Interational Calling Cards of Today

The international calling card started in 1975 with an Italian company call SIDA. They were a manufacturer and supplier of vending machines. The first prepaid phone cards were produced and put on the market in Italy to combat payphone vandalism. In fact there was a shortage of coins in Italy at the time and payphone theft was common. Cards were introduced with a magnetic strip on the back for use in special phones to combat the coin shortage. The first cards were too thin and jammed frequently. International calling cards took approximately another 10 years for their use in the US.

Since then the calling card and phone card industry has grown exponentially worldwide. The international calling card of today is made in many forms. Mostly these cards can be found in stores of all kinds in increments of $5 to $100. They give you certain amounts of minute to make calls, sometimes deals on certain countries you wish to call most. There are so many cards, and so many types of international calling they provide that most customers follow the advise of the store owner or someone they trust, rather than trial and error.

International calling cards or calling cards in general, offer an access number you can call, from almost any phone, and a PIN or account number to dial into your account. Once in your account you may dial to whatever destination you choose. Some of these cards use trickery in that they have hidden charges that you find later after you have purchased the card. These charges give you less than the minutes promised. Most of us do not do anything about it because it is more trouble than the cost is worth and buy another one next time. In 2007 the FTC demanded international calling cards to state these charges on the card, but many of them still do not.

The trend today that is replacing the cards bought in stores are the website based companies that provide the same service as the traditional international calling card, but give you the convenience of not having to carry a card or losing one, and billing our credit cards directly rather that always having to buy a new one. You can also register phone number that you make calls from frequently, like your home or cell phone, and not have to dial your PIN number. This makes the same international call much quicker.

Our company, Cellular International, offers international calling cards with NO PIN dialing. You can register, or unregistered, as many phones as you like. You may have your credit card billing automatically so you do not run out of time, and also see your bill and keep track of your budget. We also provide the ability to “Speed Dial” those long international numbers and make your calls even quicker and more accurate. When making an international call, Cellular International has the most up to date features and service available today.

Learn more about Cellular International and how our Service works - How It Works

Learn more about all the great features we offer - Features

Learn the Future of International Calling Cards

Learn the History of International Calling Cards