Callback phone service, sometimes called International Callback or simply call-back, is a service for making low cost international calls from virtually any location in the world where a telephone is available. Callback can be used form any phone that can receive a call including VoIP or Cell Phones. International calls using call-back are cheaper in most countries since the calls are initiated in a third country, usually the United States, where call charges are considerably lower. The local high cost monopoly phone company is therefore by-passed and the caller pays the lower United States rate for the call.
How Does International Callback Work?
As the name implies, callback phone service works by initiating a call from the United States or another third country where international calling rates are cheap. There are at least three methods for initiating or ‘triggering’ a call using International Callback. The method of callback initiation depends on the type of callback service the subscriber is using. The following is a short description of three types of call-back services.
The first type of callback service is what we call traditional Callback. Using this type of service a caller opens an account with a Callback Service provider, registers their phone number and is assigned a callback number in the United States or another third country. When the subscriber wants to place a call they call their assigned number from their registered phone and let the phone ring once and hang up before the call is answered. The computer recognizes them by their registered phone number and calls them back. When the subscriber answers the phone they are on the callback service provider’s phone system and place their call as if they are in the United States. A subscriber typically has access to their callback account on-line so they can change or add registered phone numbers as needed. They can also review their call history and other account details.
A second type of callback is often referred to as SMS callback or SMS call. This is similar to traditional callback except the subscriber initiates or triggers a call by sending an SMS message from their cell phone. The message contains the subscriber’s phone number and the number they wish to call. The callback system recognizes the SMS message and calls the subscriber and connects them with the number they wish to call.
A third type of callback is referred to as Web Call or INTERNET Callback. To initiate a callback using Web Call a subscriber simple logs into their account on a website and enter the phone number they are calling from and the phone number they want to call. The computer recognizes them and calls their phone number and connects them with the phone number they want to call.
All three types of callback have positive and negative attributes. Traditional callback will work in almost any location where telephone service is available. However, some countries try to block traditional callback so they can continue to charge high rates for international calls made through their monopoly phone companies. SMS Call will work from cell phones in many countries but it is not available in every country. Web Call can be used in any country where the caller has access to the INTERNET. Web Call cannot be blocked since the call is triggered over the INTERNET and the caller is just receiving a phone call from the United States.
Bob Graham is the owner/editor of several telecommunication related websites inlcuding International Calling Guide and Cheap Overseas Calls. He is an engineer with several years experience in the telecom industry. He is also the author of several telecom related articles published on websites and the International Calling blog.
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