iTalkBB Father's day Promotion

Last month, we sponsored a Mother's day promotion for iTalkBB. It wouldn't be fair if we don't have one for Father's day. Through special arrangement, we get the best deal for you: 

• $30 instant discount for any $24.99 (or above) monthly plan or $299 annual plan -- using promotion code: "JZ090605V25+8991156825" 
• $100 rebate award if you answer a question (following instructions here), and the last digit of your posted BB# matches the last digit of total votes -- for example, if your BB# (posted in the comment) is 8991156825 and the total votes (when poll closes) is 35, you win!!

Act now. Offer expires on 6/22/2009.

iTalkBB-Review pays for your opinion

Our poll on iTalkBB's market share has collected 23 votes so far. However, only 4 iTalkBB numbers have been posted for award distribution. For those who have responded to the question, we appreciate your input. But only if you leave your italkbb number here, we can learn of your participation. You could be awarded $20 or $100 (new subscriber) if the last digit of your BB number matches the last digit of total votes -- which is a very good chance. 

Details of this promotion can be found here.

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.

Two ways to show your love to dear mom through iTalkBB

Many of us have traveled great distance from China to USA/Canada to study and work. Left at home are our family and friends. Among them are our dearest mothers, who always care about every bit of up and down in our life. We can't be close to her, but through iTalkBB, we can make sure that we are close to her in our heart.

Free Bouquet for Mom

鲜花送母亲

With this exclusive iTalkBB - Review promotion, we get two ways to show our love to dear mom. To qualify for the promotion, you need to:

• Sign up iTalkBB $299/yr Global Unlimited annual plan using promotion code "JZ0315V10+8991156825" between 2009-04-01 and 2009-05-10. In this way, you get unlimited calls both from and to China, and save $15 instantly.

• Send an email to iTalkBB.Deal@gmail.com or post a message to this post, including your email and your iTalkBB number after your account is activated.

• Through email, you will receive a gift account at www.21qs.com with 200RMB balance, which you can use to select a flower bouquet and have it delivered to your dear mom in China.
  --- good news: through special arrangement, these bouquets are discounted to 200 in your gift account.
  

• Tell your mom that you love her...

iTalkBB new coupon code acquired

Update: We are requested by iTalkBB to pull these great coupons off the post. However, if you send email to italkbb.deal@gmail.com with title "coupon request", we will reply you with these promotion codes.

-----------

We have discovered  two great-value iTalkBB coupons. It is limited time offer: expiring Tax day 2009 (04/15). 

* Coupon code hide-by-request saves you $35 instantly with new subscription to the $24.99 monthly plan.

* Coupon code hide-by-request saves you $15 instantly with new subscription to other iTalkBB plans.

Grab it while it lasts!

iTalkBB starts to charge $2.95/mo Regulatory Recovery Fee

Starting from Feb. 15, 2009, iTalkBB will collect a $2.95 "Applicable Regulatory Recovery Fees, Charges and Taxes". This applies to both new customers and existing customers who have already subscribed to a monthly or annual plan. We, both as iTalkBB users and as iTalkBB promotion agents, are quite pissed-off by this sudden change. The added cost is definitely unwelcome. What adds to it is the poor communication of this change to customers. It's not hard to imagine a wave of complaints and billing disputes following this. I hope this post may help clarify things a bit.

Here is our speculation:

As iTalkBB grows in customer base, it becomes increasingly difficult to fly under the radar for regulatory fees, charges and taxes -- which can be as much as 15% from what shows up in our TV, Internet, Mobile phone, or regular phone bills. It is risky not to fully disclose those fees. At some turning point, iTalkBB decides to pass this to customers. Here is what you can find on FAQ of iTalkBB:

What is the Regulatory Recovery Fee?

The iTalkBB service Regulatory Recovery Fee is an additional charge over and above the basic fee for your iTalkBB service. iTalkBB uses this fee to pay our regulatory-related fees and expenses, including taxes, number portability charges, and related legal fees.

Why hasn’t iTalkBB service charged regulatory recovery fee in the past?

iTalkBB makes every effort to provide its customers with most reliable and lowest cost telecommunications services possible. Nevertheless, we must also comply with applicable laws. As results, the $2.95 regulatory fee will be billed to the customer effective 2/15/2009.

