1899.com Review

Based on checking the website 1899.com, this platform appears to offer a call-by-call service for cheap international and national calls by dialing a prefix before each call.

The service prides itself on low rates, no subscription costs, and real-time call monitoring.

However, a deeper dive reveals significant red flags that raise concerns about its transparency, ethical considerations, and overall reliability, making it difficult to recommend for general use, especially for those prioritizing clear and upfront financial terms.

Here’s an overall review summary:

• Service Model: Call-by-call telecom service using a prefix 1899 or access number for discounted rates.
• Cost Structure: Advertised as “free to sign up,” “no subscription costs, no monthly or minimal fees or any form of prepayment.”
• Key Concern: Charges apply even if the call isn’t answered or is engaged. This is a major ethical concern, as users can incur costs without receiving the intended service. “Network extras may apply” also lacks clarity.
• Transparency: Lacks clear, comprehensive FAQs directly visible without navigating away, and critical charging information is buried in a small disclaimer. The absence of immediate, transparent pricing details for all potential charges is troubling.
• User Control: Real-time call monitoring is offered, but the “charging will start directly after the spoken tariff information” and charging for unanswered calls diminishes user control over costs.
• Ethical Stance Islamic Perspective: The lack of full transparency regarding charges, particularly for unanswered or engaged calls, introduces an element of gharar excessive uncertainty and could be seen as an unjust enrichment, where a service provider profits without delivering the core benefit. This uncertainty and potential for hidden or unexpected costs conflict with Islamic principles of clear, fair, and transparent financial dealings.

While the concept of cheaper calls might seem appealing, the critical flaw of charging for unanswered or engaged calls, combined with vague “network extras,” creates an environment ripe for unexpected costs.

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Amazon.com: Check Amazon for 1899.com Review Latest Discussions & Reviews:

From an ethical standpoint, particularly within an Islamic framework, any transaction involving such significant ambiguity and potential for unintended charges without service is highly discouraged.

It’s crucial for any service to provide absolute clarity on all costs upfront and to charge only for services genuinely rendered.

Here are some better alternatives for communication and ethical online services:

• Signal:
  • Key Features: End-to-end encrypted messaging and voice/video calls, open-source, strong privacy policy, no ads or trackers.
  • Price: Free.
  • Pros: Gold standard for privacy and security, cross-platform, high-quality calls.
  • Cons: Requires both parties to use the app, relies on internet connection.
• Telegram:
  • Key Features: Encrypted messaging, voice/video calls, large group chats, channels, secret chats, cloud-based sync.
  • Price: Free with optional premium features.
  • Pros: Fast, reliable, versatile, large file sharing.
  • Cons: Default encryption is not end-to-end for all chats only secret chats, owned by a private entity.
• Jitsi Meet:
  • Key Features: Free, open-source video conferencing, no account needed, end-to-end encryption, screen sharing, live streaming.
  • Pros: Excellent for privacy-conscious group calls, easy to use, hosted or self-hosted options.
  • Cons: Performance can vary based on server load, less feature-rich than commercial alternatives.
• Proton Mail for secure communication via email:
  • Key Features: End-to-end encrypted email, based in Switzerland strong privacy laws, no personal info required to sign up, encrypted calendars and cloud storage.
  • Price: Free basic plan. paid plans for more storage and features.
  • Pros: Top-tier security and privacy for email, user-friendly interface.
  • Cons: Free plan has limited storage, full encryption only works when communicating with other Proton Mail users.
• Amazon.com for various communication devices and accessories:
  • Key Features: Wide range of communication products headsets, webcams, phones, user reviews, fast shipping.
  • Price: Varies by product.
  • Pros: Convenience, vast selection, competitive pricing.
  • Cons: Not a communication service itself, need to research product ethics individually.
• Mozilla Firefox for secure browsing, a foundation for ethical online interaction:
  • Key Features: Focus on user privacy, built-in tracking protection, open-source, customizable, cross-platform.
  • Pros: Strong advocate for an open and private internet, regular security updates, large add-on ecosystem.
  • Cons: Can be more resource-intensive than some lightweight browsers.
• LibreOffice for productivity and document sharing, reducing reliance on proprietary tools:
  • Key Features: Free and open-source office suite word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, database, compatible with Microsoft Office formats.
  • Pros: No cost, full control over your data, large community support.
  • Cons: Interface can be less polished than commercial alternatives, some minor compatibility issues with complex proprietary formats.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

