Forget local and long distance. All of your calls within the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska) and Canada are treated the same. Plus, any calls you make to other Packet8 subscribers are always free!

What is PSTN?

PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network. This is the traditional analog phone network that the "phone company" owns and operates. Often referred to as Ma Bell.

Call Types

1. Packet8 to Packet8 - These are calls you make to other subscribers. These are sometimes refered to as "on-net calls". On-net calls are free and unlimited for ALL Packet8 subscribers, regardless of the service plan you choose. These calls are found in your on-line call history as: Call Type, IP.
   
   
2. Packet8 to PSTN - Packet8 not only offers free calls within the Packet8 network, but also allows subscribers to call phones on the PSTN, sometimes called "off-net" calls. These off-net calls are metered in minutes. The number of minutes you have included with your plan vary, depending on the plan you choose. The calling area for these included minutes is: Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. If you use more minutes than you have in your plan, you will be charged at a per minute rate based on your service plan. For example; a subscriber that has used all the allotted minutes in their plan for that month, will be charged at a per minute rate as set forth in your current plan for any further minutes used that month. These off-net calls are found in your on-line call history as: Call Type, PSTN, out (for outbound)
   
   
3. PSTN to Packet8 - Another great feature that sets Packet8 apart from other discounted long distance calling cards or internet based calling services is that with Packet8, you get a REAL telephone number that others can use to call you. Wherever you take your Packet8 account, your phone number will be the same. Just like a cellphone, these calls are metered and count against the total minutes in your service plan. For minutes used beyond the minutes in your plan, you will be charged on a per minute rate set by your service plan. These calls are found in your on-line call history as:
   Call type, PSTN, in (for inbound)
   
   
4. Packet8 to International - International rates vary from region to region and periodically, the rates change. Packet8 is constantly negotiating the best rates possible and pass the savings on to our users. Only outbound calls are charged at the international rate. Calls to your Packet8 phone number from outside of the United States will be treated as #3, above- PSTN inbound. Your international outbound calls are found in your on-line call history as:
   Call type, PSTN-int