For the existing customers, please beware any out-of-date credit card information on iTalkBB site. Service may be interrupted if charge for this fee cannot be processed:

What will happen if iTalkBB is not able to charge through my credit card?

If iTalkBB is not able to put a charge through your credit card, your service will be disconnected at any time. To avoid your telephone service from being interrupted, please update your credit card information if there is a change. If for some reason, iTalkBB is unable to apply charges to your credit card, to avoid interruption of your service, or possible collections, we would like you to fill out the [Charge Authorization Form - click to download] sign and fax it to 1-800-872-2059 or 1-512-637-1451. After receiving your completed form, iTalkBB will apply the agreed amount to your credit card.

Post your comments below. And let's hope iTalkBB can make the transition smooth and meanwhile keep reducing the cost and improving the service. 

 

Another iTalkBB acquisition? not really

News has it that "the acquisition by Telecommunication Group Huge Group of 59% of the ordinary shares of iTalk has lapsed..."  

What?? another acquisition ?? Didn't 263 Network just invest over 100 million RMB in iTalkBB and get 50% stake in return? 

Well, it turns out there are confusingly too many iTalk's. The one referred above is "iTalk Cellular", which is different than the iTalk Global discussed in this blog, or the iTalk Apple phone, or the software iTalk Internet phone. How confusing!

Survey on iTalkBB Features

You probably have noticed the survey at the top of the blog page. In the past, we had run a survey on the quality of iTalkBB phone:

How do you rate iTalkBB's call quality? 


and on iTalkBB's installation process:

How do you rate the installation and setup process of iTalkBB?

Now we are soliciting your opinion on what features from iTalkBB attract you the most. The survey will run for five months. Thank you for your feedback! 

Happy Niu Year From iTalkBB

First of all, Happy Niu Year (ox year) to everyone!!!

To celebrate Niu Year, iTalkBB offers a new promotion to new customers: From now untill 2/28/2009, new subscribers to either the $24.99/month or $299/year Global Unlimited plan will also get unlimited iTalkFreedom service bound to one cellphone of choice. The last time for such promotion was in May 2008. Since then, free iTalkFreedom service has been limited to 200 minutes per month. So grab this Happy Niu Year package, as it is indeed a sweet deal.

More promotion information for iTalkBB can be found here.

Refer 4 friends and get 1 year free from iTalkBB

The new promotion from iTalkBB is simple: while you are party-hopping and enjoying gathering with your friends, simply talk about the great features and deals from iTalkBB; ask them to use CODE "953110+899xxxxxxx" to sign up with iTalkBB if they decide so. The 899xxxxxxx number is your iTalkBB number.

You will get 3 months free service if two new users have sign-ed up using your code in Jan. 2009, or 6 months free service for three new users, or 12 months free service for four new users. Qualifying plans include $24.99/mo or above monthly plans and $299/yr annual plans.

For new users who's interested in getting iTalkBB's service, use promotion code (last step in account registration) "953110+8991156825" to get $15 discount.

iTalkBB offers 3 month service credit in rebate

Starting Nov. 1, 2008, (till Dec 31, 2008 and may get extended further), iTalkBB offers a new promotion option for new users. The rules are a little bit complicated. So, let me try clarify it for you.

Let me talk about annual plan ($299/year) first. If you sign up with iTalkBB during the promotion period as above, you will not be bound to any service-term contract. In another word, if you decide that you don't like the service from iTalkBB, you may cancel the service with no penalty ($69.99 early termination fee applies if without promotion). Meanwhile, between 30 days to 60 days after your account is activated, you have the option to sign up a one-year service term by requesting 3 month (~$75) service credit in rebate from your online account management page. However, if you do so, you are subject to early termination fee if you then decide to close your account within first 12 months.

For monthly plan ($24.99/month), it's the same rule except that the rebate is for 2 month (~$50).

