Calling Cards: Technology Used Over the Years

Calling Cards: Technology Used Over the Years

by Feras Shoukeir

Making a call to a local or international number via calling cards is just about the most commonplace phenomenon today. However, do you know what technology goes into these calling cards? Of the two principal technologies used in called cards, stored value and remote memory, the former is utilised in prepaid phone cards, which is the most popularly used phone card around the world. SIDA, a European telecommunications company made the first calling card systems in the mid 1970s, but it would take another decade for these phone cards to reach users in the US, and around the world.

A pre stored value phone card of the earliest calling cards employed a magnetic stripe to encode information, similar to key card or ATM technology. Some years later came the optical storage technology, which were more sophisticated than the magnetic coding used earlier. Optical telephone cards had physical readers on the cards like lines or holes, which the card reader would scan for balance information. Optical calling cards were widely used by many users around the world. Optical phone cards utilised relatively simple technology, so the disadvantage was that these could very easily be hacked. Due to these security concerns, the optical calling card was slowly being phased out from countries around the world.

By the next decade, a new technology was to find implementation in the calling card system, which was the chip technology. First manufactured by the Deutsche Bundespost in Germany in 1986, these chip stored value phone cards quickly became the norm when it came to calling card technology for the next few decades. Although initial concerns were the easy to scratch off programming voltage point in the card causing a security breach, later technology was much more reliable. With modifications to this primary chip card technology, today's calling cards using microchips are not easily hackable, with the addition of secure coding technology.

The other technology used apart from the stored value system, is the remote memory system. This involves a central database, which supplies information about balance, which the card registers through an access number. The company Phone Line launched the first ever, remote memory calling card in United States in 1980. These phone cards could typically be used from any phone with tone mode facility. This definitely was a boost for users because there were telephone cards around that required special card readers along with the phone. The only disadvantage that this type of card professes is the keying of many digits before you can actually make a call. International remote memory calling cards required the caller to dial three different numbers before the call could be connected, an error in any one of which would not allow the call to get through. This process was certainly a very laborious one for the user, and this was the major disadvantage of such a calling card.

Today's mobile phone or landline user can enjoy many benefits on their calling cards. Depending on the telecommunications service provider of such calling cards, the user can pick networks within which to operate, thus allowing for discounted rates as well as superior coverage.

A Brief History of Calling Cards

A Brief History of Calling Cards

by Feras Shoukeir

A calling card is a very useful tool that lets you make local or international calls via either a stored value system, or a remote memory system. Prepaid calling cards are perhaps the most widely used phone cards around the world today, and you can find a telecommunications provider who offers you a phone card for any country specific coverage you want. A great idea that cuts out the hassle in making long distance or short distance calls from public phone booths, the ubiquitous calling card of today started out as a simple piece of technology similar to the ATM or a key card. Technology has progressed a great deal since then, and today's calling cards are embedded with secure, sophisticated systems.

Prepaid calling cards were first used in Europe in the mid seventies. These calling cards could only function as local phone cards, and used magnetic stripes to encode balance information that the card reader would read when inserted into the same. It would take another decade and half for calling cards to slowly gain popularity and find usage around the world. Incredibly, in contrast to that, phone cards prevail all over the world, in more than 185 countries today.

Over the years, there has been a lot of development in the stored value calling card technology, spanning from the earliest magnetic stripe readers to optical storage, to microchip technology. Chip card technology is the most recent development in the history of calling cards, which had been inducted over two decades ago, in the 1980s in France and Germany. Many countries took their lead and began implementing their calling card system, embedded with such microchip technology. Initial security concerns over simple systems that could easily be hacked have given way to sophisticated secure technology of today.

Calling cards have become somewhat of collectibles, given their variety of different regional and national influences when it came to card design. Featuring a wide range of subjects, calling cards transformed from a dull monochromatic affair of the 70s and 80s to veritable displays of pop art. Bright and colorful, these phone cards had a visual appeal that prompted users to keep them even after there balance value had been exhausted, and there are serious collectors around the world who take great pleasure in chronicling these calling cards right from their early beginnings.

While the earliest users of calling cards used public phone booths with card readers to make phone calls, modern day users can just about use a calling card from just about any telephone line, or even from a mobile phone. Today, depending upon your usage, you can select your choice telecom network for the most suitable calling rates. With a plethora of calling cards for users to choose from, worrying about call rates is something of the past. Indeed, users can use calling cards to budget their phone bills. Along with advancements in the telecommunications industry, telephone cards have moved along just as well, and today have become an indispensable part of our everyday lives.

Calling Card: A Means To Access VoIP Easily

Calling Card: A Means To Access VoIP Easily

by kristen kiya

The Calling Card is one of the means to access the broadband unlimited calling. This method is a good means to access VoIP network from any place of the world. The card is an ultimate means to make long distance calling at cheap rates. The card is very reliable for its pin less dialling option, speed dialling and accessing of online call history.

