Lingo
VoIP service from a friendly provider.
Summary
Lingo is a VoIP provider that makes a great alternative to POTS (Plain Old Telephone System). Their array of features is attractive and affordable, with international offerings that are extremely inviting. Their longevity has yet to be determined, as they are a fairly new player in the marketplace. Lingo offers both residential and business packages.
Pros
- Pricing is affordable
- Service to 22 foreign countries, with unlimited calls included in some packages
- The range of telephony features is highly competitive, with Lingo delivering many extras unavailable through some providers
- The price for an 800- or international number is affordable
- Business plans
- Offers money-back guarantee
Cons
- Reviews are mixed from consumers
- The technology itself is far too new for flawless performance from any provider
- Some negative BBB complaints
- Not as many international call locations as other plans
Expense
Lingo pricing for the VoIP service is certainly competitive. Some of the pricing you can expect is as follows:
- A one-time activation fee of $29.95.
- Equipment is included for no extra charge with some residential and business plans
- Residential services starting at $21.95 per month for the calling plan with unlimited calls to the U.S., Canada and 22 international countries.
- An 800-number is an additional $5/month, with 100 minutes of incoming calls included.
- An international number from Canada is an additional $5/month and from other foreign countries $10/month
- A second phone number is also an additional $5/month
- Taxes, fees and other regulated surcharges will also be charged
- Money-back guarantee for the first 30 days. Cancellation after the 30-day trial period and prior to 1 year is $39.95.
Features
Your subscription to Lingo comes with a complete features package, which can include:
- Unlimited long distance to the U.S. and Canada, (including Hawaii, Alaska, USVI and Puerto Rico), as well as 22 other countries that include Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea
- Free in-network calling
- Call Waiting
- Call Forwarding
- Voice messaging
- Caller ID
- E911 and 411
- Conference calls
Business Customers
Lingo offers three business packages. Each includes a second line, which is not always available through other VoIP providers. The customer service number is easily accessible on their website. Sign up is straight-forward, because they disclose all regulatory fees and add-on charges up front.
Consumer Feedback
Some customers stated the voice quality was as good as their landline. One person stated she removed the local telephone company’s line from her external box and was able to plug Lingo into her main phone jack and utilize all existing jacks in her house. After reviewing six sites with consumer feedback, it appears that the verdict is still out on LINGO, but that their on-going attention to value is producing favorable results.
BBB Report
The BBB shows that there have been seven complaints against Lingo during the past 36 months. Four were successfully resolved and the BBB administratively closed two, (noting that Lingo had made every attempt to resolve the issue with the customer, who had declined the resolution). Only one issue remains unresolved.
Common Misspellings
Lengo, Lyngo, Lingos, Lngo
Vanessa: Has anyone tried Lingo? Such a young company, I'm considering using a bigger company, but I'm looking around and I want to hear some feedback.
Matt: Some mixed reviews. I'm looking at other companies but Lingo is still under my consideration.
