how many people in US/Canada use iTalkBB?

You may notice that we had run many survey polls in the past (see top and bottom of the blog). Yes, we are big fans of statistics. According to US Census 2005, there are about 3.3 million Chinese in USA, and according to Canada statistics 2006, there are about 1 million Chinese speakers in Canada. Since Chinese families in north America are the primary targeted user base for iTalkBB (with recent expansions to Korean, etc.), it comes down to 2-3 million such families, considering a modest growth over the past few years. In recent joint venture of iTalkBB and 263 Network, it is disclosed that iTalkBB's has an annual revenue of 200 million. At the low price that iTalkBB offers, it translates to around 1 million subscribers. That is, 30% to 50% of target users are already using iTalkBB's service. 

This speaks very positively of iTalkBB's product and service. It is quite an achievement given traditional phone and integrated VoIP phone (Comcast, Cablevision, Rogers) still dominate the market, let along other independent VoIP competitors. However, it would also be quite challenging for iTalkBB to keep up with the growth rate it had seen in the past year without serious expansion demographically or geographically.  

Consider joining iTalkBB's service family? Use promotion code "953110+8991156825" online or mention it to customer service -- you will receive a $15 discount.

iTalkBB Survey and Awards

As a promoting dealer for iTalkBB, we're always curious about the current market share of iTalkBB. Since iTalkBB adopts a "word-of-mouth" advertising model with particular emphasis on its referral program (refer a friend and both of you get service credit), we decide to start a survey among existing iTalkBB users. 

From now till July 4th, 12AM EST, you may get up to $100 for completing the following poll. 

Among your Asian friends in US/Canada, how many people are using iTalkBB's phone service?

Here is what you need to do:

1. vote faithfully 
2. submit in the comment (here) your iTalkBB number (899-xxx-xxxx) and any comment that you want to add --- you have to post your i Talk BB number as the evidence of participation
3. when the poll is over (on July 4, 2009), if the last digit of your iTalkBB number matches the last digit of total votes, you win!
4. If you win, send an email to iTalkBB.deal@gmail.com with your name, iTalkBB number, choice of payment method (paypal or paper check), and the account or address for payment

You will receive $100 if you're a new subscriber to iTalkBB between May 17 to July 4, 2009 using promotion code "953110+8991156825" OR $20 if you are already an iTalkBB user by May 17, 2009 -- (limit to first 50 requests).

Happy  voting!!!

--- update: Expiring June 22, 2009, using promotion code "JZ090605V25+8991156825" saves you $29.99 instantly and also qualifies for the $100 drawing.

 

iTalkBB hidden cost

It can be frustrating to follow every steps of a "good deal" and find out some hidden cost (shipping, tax and fee, etc) that breaks the deal. So are there any hidden cost for i Talk BB?

Let's look at the advertised $299/year ibbtalk global unlimited plan. If one actually follows through the registration steps on www.italkbb.com, it would turn out like the following:

There is a $9.99 shipping fee, a $15 device deposit for Linksys SPA-2102 (which we highly recommend over SPA-1001 for reliability), and $35.4 applicable regulatory fees and taxes.

Using promotion code "953110+8991156825" can save you $15 instantly, making the total $344.39, $15 of which would return to you upon service cancelation. -- Scroll your window to the right if your order page shows empty in the amount column. 

There is additional usage charge billed monthly if you make calls to countries that is not covered in the plan or to cellphone numbers in some countries, but this would be unusual. 

Is the $344.39 over the bottom line as a great deal? You decide.

 

Mother's day promotion extended to monthly plan

We have unfortunately over-estimated the interest in our i-talk-bb - Mother's Day (鲜花送母亲) Promotion. As Mother's day 2009 approaches, we find ourself in a situation of over-stocking of gift cards at hand. So, from May 1, 2009, any new subscribers to i-talk-bb using promotion code JZ0315V10+8991156825 for either the monthly $24.99 plan or the yearly $299 global unlimited plan would qualify for the promotion:

• you would get $15 instant savings at sign up
• you would get a ¥200(RMB) for you to purchase gift, which can be delivered to China

Note that you may use your ¥200 balance after Mother's day. Details of the promotion is available here.