The calling cards are available with free numbers and local access numbers. These enable people to make calls to individuals with local numbers or international numbers. The users remain gratified on accessing the numbers. It is absolutely necessary to connect by means of Pin less dialling for it eases the accessing of VoIP services. The system is reliable and the user can easily access the services of VoIP from their service providers.

The cards are reliable as there are no hidden surcharges or costs involved. Moreover, the card being rechargeable enables users to remain connected on VoIP phone. The cards are normally supplied by top carriers and it is emailed in seconds of application. Placing an online order is fast and secure. Moreover, VoIP has toll free access from any phone. Once the connections are established, the voice quality is crystal clear. The Voice quality remains clear in international calls too.

The international calling cards are cheap and convenient for use. It is a good means to switch from long distance carriers. The users can achieve mobility with this gadget in hand. As this card is independent from local carriers they are a favourite among students, travellers and international tourists. The prepaid phone card are also a means to achieve the lowest calling rate to a country. One can also compare the rates offered by several service providers and purchase cards after evaluating their rates from online shops. Long distance calling cards are available with the online shops.

The advantages of cards are many. One can have information about the widest range of cards in one place. The calling rates too are easy to compare and this eases to select the best card for the purpose of VoIP calls. The customer ratings and detailed calling card descriptions help users to make the right choice while buying a card. Moreover, the instant accessing of the PIN number on availability of internet at any place allows the easy accessing of the telephony service.

5 Reasons Why You Should Not use Calling Cards

5 Reasons Why You Should Not use Calling Cards

by Sean Gill

Calling Cards are deceptive products that often blindly steal money from unknowing customers. More consumers are now using calling cards more than any other international calling service, they have been thought to be the only affordable option for many years. But calling card companies have destroyed the integrity of calling cards, and have given an extensive list of reasons why calling cards are no longer a logical choice to use for international calling. Below are the top 5 reasons why calling cards should not be used by consumers to make international calls.

Sneaky Fees- Calling cards are filled with many different hidden fees. Calling card companies do not inform consumers of these fees, which often leaves consumers dumbfounded when they find a significant amount of money from their card had disappeared.

What you see is not what you get- Calling cards rarely (if ever) give the amount of minutes they advertise. Calling card companies are notorious for advertising more then they deliver; some countries go as far as advertising over 80% more minutes than they will actually deliver.

“Dial for Days, Then Pray for Connection”- Calling cards require over 34 numbers to be dialed in order to make an international call. Users often find themselves mis-dialing and are forced to start the +3 minute process over, combined with the frequent dropped connections users can find themselves spending well over 10 to 15 minutes trying to connect their call.

Non- rechargeable- Calling cards cannot be recharged and are one time use, so once it is gone users are stucking having to go to a store to purchase a new one. This can be extremely inconvenient when a consumer is in the middle of a telephone call and their card runs out.

Rate per minute changes without customers knowing- Calling cards are notorious for not only their hidden fees but also the constantly changing rates. More than likely the rate that is advertised on the card is different than the rate that is delivered to the customer. This is because calling card companies constantly change rates and fees in order to make an extra buck or pick up on loses in other areas.

But there is hope for consumers with the recent release of Dial Direct. This is a phone service that is believed to make calling cards a thing of the past. If you are interested you can check out their site at dialdirectmilitary.com. The site currently sells to U.S soldiers but anyone can purchase the product. So go check out the phone service that will make everyone forget about calling cards.

Enjoying The Features Of Prepaid Phone Cards

Enjoying The Features Of Prepaid Phone Cards

by Vanessa Doctor

If you want be part of the trendy group when it comes to communication needs, then you need to assimilate the use of prepaid phone cards with every call you make. These hip cards can provide the most useful features in making international and domestic calls without any hassle.

What Are Prepaid Phone Cards Anyway?

Prepaid phone card is a great communication tools that allow you to make domestic and international calls without the need to pay monthly fees, like those found in regular telephone lines. These cards are sold in retail stores in your area in assorted denomination that can fit any calling needs.

Also, you can purchase phone cards with fixed credit or those that can be reloaded with more minutes in case you need them - and you only need a credit card for that. Aside from dialing the toll free number specified on the card itself, you can also reload through the provider's Web site or by purchasing reload cards at a store near you.

Features That You Will Surely Enjoy

One amazing feature of prepaid phone card is the savings that you get with each use. Since it's free from monthly fees and hidden charges, the savings that you can get from it is can really make a difference when you need to cut down with your expenses. The flat rates of international and domestic calls are quite competitive as well. Some prepaid phone cards even give free minutes when you purchase larger denomination, so it's best to watch out for those.

Using these prepaid phone cards is easy. All you need to do is dial the toll-free number in each card to connect with the service. An operator will prompt you to give your personal identification number, or PIN, to complete the verification. If successful, or if you have any minutes left in your account, you can immediately dial the number you wish to call.

