FreeConferenceCall.com vs. Signal Open Source Messenger

FreeConferenceCall is well suited for a low price service to connect with others. The onboarding is super simple and easy to use. The ability to record to the cloud is also useful. The ability to host a large number of people is great. The only scenario I can think of less appropriate is that the interface just looks a bit dated, so maybe it is not the best for the wow factor of dealing with clients.

Incentivized

Signal is great for high-security applications where privacy is a concern, perhaps because of the sensitive nature of the materials being communicated. For instance, if you are sending sensitive information about a film that hasn't been released yet, and you want to make sure that paparazzi and fans don't get access to spoiler information, Signal is a great way to communicate.

Incentivized

• The online portal to access call details and recordings is very easy to use.
• The functions that are offered beyond the free plan are competitive with other providers.
• I feel that our calls are secure with our own personal access codes and the same number always being used.

Incentivized

• Encryption end to end
• Audio quality
• Ability to permanently delete messages and history

Incentivized

• Recently callers cannot get onto the call
• Users on the call get bumped off
• Non-transparent policy about why problems are occurring. If FreeConferenceCall.com can't reliably provide free service, just tell me that rather than blaming it on a law that changed and local carriers causing the problems. The real problem is that the law did recently change, which allowed companies like FreeConferenceCall.com to collect a revenue share for all calls placed through certain hubs--even free calls. This loophole was removed recently, and I believe the service issues I've been experiencing are being used to extort users to buy a paid service in order to receive trouble-free service.
• I found customer service representatives rude and dismissive

• Update Hassle - While this is also a positive in added security, every time they release an update to the app, you have to update. Since I only use the app occasionally, I have to update probably 1-in-4 times I open the app. It feels laborious as I will sometimes want to send a friend or colleague a message, who only uses Signal, and I open the app to message them and suddenly have to wait 2-4 minutes to update and install the new version.
• Not Getting Messages - You also no longer send and receive messages until you update. So if you have an outdated version of the app, nobody can get ahold of you and they might not know why you aren't responding.
• Re-Sync Via QR Code After Update - Every time I update, I have to re-sync my mobile app to the desktop. So it adds another added step. The forced updates and forced resync steps are quite laborious.

Incentivized

It is so user friendly.

Incentivized

I am and have been extremely pleased with my use of this product.

Incentivized

I haven't had the need to call for any support at all yet for FreeConferenceCall.com. It has just worked splendidly for me. That being said, when I first downloaded it and got started using it there was a wizard which made every section and button very clear on what it does. It was easy to get started by following the wizard. I imagine then that their customer service will be just as good.

Incentivized

You don't really need support as the app just works. In the two plus years I've been using Signal, I've never needed to even look at support documentation to learn how to do something or have the app work. It just does. The best support is not needing to use it, and Signal meets that standard.

Incentivized

It's a no brainer!

Incentivized

So this doesn't have the polish that say Zoom or Teams has, but for free, you can't complain. The real big unknown is anything to do with security where a product like Teams is great. Zoom and Teams seem to have become standard that everyone has installed and is familiar with, but the adjustment to FCC is pretty fast and painless.

Incentivized

The closest competitor we've found for Signal is Telegram. We do use Telegram with some clients and individuals who prefer it. Unfortunately, in this climate where there is no clear winner and a lot of diversity in applications, if you work with a lot of clients you're going to have to install a whole suite of instant messaging apps. Still, given the choice, we prefer Signal over its competitors, specifically for applications where high security is a concern.

Incentivized

• We pay next to nothing for our access and it creates a professional means of connecting with our clients.
• Connecting via FreeConferenceCall.com has helped our business stay afloat during this challenging time by giving us multiple ways to connect with our clients.
• FreeConferenceCall.com has allowed our team to more efficiently collaborate by being able to access calls even when they aren't able to be present during the live conversation.

Incentivized

• I reach people who I need to more quickly.
• It is a free service.
• It provides my clients confidence in keeping things confidential that need to be.

Incentivized