Things that you need to know:

• the monthly plan requires an activation fee of $29.99 while the annual plan does not; both plans would charge $69.99 early termination fee if not under promotion, or if service rebate has been requested.
• you have 30-day free trial in either case; if you cancel your service within 30 days after activation, you get full refund (unless you used more than 500 minutes during the trial period).
• you need to submit your rebate request between 30 days and 60 days after activation (in other words, during the first month after free trial period) for the service credit option.
• you can use coupon code "953110+8991095718" to save $15 at sign up.

Hope this explanation helps you...

does italkbb support fax?

I have received several inquiries asking whether iTalkBB supports fax? Well the answer is both YES and NO.

• YES if you want to receive fax or if you want to send fax within USA and Canada.
• NO if you want to send fax Internationally.

So based on your need, choose wisely.

Try iTalkBB risk-free OR get service credit in rebate

iTalkBB generally offers 30-day risk free trial period. If you terminate your service after first 30 days and within first year, then iTalkBB would normally charge you an early termination fee of $69.99 -- details on this policy can be found here.

From 11/01/2008 to 12/31/2008, iTalkBB offers a new program that waives such early termination fee. Optionally, if you are satisfied with the service after the trial period and confident that you will continue the service from iTalkBB, you may request 3-month service credit (for annual plan users, or 2-month for monthly plan users) in exchange for the waiver of early termination charge.

In addition, you may use promotion code "953110+8991095718" to save $15 instantly and meanwhile qualify for any other on-going promotions listed here.

Local Access Numbers Changed

Please note: iTalkBB's China (mainland) access numbers, through which you can reach an iTalkBB user in US/Canada without long distance charge, has changed recently. The new numbers are 4006-768-016 and 4006-768-017. For future references, check here for up-to-date iTalk BB local access number information.

iTaklBB and video-on-demand for Chinese movie and tv

iTalkBB offers through its partner website: VideoPark FREE video on demand service to its users. Once login to your account management page @ http://www2.italkbb.com/, you may find a banner that says "VideoPark Online TV"; click on it, you will get to the VideoPark site -- which has plenty of Chinese movies and TV shows. Some recent updates include:

Don't forget to check Most Recent Promotions for iTalkBB if you want to try out iTalkBB's service.

iTalkBB October promotion

I forgot to write a post announcing iTalkBB's October promotion. Well, better late than never: the new promotion for customers signing up iTalkBB's Global Unlimited Annual or Two-year plan between 10/1/08 and 10/15/08, you get free shipping in addition to the $15 discount when using iTlakBB coupon "953110+8991095718". The best place to check the most recent iTalkBB promotions is through a separated post HERE; in the same thread, you can find what promotions have been awarded in the past as well. 

Avoiding Billing Dispute with iTalkBB

I have received some complaints toward iTalkBB with respect to billing. It seems that many of the billing incidents happened at the time of service renewal for a second year. Some were surprised that their credit cards get charged automatically for a second year. Some found their iTalkBB service terminated when transaction failed due to either expired credit card or stale address information. In some cases, collection agents were sent for and things got ugly.

Here let me share a few tips to avoid billing dispute with iTalkBB.

(i) go through italkbb's "terms and conditions" -- it's a bit length, but there's a few things that you should know, such as cancellation policy, renewal policy. As a matter of fact, it states in the first few lines:

• "The Service is automatically renewed unless Customer provides iTalk notification of intent to terminate the Service not less than thirty (30) days prior to effective date of termination..."
• "Upon purchase, Customer must provide iTalk a valid credit card number from an accepted issuer (see iTalk's website for accepted issuers). Customer authorizes iTalk to charge the credit card number ("Credit Card") for all charges arising from Customer's use of the Services..."
• "Customer shall notify iTalk of any change to the Credit Card information including, without limitation, changes in account number, expiration date and billing address..."

So, you should expect that you credit card be charged for service renewal and keep your information updated through the iTalkBB account management page.

(ii) keep your email information in iTalkBB up-to-date and make sure your spam filter is set up properly. iTalkBB does send notification emails a couple of months before your current (annual) service plan expires. Also any service update from iTalkBB are communicated through emails.

