any changes regarding the Smartphone in the provided fields. We recommend you uninstall the previous application before downloading and installing the application again. If you are changing the Smartphone you need to enter the new Smartphone IMEI or ESN number along with the new cell phone number.
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I see that my MobileTalk dials a US telephone number outside my area during the call. Can I get a local number?
During your sign up, MobileTalk determines the best access number based on your cell phone number. If the number is not local to you and you require a new number, you may contact support. Some numbers may not be available.
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What happens when I roam internationally and make international calls?
Roaming will depend on your cellular service plan. Calls to international destinations will still be routed through a US number. Please check with your provider for pricing details.
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Will there be fees on my cell phone bill from international call destinations?
No. Calls to international numbers will be billed by MobileTalk only.
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How will MobileTalk bill me for service?
All fees will be charged to the credit card account provided at sign up and will appear on your monthly credit card statement as “visit, inc.”
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How can I disable MobileTalk from routing an international call?
MobileTalk is like other applications on your phone. You will need to disable or stop the application on your phone. Please review your cell phone user guide.
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I already have an international calling plan. Will MobileTalk disable this plan?
No, it will not disable it. However, your calls will be routed using MobileTalk and not your cellular international plan. Please contact your provider if you wish to terminate your cellular international plan.
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Why do you need my cell phone number?
We ask for your Smartphone number to enable the delivery of SMS messages and to ensure that no one else can access or use your account from another device.
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What do I do if I cannot find my phone on your list of supported devices?
Send us an email and we will let you know when your device becomes compatible with our MobileTalk service.
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Will my cell phone company charge me for using MobileTalk?
Charges depend on your calling plan. MobileTalk calls are connected using a US number over your cellular plan- airtime charges will apply. Please check with your cellular service provider regarding your calling plan.
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Do I need a data plan to use MobileTalk?
No. Smartphones with a data plan have easier installation, that is the only need for a data plan except Symbian 9 (S60V3) that can download the application only by using data connection.
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How do I disable or remove MobileTalk from my phone?
MobileTalk is an application on your phone. You can remove it by using your phone’s application manager. Please refer to your phone’s user guide.
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Can other people use my account?
No. MobileTalk is configured specifically for the cell phone device you provided at sign up.
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Can I share this account with family members?
Only calls made from your cell phone can use the MobileTalk account for that device. However, additional plans can be purchased at a reduced monthly rate.
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What do I do if I change to a new cell phone?
Your account can be moved to a new device. To do this, login to your account and click on “RECREATE PACKAGE” to create a new download.
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What do I do if I change cellular providers?
Log into the Self-Service account page at Packet8 <link> and press the “Recreate Package” button. You will be required to enter your new Smartphone telephone number and IEMI or ESN number. You will then be sent an email or SMS message with download link to install MobileTalk on your new Smartphone. The MobileTalk on your old Smartphone will no longer work.
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Where can I find a list of international rates?
Click here to view the complete list of international rates.
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Where can I find a list of supported devices?
During the sign up process, you will be able to qualify your specific device. For a complete list of supported devices, click here.
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Are there any long-term commitments?
No. Once you sign up, you simply pay month-to-month. You may cancel at any time.
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Is there a limit on how many calls or minutes I can use each month?
No. There is no pre set limit.
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Is it secure?
Yes. Each unique download is associated with your device only. Your access number is also unique within the Packet8 system.
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Can I review my bill and call history online?
Yes. You can login here to review your account.
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Do I have to have a Packet8 VoIP account to use MobileTalk?
No. MobileTalk is a standalone service.
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What if MobileTalk does not intercept the call?
1. Make sure you dialed a number outside the USA starting with 011, + , +1 or 1.
2. Restart your Smartphone
3. Make sure you completed the installation process.
In MS Windows Mobile Smartphones click Start and Service.
In Palm OS after installation, click the Install Icon and press it to complete installation.
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Why do we need to know your carrier?
It is important that we know which carrier network you are using so we can communicate correctly with your carrier- for example, SMS text messages may not be delivered to you if we use the wrong carrier.
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Do I have to download an application?
No. MobileTalk for iPhone is a web-based application that be accessed from any data or wi-fi connection.
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Once I sign up, how do I start using MobileTalk on my iPhone?
If you selected to receive your notice in an SMS (text message) you can simply click on the link in that message. If you did not receive the SMS, you will need to enter the URL you received in your email in your iPhone browser.
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Do I need a data plan?
Yes. The web-based dialer requires access to the web. The call however is completed using your normal cellular plan.
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Can I make calls on this account from another phone?
No. To ensure the security of your account calls may only be made from the device you signed up with.
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I bought a new phone, can I move my account?
Yes. You can log in to your online account and click on the button “recreate package”. This will allow you to redefine the device and/or phone number for your account and send you a new unique URL.
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How do I know if my calls are using MobileTalk?
Anytime you dial a phone number from the MobileTalk keypad, your call will completed using MobileTalk. All other calls made using the normal iPhone keypad will be completed using your normal carrier
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How do I uninstall MobileTalk from my iPhone
You do not need to unistall. MobileTalk for iPhone is a web-based application and does not install anything on your iPhone.
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