1899.com Review & First Look

Based on an initial examination of 1899.com, the website presents itself as a straightforward solution for cost-effective phone calls, primarily targeting users looking for cheaper alternatives to traditional telecom rates.

The premise is simple: dial ‘1899’ or a designated access number before your call, and you theoretically benefit from their advertised “lowest rates around.” This model, often referred to as a “dial-around service,” has been around for some time, promising significant savings on national and international calls.

The homepage emphasizes several key selling points: “Signup is free and without any obligations,” “no subscription costs, no monthly or minimal fees or any form of prepayment.” These statements are designed to reassure potential users that there are no hidden recurring charges.

Furthermore, the site mentions real-time call monitoring, allowing users to track their usage and invoices online.

This focus on transparency regarding usage is a positive aspect, at least on the surface. Mountainrocktreks.com Review

However, a critical piece of information, presented in a smaller font and potentially easily overlooked, immediately raises a red flag. The disclaimer states: “Charging will start directly after the spoken tariff information, you will also be charged if the number you wish to call isn’t answered or is engaged.” This is a significant point of concern. For any service to charge for a non-delivered outcome—an unanswered or engaged call—is highly questionable from a consumer protection standpoint and ethically problematic. It implies that a user can incur costs without actually connecting to the intended party, which directly contradicts the expectation of paying for a successful service. This kind of ambiguity and potential for unexpected charges is a major deterrent for those seeking reliable and transparent services.

Understanding the 1899.com Service Model

The core of 1899.com’s offering revolves around a “dial-around” service.

This means you use your existing phone line analog or digital voice and prepend a specific code 1899 before the number you intend to call.

The call is then routed through their network, bypassing your regular telecom provider’s rates.

The appeal lies in the promise of significantly lower per-minute charges. Marcusevans.com Review

• How it Works:
  • Registration: Users register their existing phone numbers on the 1899.com website.
  • Dialing: Before each call, users dial 1899 or a specified access number.
  • Rate Announcement: The service states you will hear a “free rate message prior to each call,” which is optional but intended to inform you of the current rate and confirm you’re using their network.
  • Billing: Charges are incurred per minute, with no monthly fees. Users monitor their usage and invoices online.

Transparency and Disclosure Concerns

While the website mentions a “free rate message” and online invoice checking, the crucial detail about being charged for unanswered or engaged calls significantly undermines any claims of complete transparency.

Most reputable telecom services only begin charging once a connection is established and the recipient answers.

This policy on 1899.com creates an unfair burden on the user, who might be charged repeatedly for calls that never connect.

• Buried Disclaimer: The critical information about charging for unanswered calls is not prominently displayed. It’s located in a small block of text at the bottom, which many users might miss during a quick scan of the page.
• Vague “Network Extras”: The statement “Network extras may apply” is another vague term that can lead to unexpected costs. Without a clear explanation of what constitutes a “network extra” and under what circumstances it applies, users are left in the dark about potential additional charges.
• Lack of Direct FAQ on Homepage: While there’s a “Help” link, readily available FAQs directly on the main page could address common concerns about billing, call quality, and potential hidden fees, making the service feel more trustworthy.

Ethical Implications of the Service Model

From an ethical standpoint, particularly within an Islamic framework, services must be clear, just, and free from gharar excessive uncertainty. The charging for unanswered or engaged calls introduces significant gharar into the transaction.