(iii) use coupon code 953110 when register iTalkBB's serive (you will receive $10 instant discount). And if you are unfortunate to run into any billing problem, send email to italkbb.deal@gmail.com or post comments to this blog for additional assistance. We will do our best in helping you.

iTalkBB China/Hong Kong/Taiwan Local Access Numbers

One of the key advantages when using iTalkBB is its local access numbers in China/Taiwan -- through which your family and friends can reach you in USA/Canada without long distance charge. For Global Unlimited Annual Plan users, all incoming calls are Free of Charge (other plans, e.g., economic plan, may have a $.02/minute charge). The feature of using mainland China local access number is enabled for all iTalkBB users and is free of charge. For Taiwan local access, there is a monthly service fee of $4.99.

China Local Numbers:

• 4007-087-929
• 4007-087-929
• 4007-087-996
• 4007-087-989
• 4007-087-990
• 4006-768-016
  
• 4006-768-017
  
• 4006-266-003
  
• 4006-266-005
  
• 4006-266-007

Taiwan Local Number:

• (02) 4050-2999

Free Moon Cake for Moon Festival from iTalkBB

It is such a pity that culture and old traditional are diminishing in modern societies. As the Moon Festival is arriving in a few days, iTalkBB reminds you to honor the Chinese tradition, get together with your family, watch a full moon, and share a piece of moon cake -- a heritage that Chinese has followed for over a thousand years.  

From 9/1/2008 to 9/14/2008, new subscribers to iTalkBB's $299 global unlimited annual plan will also get a free box of moon cake in addition to on-going promotions such as free 2 months service, a free secondary China phone number, free 200 minutes per month iTalkFreedom service, and $15 instant discount with promotion code "953110+8991095718".

Cheers! 51 Gold Medals for China!

The 2008 summer Olympic games finally concluded in Beijing, China. Looking back at the past two weeks, I am extremely thrilled. The great Olympic games had drawn attention from all of the world to China's culture, tradition, history, and its prosperity and progress. China demonstrated tremendous confidence, friendliness and charm. I cannot wish for a better game.

iTalkBB Review is proud to announce that the final reward amount for the Olympic Gold medal promotion (4/26/2008-8/8/2008) is $51 in total. For those who participated in this promotion, please register by either sending email to italkbb.deal@gmail.com or by posting to the blog with your name, email and iTalkBB number. In two weeks, email will be sent to all participants to determine the payment method in distributing the $36 remaining rebate ($51 total -$15 instant saving).

Well done China! well done!

==========================================================

UPDATE: First batch of rebate check/Paypal have been sent out. Please check your mailbox / email carefully. If you have not notified your choice for payment method, please do so ASAP.

iTalkBB Triple Promotion -- ONE DAY ONLY

The Olympic Gold Medal Promotion has been very well received in the past few months (4/26/2008 - 8/8/2008). Tomorrow will be the last day of this promotion. However, iTalkBB will start another promotion in the same spirit between 8/8/2008 - 8/24/2008 in US Eastern time:

• New users to iTalkBB (excluding the $4.99/mo residential economic plan) will get $1 worth of service credit for each gold medal that China wins in the Olympic.

Careful reader can spot the opportunity here: on the day of 8/8/2008, you can receive both promotions. With promotion code "953110+8991095718" when signing up the Global Unlimited Annual plan, one can get twice the amount of China's gold medal in forms of instant discount, cash rebate and service credit.

To make it even better, between 8/1/2008-8/15/2008, new users to iTalkBB's annual plan will also receive a $10 worth of gift card (Shell gas card in US or Petro Canada gas card in Canada).

Check the "iTalkBB Promotion Month-by-month" post, you will find that deals have never been better. So, act now or you will miss it!!!

i Talk aBout Beijing Olympic

In less than a week, 2008 Summer Olympic Games will open in Beijing China. There are two promotional deals for iTalkBB running in the spirit of Olympics.

• Cheer for Olympic promotion: 08/01/2008 - 8/15/2008, new users in Global Unlimited Annual plans will get additional $10 gift card (Shell gasoline card if account in the U.S. or Petro Canada gasoline card if account in Canada)
• Olympic Gold Medal promotion: 04/26/2008-08/08/2008, new users in Global Unlimited Annual plans with promotion code "953110+8991095718" will get $1 discount for each gold medal that China wins in the Olympic Beijing

So hurry up! Get the deal while it lasts...

