All that is required is a VoIP provider, access to the internet, a Soft Phone installed on a Laptop and a USB Microphone/Headset. There is “NO” limitation on number of calls/minutes used as long as they were to the USA and using the appropriate account (see below). The account can be accessed and set-up by anyone with permission. There are a number of options available with BroadVoice, below are the plans I recommend;

The “Unlimited World*” plan would allow calling any number in and to the United States and a few other countries with no additional charges other than the Monthly fee, the “Unlimited Business*” plan would cover all calls to the U.S.A... (as in if other troops shared the laptop to call home)

In the hope the VoIP service would be shared by a few of the troops I would suggest the “Unlimited Business*” plan. The phone number for the account would be in the U.S. so it would not make a difference where the call originated from as long as the calls were to numbers in the U.S. or other plan allowed countries from the assigned phone number.

For instance a phone number based in United States can be used from anywhere in the world.

This is a package that contains all of the equipment needed, and a VoIP provider:

A laptop with Internet connection capabilities with “Soft Phone” and “Microphone/Headset” installed on it.

Laptop Computer You provide

SoftPhone $49.95 to $60.00

USB Microphone/Headset $29.95 to $75.00

Setup VoIP service $39.95 one-time activation fee

Plus First Month

Monthly Fee “Unlimited World” $23.45
Monthly Fee “Unlimited Business” $33.45

Billing date each month based on the day the account was activated.

THE SOFTPHONE/

The softphone can be purchased at www.counterpath.com

There are 2 versions that I recommend v1.5 enhanced & v1.5 basic can be purchased here www.counterpath.com The service provider below has set-up information for this softphone on their site and I will assist you if you need it.

Please mention this site www.HelpOurTroopsCallHome.com when purchasing you softphone.

THE VoIP SERVICE

The service I use and recommend is www.BroadVoice.com

If the person you are setting the service up for will be allowing more than 2 or 3 others to use the laptop to call home, PLEASE sign-up for the “Unlimited Business Plan” otherwise the “Unlimited World” is fine.

Note: if the person gives out the registration number and account information to anyone else so they can set up another laptop using his or her information the service will be closed by BroadVoice. They can tell if more than 1 computer is using the same service/license.

When you sign up please enter 5306464530 in the box that says “Referred By”

I will not receive any money but BroadVoice will give me usage of the phone number I am using on the site.
This will help me to keep the web site open.

You may pick from a list of phone numbers in almost any city so if you want to call the persons computer pick a city near your home. Just make sure the account phone number is in the U.S.A...

THE USB Mic/Headset

Any USB Microphone/Headset will work. Do a GOOGLE search for USB Microphone/Headsets and find a price and quality you like. If you want specific suggestions please email me and I will send the links.