Is the audio service really free? Well, it depends on how you look at it and more importantly that you are aware of what you are actually getting...or not getting. Technically, FreeConferenceCall.com does not charge you anything. You will never get a bill from them. Who actually pays for the calls are the callers you have invited to call your number! Essentially, FreeConferenceCall.com is just free US Toll calling, meaning all callers pay their own long distance charges.
How does FreeConferenceCall.com make money? By "routing" callers to specific local exchange carriers (LEC's) that are charging wireless carriers very high rates to "bridge" the cell calls to landlines. The higher the rate being charged, the more calls routed that way. In exchange for the favorable routing, the expensive local exchange carriers collect huge fees from the carriers and kick back a portion of the profits back to FreeConferenceCall.com Since most conference calls last at least an hour, more and more minutes accrue, while the LEC's rake in money, siphoning dollars from the carriers. Another way FreeConferenceCall.com generates revenue is through their "SIMPLE" audio plans, NOW all clearly listed as 1-800 toll-free numbers and not just US Toll numbers.
What are the costs involved in a FreeConferenceCall™?
Only normal long distance charges by each caller's carrier apply. There will be no bill or charges from FreeConferenceCall.com for this service.
It's also a bit of a pain to have to re-register your account every 120 days to keep your toll number active. If you forget to renew, you lose your number and have to re-register. Also keep in mind that the provided number is a US Toll number and does not support international calls even though their site states:
Can international callers participate?
Anyone who can dial a US telephone number should be able to dial a FreeConferenceCall™ number. (Does sound like much confidence behind that statement.)
Just be aware of what you are getting or not getting and let the callers who call you know that they will be billed long distance charges and what out for the court battle!