Hsu Ginseng offers extra discount for iTalkBB members

In earlier this year, iTalkBB and Hsu Ginseng (http://www.hsuginseng.com) have built a partnership in offering promotional deals to the customers (e.g., Mother's day and Father's day promotions). Now, iTalkBB can enjoy a new special offer from Hsu Ginseng with the following coupon codes:

• HSU8 -- for order total under $100, you get a free gift pack (e.g., Hsu's Mug)
• HSU88 -- for order total between $100.01 and $300, you get an extra 5% off
• HSU888 -- for order total over $300.01, you get an extra 10% off
  

Enjoy!

The Olympic Ring Promotion has been extended

The Olympic Ring promotion that iTalkBB offers since the beginning of the month has been very well received. Hence, iTalkBB is now extending the promotion till the end of month (7/31/2008). It may be extended even longer depending on user's feedback. 

To summarize the promotion: If you subscribe to iTalkBB's Global Unlimited Annual plan during the promotion period, you will get

• Free 2 additional months' service
  
• Free 200 minutes/month iTalkFreedom (Phone-Card-like service for your cell phones)
  
• Free China dial-in number (so that your family in China don't pay long distance to call you)
  
• Free shipping
  
• Free activation

If you use the promotion code "953110+8991095718" when you sign up the service, you are eligible for iTalkBB-review's Olympic Gold Medal promotion:

• Get $1 discount (in instant discount and rebate) for EACH gold medal that China wins in the Beijing Olympic. 
  

Check here for promotion details.

iTalkBB's New Promotion

From 7/1/2008 to 7/15/2008, iTalkBB is having an "Olympic Ring" promotion. New subscribers to iTalkBB's Global Unlimited Annual plan or two-year plan will receive (1) Free 2 months service (2) free 200 min/mo iTalkFreedom service (3) free China dail-in number (4) free shipping (5) free activation.

To be honest, this is not new. Comparing to previous promotions, only free shipping is added. Fortunately, the promotion is on top of the iTalkBB Review's Olympic Promotion, which offers $1 discount for each Olympic Gold Medal that China wins. So if you are interested in trying out with iTalkBB, now is definitely a good time.

Confirmed: iTalkBB is easy to set up

The poll on the easiness of iTalkBB's installation process is about to close (till the end of the month). So far, we received 33 votes: 72% claimed the installation is very simple -- instructions are clear and easy to follow; another 21% said some help from customer service is necessary; only 6% felt it is tricky to set up the italkbb equipment.

How do you rate the installation and setup process of iTalkBB?

To iTalkBB, this is a very positive feedback. After all, the best custom service is when no service would be needed at all, isn't it?

iTalkBB Adds two more China dial in numbers

One of the unique features that distinguish iTalk BB from other Voip providers is its FREE China dial in number. Your family and friends in China can reach you in US/Canada without having to pay a hefty cost for international long distance call.  Now, in addition to 

its 4007-128899 number, i TalkBB added two more lines: 4007-170899 and 4006-777899. 

To reach an iTalkBB user in US/Canada, one can simply dial one of the three numbers in China; after it connects, dial the users iTalkBB number (899-xxx-xxxx) followed by the # key. One can also use call back method or text message method described here.  

In a few days, iTalkBB's Father's day promotion will end. Hurry up if you want to take advantage of the offer. And you definitely don't want to miss out the Olympic promotion.

iTalkBB father's day promotion

Similar to iTalkBB's Mother's day promotion, iTalkBB starts a new promotion between 6/1/2008 and 6/16/2008 for Father's day. New subscribers to the Global Unlimited monthly or annual plan will receive a box of Ginseng tea from Hsu's. Use promotion code "953110+8991095718", you can save an additional $15 off at italkbb.com.

