I used to spend about $300/month on long distance calls. I got that down to about $40/month with a special phone plan. This isn't so bad, but I saw the MagicJack ad that promised $20.00/year for unlimited calls anywhere in the U.S. or Canada (after a $50 activation fee).
I ordered a MagicJack on Monday, April 7. I received it on Tuesday, April 15. It came in a surprisingly small package. It was a little device that you plug into your USB port. You then plug your phone into it and, supposedly, you are up and running in minutes.
The device installed it's own software after I plugged it in. It wouldn't let me register. After a useless chat with their customer service, I was given a link to their Customer Returns page. I filled out the form and it led me to a dead end. Basically, I was screwed over; I'm stuck with both this thing and my regular phone.
This is the chat I had with their tech support:
I ordered a MagicJack on Monday, April 7. I received it on Tuesday, April 15. It came in a surprisingly small package. It was a little device that you plug into your USB port. You then plug your phone into it and, supposedly, you are up and running in minutes.
The device installed it's own software after I plugged it in. It wouldn't let me register. After a useless chat with their customer service, I was given a link to their Customer Returns page. I filled out the form and it led me to a dead end. Basically, I was screwed over; I'm stuck with both this thing and my regular phone.
This is the chat I had with their tech support:
Please wait for a site operator to respond.
You are now chatting with 'Nick'
Nick: Hello, how may I help you?
Rec: hey. i did the magicfix and it's telling me that my usb device isnt' found
Nick: Download and run the Recover Tool from the link below. After running the tool, unplug your magicJack, wait 15 seconds, and plug it back in.
Nick: http://www.magicjacktv.com/1/site/downloads/mjrecover_setup.exe
Rec: thank you. it worked
Nick: You are welcome.
Nick: Is there anything else I may help you with today?
Rec: yes
Rec: i don't know if it's technical though
Rec: i tried to fill out the resigstration on my other PC and it wouldn't let me
Rec: and this one seems to have the same problem....
Nick: May I know the message you are getting?
Rec: i'm entering my info on the Registration screen and i select CANADA from the dropdown list ... but the State/Province dropdown remains disabled
Rec: i can't choose Ontario
Nick: I am sorry Victor, this area code is not available yet.
Nick: If your area code is not listed when you select a number, please select any other number. You will be able to change to your local area code one time for free, once it becomes available. For available area codes go to: http://www.magicjacktv.com/1/areacodes.asp
Rec: ok. thanks
Rec: hello?
Nick: Yes
Nick: Is there anything else I may help you with today?
Rec: there are no Ontario cities on this list
Rec: i don't think i can use MagicJack
Rec: can i get a refund?
Nick: Victor, you can use magicjack with any area code . Once your area code is available, you can change it once without any charge.
Rec: are you a human?
Rec: you gave me a list of states with area codes that are available. i live in the province of Ontario
Rec: Ontario isn't on this list
Rec: i need a 613 area code
Nick: Available Area Codes
Nick: http://www.magicjacktv.com/1/areacodes.asp
Rec: that's the same listing. it goes from OK to OR. i need ON because i live in Ontario
Rec: your commercials implied that this service worked in canada, but i don't see any provinces on this list
Nick: One moment please...
Rec: ok
Nick: Victor, you can use any available area code to register your magicjack and then it will work in Canada without any problem.
Rec: what if local friends call me? won't they be paying long distance rates?
Rec: if i get a florida area code, won't they have to pay to call FL?
Nick: Yes, but you can make calls within USA and Canada for free.
Rec: ok. this won't work. my friends have to be able to call me without paying long distance
Rec: i need a 613 area code
Rec: that's where i live. that's where my friends are. they won't call me if they have to pay 30 cents/minute
Nick: I am sorry Victor, this area code is not available yet.
Rec: ok. i assuemed that magicjack would work across canada. I mean, your commercials claimed i could make calls from 'anywhere' in canada
Rec: i think that i need a refund
Nick: Victor, you can use magicjack with any area code.
Rec: i know that i can make outcalls with magicjack. i am more concerned about incalls.
Rec: my friends will be paying a fortune to call me
Rec: is this a human?
Nick: Please click the link below
Nick: http://my.magicjack.com/returns.html
Rec: ok
Nick: Please fill the complete form and explain your issue in the comment box.
Nick: Is there anything else I may help you with today?
Rec: no thanks
Nick: Thank you for stopping by to chat, I hope I did a good job at addressing your concerns. Please take a second to answer a one question survey about the service I provided. Please click the "close" button on the top right of this screen and the survey will appear. Thanks again!
Nick: Have a good day!
Chat session has been terminated by the site operator.