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For the past couple of years, my home phone service has gone from copper to VOIP. I first started with COX communications digital voice. In my area, wasn’t really digital , but it was still using the old copper line. I later switched over to VONAGE because of the services I was getting for virtually the same price (around $30.00 after all the taxes and government fees), then I changed from VONAGE to packet8 to take advantage of some discounts, etc.

About a month ago, an old buddy of mine told me he just switched over to Ooma.com’s phone service. After a bit of research, and great reviews from my friend and his wife, I decided to pull the plug and ordered one. It was really simple to setup. You simply 1) activate the device by going to http://www.ooma.com/activate, 2) plug the Ooma Telo device into your internet router, 3) plug your phone into the device, 4) bam! after a bit of time for the Ooma Telo to initialize, you’re up and running and calling anywhere across the US for free!

So what’s the cost? The Ooma Telo (this is the required hub connecting your phone to Ooma’s service) retails for around $249.99. After the initial cost for the Ooma Telo, their an annual cost is $11.95. That’s $0.99 per month! Ooma absorbs this cost the first year (for government fees). That’s it. There is a premier service (http://www.ooma.com/premier/features ) that gives you additional features, but basic gets you unlimited calling through the US.

Some may ask, “What about that device called the MagicJack?” I haven’t tried that out, but that device requires that you to plug it into your computer, and your computer must be running while on the call. The Ooma doesn’t require a computer at all.

Since getting the Ooma device, I thought this would make a great birthday group gift for my dad. Using eDivvy.com, we got it this past weekend, and he was setup in about 15 minutes and he’s been so thankful for it . He was surprised about the quality. (Here’s a link with an audio test, leaving myself a voicemail from my Ooma.). He was glad to be able to stop using his cell phone minutes to make long distance calls to our relatives. (By the way, they’ve got great rates on international calls too - http://www.ooma.com/products/international-rates).

I must admit the Ooma Telo is one of those “very, very” practical group gift ideas – probably the most suitable for that practical, cost conscious gift recipient. Unlike popular gifts like the Apple iPhone, iPod, HP Netbook, XBOX 360, Playstation 3, iFlip, digital camera, or designer handbag, in my opinion, the Ooma Telo is a gift that will keep on giving, or rather saving. (Calculate the estimated savings from their calculator -- http://www.ooma.com/products/cost-savings -- or see above the estimated savings my father is now getting every year.)

If you haven’t tried out eDivvy.com, we’ve currently got a promotion running that gives organizers $25.00 (some restrictions apply). Also, events are completely eDivvy fee free (merchant fees still apply)! Save time, social awkwardness, and money trying to out-gift others, and just invite your friends to group gift at eDivvy.com. You’ll certainly be able to get something better when you pool money together than buying something alone. A group gifted Ooma is definitely better than the Calvin Klein underwear you were going to buy on your own. Click here for more info on the promo or just visit eDivvy.com to start group gifting great gifts.

To group gift the Ooma, JandR.com has the Ooma telo hub for $249.00 (plus any applicable taxes and shipping): http://www.edivvy.com/find_gifts/all/ooma/ooma-telo-voip-phone-system-base/EDV7840763