Unlimited iTalkFreedom minute for cellphone ends soon

May 31 will be the last day to enroll the iTalkBB promotion on unlimited iTalkFreedom service, which is "phone-card" type of service for free and unlimited long distance call (including international calls) for up to two of your cellphones. This promotion started on April 1 (check www.italkbb.com or italkbb-promotion-month-by-month for information) and was extended once for a second month. This time, word has come that no more extension is granted on this deal. So if you like the flexibility of using your cellphone for free and unlimited long distance calls, hurry up and sign up now (note that only the global unlimited annual plan qualifies for the deal).

iTalkBB offers free long distance to Sichan China

On Monday, May 12, a major earthquake, measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale, jolted southwestern China's Sichuan Province. Several lower-scale earthquakes and aftershocks followed in the same area. The quake destroyed many buildings in the area, killing over 40,000 people with many more still missing.

In this devastating tragedy, Chinese people have demonstrated enormous courage, indulgence persistence, and unity. We wish the people who lost their lifes in the earthquake rest in peace and hope the living ones a quick recovery and a great future.

To help people to connect with their loved ones from US and Canada, iTalkBB has announced the plan of FREE INTERNATIONAL PHONE CALLS between North America and the SiChuan Providence of China. The following are the details of this plan:

1. Dial the following hotlines:
From US: Dial 718-766-9636
From Canada: Dial 647-728-1733
2. Once connected, dial the land line or cell phone number to be reached, followed by '#'
For example: 011-86-8469-xxxxxxxx-'#'

iTalk Travel

In addition to iTalkBB's recent deals on Mother's day promotion, which is on top of iTalkBB-Review's Olympics promotion, iTalkBB has broken new ground in adding value to its users. Starting from May 1, 2008, iTalkBB has introduced a new service to its subscribers -- iTalk Travel, which offers exclusive deals on airfare between USA and China. The service is available though a link in your "account management page" or though toll free number 866-568-0005 .



This is a great value to iTalkBB users. Just for a quick comparison: I checked the round trip ticket price between Newark (EWR) and Beijing (PEK) on 5/30/2008 and 6/6/2008. The price quoted with iTalkTravel is $986.84 - $75 (iTalkBB user discount) == $911.84 . Compared to the best price available from www.orbitz.com, $1186, iTalk Travel saves $274 per person, which is almost a whole year's service fee for its Global Unlimited VoIP plan.
If you were still undecided on whether or not to subscribe to iTalk BB, now it is the time to pull the trigger. With both iTalk Travel and iTalkBB's FREE Video On Demand service, you are getting the most bang for your buck. Remember to use promotion code "953110+8991095718" for an additional $15 savings when sign up.

iTalkBB mother's day promotion on top of olympic promotion

 If you are looking for a Promo Code for Hsu Ginseng, try here at bottom of the page. 

From 5/1/2008 to 5/12/2008, iTalkBB is offering a Mother's Day promotion to new customers: anyone who subscribe the $299 Global unlimited annual plan (USA) or the $299.88 annual or $599.76 two year plan (Canada) will receive a $22 Hsu Ginseng package (http://www.hsuginseng.com/). Remember to use promotion code "953110+8991095718" in the last step of your signup and make sure a $15 instant discount being applied to your bill. If you cannot see the promotion code working, call customer service 1-877-482-5522 and mention the code instead.

This is on top of the 2-month free service for annual plan or 6-month free service for two year plan and the 200 minutes per month iTalkFreedom for two of your cellphones.

This is also on top of the iTalkBB-Review promotion of "1 gold medal for China = $1 for you" --- Each gold medal won by China Team in Olympic Beijing will get you $1 discount.
You must use promotion code "953110+8991095718" to qualify.

iTalkBB-Review Olympic Promotion

In 103 days, the 2008 summer Olympics game will be hosted in Beijing, China. This event has been viewed as the debut party for China (and all Chinese around the world). It signifies the tremendous economic growth and cultural prosperity that took place in the world's most populated country during the past few decades. As a Chinese, I am very proud.

1 gold medal for China = $1 for you
中国队获一枚金牌＝您得$1优惠


To celebrate this, iTalkBB-Review decides to offer a very attractive promotion: from today (2008-04-26) till 2008-08-08, any new subscriber to iTalkBB will get a discount in the same number of dollars as the number of Gold medals that Chinese team wins. That is, if China wins 50 gold medals in the Olympics, you will get $50 discount.

