Ooma Telo reaches shops
updated 04:15 pm EDT, Thu October 1, 2009
Ooma Telo begins shipping to retailers
Ooma on Thursday announced its Ooma Telo web-based home phone should now be widely available in stores. Ooma Telo gives users free US local and long distance calls using their existing Internet connection. As such, there are no associated monthly fees, other than the cost of the broadband connection, and users only need to pay for the Ooma home phone. The device also brings with it caller ID, call waiting and 911 emergency services for no extra fees.
The Ooma Telo won't immediately ship with the matching Ooma Telo Handset needed for cordless calls but does have DECT 6.0 wireless built-in for when the Handset is ready; until then, it can link to existing landline phones. Buyers also get a 60-day free trial to Ooma Premier, which brings with it voicemail, call screening and intercept that lets users listen to callers as they are leaving voicemails and the ability to block specific phone numbers or databases of known telemarketers. Users can also forward calls to their cellphones, hold three-way conference calls, call with a specific ringtone assigned to a particular number and, with the additional Ooma Telo Handset, make calls from a second line.
The Ooma Telo is now shipping, priced at $250. The Optional Ooma Premier costs $10 per month. Those who sign up for one year of the service, get the option of receiving a free Ooma Telo Handset or number porting, respectively priced at $50 and $40 by themselves.