Speaking of which, you can use prepaid phone cards with regular telephone lines, public pay phones, and mobile phones. Note, however, that some cards have additional charges when you use it with pay phones and mobile phones. Other phone card service providers offer Internet-based calls with their service, which is quite useful for those who spend most of their time online.

Perfect For Business

If you want to cut down operations cost in your business, then prepaid phone card can give you the best deals with maximum savings. One handy feature is its ability to make conference calls up to fifty people in a single line, from any media - regular phone lines, mobile phones, Internet-based calls, or from other prepaid phone card calls.

How To Maximize The Use Of Your Prepaid Phone Card

How To Maximize The Use Of Your Prepaid Phone Card

by Vanessa Doctor

A prepaid phone card is a handy and convenient communication that allows you to make personal or business-related calls in your area or abroad. In truth, many individuals are starting to notice the advantages of using phone cards, rather than sticking with a regular telephone service.

Popular Due To Features

The reason why prepaid phone card is gaining popularity is because of the maximum savings that you can get from it, while enjoying the nifty features that comes with one. They offer ease of call, with clear reception using public pay phones, mobile phones, regular phone lines, or calls using the Internet.

They are available in various shops in your area, like retail stores, gas stops, supermarket, department stores, and so on. They can even be purchased on the Internet using your credit card if you feel like it.

They can also be reloaded with more minutes using your credit card. Dial the toll-free number found in each card to connect with the service provider, and relay the credit card information and the amount you wish to reload on your prepaid phone card account. You can also purchase reload cards in the same store where you purchased your phone card.

Other features of your prepaid phone cards includes PIN-less dialing, online phone directory, conference calls, discounted rates on international calls, and so on.

Choose A Card Wisely

Now that you have an idea on what a prepaid phone card can give, you now need to pick one out that will fit your needs, as well as your budget. For starters, the best way to pick out a prepaid phone card is to check each one out one-by-one by using their services and features.

Purchase smaller denominations of prepaid phone cards and give them a try. You might want to check out their different rates, features, additional charges, and conditions of use, expiration, and more to maximize the use of the service.

Avoiding Scams and Fraud

Since prepaid phone cards are quite popular in today's society, some business-minded individuals will take advantage of this by selling products that are inferior in quality. They would often mislead consumers by offering quality service at very low prices, but may as well swindle these individuals considering the hidden charges they have with it. Some of these scammers will even charge you extra for connecting and disconnecting the call. So you better watch out if you don't want to be swindled.

In order to avoid being duped by these scoundrels, you need to be careful with your purchase. Check out the terms and conditions of each prepaid phone card, as well as their rates and fees well in advance. Try to stick with products from well-known telecom providers if you really want your money's worth in terms of call features and savings.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor FlatrateOnline - Prepaid Calling Card

Types and facilities of calling cards as one of the telecommunication services

Types and facilities of calling cards as one of the telecommunication services

by Feras Shoukeir

We have to admit that it has come to be a dire necessity for the people who are traveling abroad, to have calling cards with them. In fact, it is noticeable that carrying calling cards during a long distance travel has become so common that it is no more thought to be something special or extraordinary. Now- a- days, calling cards have proved to be one of the most efficient telecommunication services.

Calling cards are generally of three types. These are international calling cards, overseas calling cards and long- distance calling cards. There are, of course, many other types of calling cards, but they are scarcely so much popular as the mentioned calling cards are.

It has often been marked that overseas calling cards and international calling cards are mistaken by people as long- distance calling cards. The fact remains that in spite of providing nearly similar features, these calling cards vary from each other in some respects.

If you use international calling cards, it will allow you to make international calls while the overseas calling cards will let you make overseas calls. It is to be kept in mind that the call making ends and the call receiving ends have to be located in the same country. Long- distance calling cards will facilitate you with the scope to make local calls, overseas calls and even international calls.

Are you pondering about how to avail calling cards? You need not bother much since it is very easy to get calling cards. The popularity of the calling cards as one of the types of telecommunication services has led many companies, including the renowned ones, to provide international calling cards, overseas calling cards and long- distance calling cards. The varieties of the exclusive schemes with which the calling cards are sold, are lucrative enough to make the customers feel interested at once.

Apart from the easy availability, there is another positive aspect about the various types of calling cards. The prices that you have to expend for purchasing a calling card, are not high enough to threaten you purse. They are definitely within the easy reach of your budget. Moreover, the competition among the companies to hold the top position results in the reduction of the prices of the calling cards, facilitating the customers a lot. Some of the companies that are renowned for providing the customers with long- distance calling cards at competitive rates are Tel 3, Verizon and AT&T.

It will be a wrong notion if the easy availability and the budget prices are thought to be the only advantages of the calling cards. The prime advantage that the calling cards provide the customers is the scope to make a call through any type of phone at any place in the world. What you have to do is to dial the country code, followed by the PIN or the personal identification number and then the particular phone number at which you want to make the call. Instead of visiting the calling card shops, you may go for online bookings of the calling cards.