To qualify, here is what you need to do:

• Sign up with iTalkBB in the $299 Global Unlimited Annual plan with promotion code "953110+8991095718", you will see an instant discount of $15 [make sure you use the code above and see $15 taken off from your bill or you won't be qualified]


• Send an email to iTalkBB.Deal@gmail.com or post a message to this post, including your email and your italkbb number after your account is activated


• Cheer for China during Olympics


• Within 30 days after the Olympics game, the remaining discount will be sent to you via either paypal or a paper check based on your choice ($50-$15=$35 in the above example)

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Update: This promotion has ended. Please check latest promotional information here...

iTalkBB and tax

Like it or not, April 15th is the due day for filing income tax in United States. In the spirit of tax day, I'll talk about the tax and fees for iTalkBB. Remember to use promotion code "953110+8991095718" to get $15 off at sign up.

If you are in United States, you are lucky -- iTalkBB's $299 Global Unlimited Annual Plan has already included all tax and miscellaneous fees that you often see on your other phone bills. With the 2-month free promotion, you get 14 months' unlimited local and long distance service (including International) for a merely $284 (with the promotion code above).

If you are in Canada, unfortunately the tax comes separately: the tax rate is as follows:

• Alberta (AB): 6%
  
• British Columbia (BC): 13%
  
• Manitoba (MB): 13%
  
• New Brunswick (NB): 14%
  
• Newfoundland (NF): 14%
  
• Nova Scotia (NS): 14%
  
• Northwest (NT): 6%
  
• Nunavut (NU): 6%
  
• Ontario (ON): 16.7%
  
• Prince Edward Island (PE): 14%
  

Happy Tax Day!

EDIT: Starting from June 1, 2008, the tax rate for Canadian customer is set to 11.5% flat across Canada.

UPDATE: Starting from Feb. 15, 2009, there is a $2.95/month regulatory fees, charges and taxes for US customer -- details here.

iTalkBB On TV News

iTalkBB in Chinese TV news. Don't forget your $10 discount using iTalkBB promotion code 953110 at sign up.

iTalkBB service quality survey completed

How do you rate iTalkBB's call quality?

The poll on iTalkBB's call quality has officially completed. During the past several months, 80 votes have been collected from different users. Overall, 13% of people rates the service excellent; 38% rates satisfactory; 13% rates acceptable; 33% rates poor. This is consistent with previous result collected last year. For those who are not satisfied with the service, please check this post on how to report your problem and to seek service help.

iTalkBB Opens Hong Kong DID

Starting from March 24, 2008, iTalkBB will open a new service -- the option for you to bind a "third" phone number in Hong Kong for your phone. The optional Hong Kong phone number is in addition to your US/Canada local number and your free secondary China phone number. However, it would cost $4.99 per month. In the promotional period (before May 1, 2008? not sure at this time), the one-time activation fee of $14.99 is WAVIED. 

This service is optional and you can turn it on/off any time through the iTalkBB account management website (after login with your iTalk BB number). But it would be charged on the month basis, meaning any partial service month will be charged full month rate of $4.99.

I don't have any particular need to have a Hong Kong phone number. But if you have family or friends in Hong Kong, adding this service will make their calls to you appearing as Hong Kong local calls, saving a hefty long distance charge for them.

   

Report your iTalkBB problem (if any)

iTalkBB operates 24/7 customer service lines (1-877-482-5503), and it is available both in English and in Chinese. For those who're phone-shy, there is now a new feedback channel available: iTalkBB Call Quality Report. Hope you will not have to use it (as your service quality will always be good), but if you do, this form may help.

online chinese movies for iTalkBB users

It didn't get said enough that iTalkBB global unlimited plan subscribers actually get FREE Video-On-Demand service too. I talked about this before in a previous post here. Here is how it works:

• Log in to your iTalkBB account at http://www2.italkbb.com

• Click the banner show in your account management page as shown below
• 
  
• 

• Login to VideoPark using your iTalkBB BBN number and password

• Enjoy the movies: below are a sample of recent movies on show. Now you get another reason to try iTalkBB. Click below to sign up with iTalkBB and don't forget using promotion code "953110" to knock $10 off. Enjoy!
  

Find out who uses iTalkBB

I found out some interesting statistics on QuantCast.com about the demographic of iTalkBB visitors: Mostly Asian, mostly with high education background, likely mid-age, likely male . It seems that if you take the biggest bin of each category, you get a profile of me. No wonder I use iTalkBB...

iTalkBB Cancellation Policy - Round 2

There is a heated discussion recently on MITBBS, one of the biggest Chinese-in-America forums/BBSs, about iTalkBB. The origin post is from an upset user of iTalkBB who found out that no partial-month service fee was granted after he/she cancelled the service in the middle of the month...

Unfortunately, as I have talked openly in a previous post, iTalkBB does NOT have a really accommodating or flexible cancellation policy: one needs to beware of the early termination charge ($69.99 within the first 12 months), and needs to be sure to return within 7 days the phone adaptor (in original packing) after termination of service. Now we learned that you'd better terminate service at the end of a service month, as your payment to the unused partial month is not refunded according to iTalkBB's term and policy. I hope I can do my part as a promoting dealer to convince iTalkBB's management to change that, though I think it would be much easier said than done.

Meanwhile, here are some advices:

(1) read iTalkBB's term and policy before you subscribe or terminate iTalkBB's service. It is worth noting that iTalkBB's policy isn't any worse comparing to most voip competitors, such as packet8.

(2) Subscribe to the $299 annual plan if possible. Many fees (activation/early termination) are waived for annual plan users.

(3) Use iTalkBB promotion code 953110 when sign up with iTalkBB. Send email to iTalkBB.deal@gmail.com for additional help on billing dispute.

Update: In iTalkBB's recent promotions, you are not subject to the $69.99 early termination fee UNLESS you request additional rebate (details here).

Need a second line? check out iTalkBB's Economic plan

Many of us have cell phones for each one of the family members. More than 90 percent of the calls are made from cell phone rather than home phones. And thanks for the competition among all different carriers, we can get newer phones, better coverage or better rates by switching phone numbers at the end of service contract, which can typically save you hundreds of dollars.

On the other hand, you really need a minimum usage phone to be listed as contact number or home phone number at various places. I was using Verizon in the past for this purpose. But it is costy (~$20/month with tax and fees) and inconvenient, as I can't move my phone number with me when I move out of the area code. iTalkBB would come to the rescue--

I have talked about the great package of iTalkBB's "Global Unlimited Plan". Now I think it's time to say a bit more on its "Residential Economic Plan", which is great for the aforementioned situation. Here is why:

Cheap, Cheap, Cheap! $4.99 monthly charge, with tax included. Usage charge is 2 cents per minute for calls within US/Canada and to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, etc. (complete list here). For two-hours' talk from the line each month, you would end up paying about $7.50 per month. Can't beat that.

Rich in features! For the low monthly cost, you still get great features such as caller id , call waiting, call forwarding, 3-way call, 911 support... You will also get a phone number in China the same way as in Global unlimited plan, except that you need to pay 2 cents per minute using that number.

Promotion Code 953110 save you an additional $10 at the sign up, which is two-months' service.

Now you decide...

iTalkBB upgraded its website

In the spirit of celebrating holidays and new year, iTalkBB's IT team has bestowed its website a fresh new look. Among all the upgrades, I particularly like the set of video clips illustrating the highlights of iTalkBB's services. The only thing they ignore tell you is that iTalkBB promotion code "953110+8991095718" gives you $10~$20 worth of discount...

iTalkBB Quality Survey

Visitors to iTalkBB-Review, Happy New Year! 

The first phase of survey on iTalkBB's call quality has completed. As of Jan. 1, 2008, there are 35 total votes collected: 5 (14%) rated "excellent"; 16 (45%) rated "satisfactory"; 3 (8%) for acceptable; and 11 (31%) for "poor". Overall, the feedback is good: over 2/3 of the users voted positively for iTalkBB's call quality. 

For those who voted negatively, iTalkBB recommends you to try monitoring, debugging, and fixing any call problem through its customer service line  1-877-482-5503. Its service department operates 24/7 in both English and Chinese.

For new customers, don't forget your $10 extra discount using iTalkBB promotion code 953110 at sign up.