• Unjust Enrichment: Charging for a service not rendered a connected call could be viewed as unjust enrichment, where the company profits from an incomplete or failed transaction.
• Lack of Full Disclosure: While the information is present, its prominent placement is lacking, which can lead to users agreeing to terms without fully understanding the financial implications. Ethical dealings require clear and unambiguous disclosure of all potential costs.

1899.com Pros & Cons

When evaluating any service, it’s essential to weigh its advertised benefits against its potential drawbacks. Seansolosabers.com Review

In the case of 1899.com, while it purports to offer a cost-saving solution for phone calls, the inherent risks and lack of transparency heavily outweigh any perceived advantages, especially when considering ethical standards.

The Apparent “Pros” with caveats

The website highlights several aspects that might initially seem beneficial to a user looking for cheaper call options.

However, each of these “pros” comes with a significant caveat upon closer inspection, particularly given the critical information about charging for unanswered calls.

• No Subscription Costs:

  • Description: “Signup is free and without any obligations. There are no subscription costs, no monthly or minimal fees or any form of prepayment.” This is a significant selling point, as many telecom services impose recurring charges whether you use them or not.
  • Caveat: While there are no subscription costs, the per-call charging model, particularly the charge for unanswered/engaged calls, means costs can accumulate quickly and unexpectedly, potentially far exceeding a small monthly fee for some users. The absence of a subscription fee doesn’t equate to overall low or predictable costs.

• Claimed Lowest Rates: Bluetoothmousetech.com Review

  • Description: “you will profit from the lowest rates around.” The core promise is significant savings on national and international calls compared to standard carrier rates. The website has dedicated “Rates” and “Mobile Rates” pages to display these.
  • Caveat: “Lowest rates” can be misleading if coupled with a billing policy that charges for failed calls. A low per-minute rate loses its value if you’re frequently charged for calls that never connect. The total cost of making a successful call might actually be higher due to these “dead air” charges.

• Real-time Call Monitoring:

  • Description: “You can monitor all your calls virtually in realtime via this website. Simply login by using your phone number and your 1899 customer number which you will find in your subscription email.” This feature aims to provide transparency over usage.
  • Caveat: While monitoring is good, it’s reactive. You’re seeing charges after they’ve been incurred, including for calls that didn’t connect. True transparency would involve preventing such charges or at least providing immediate, clear warnings before they accumulate. It doesn’t mitigate the fundamental issue of being charged for a non-service.

• Optional Rate Message:

  • Description: “You will hear the free rate message prior to each call this service is optional.” This feature is presented as a way to ensure you’re calling via their network and to provide current rate info.
  • Caveat: While helpful for rate confirmation, it doesn’t prevent charging for unanswered calls. The mere act of hearing the rate message doesn’t guarantee a successful connection or prevent charges if the call doesn’t go through or isn’t answered.

The Significant Cons Red Flags

The drawbacks of 1899.com, primarily stemming from its billing practices and lack of comprehensive transparency, are substantial and overshadow any potential benefits.

These cons are critical for any user, but especially for those adhering to ethical financial principles.

• Charging for Unanswered or Engaged Calls: Woodpaz.com Review

  • Impact: This is the most critical flaw. “Charging will start directly after the spoken tariff information, you will also be charged if the number you wish to call isn’t answered or is engaged.” This means you pay for dialing, not for connecting. Imagine paying for a taxi ride that never picks you up, or a delivered meal that never arrives. This policy is highly unusual for legitimate telecom services and can lead to significant unexpected costs.
  • Ethical Ramification: This practice introduces gharar excessive uncertainty or deception into the transaction. A core principle of ethical financial dealings is that compensation should be for a service rendered or a product delivered. Paying for a failed attempt violates this principle.

• Vague “Network Extras May Apply”:

  • Impact: This phrase is a blanket statement that allows for additional, unspecified charges. Without a clear, itemized list of what constitutes a “network extra” and when it applies, users are exposed to potential hidden fees.
  • Ethical Ramification: Lack of clear disclosure on all potential charges is a major ethical red flag. Transparency requires that all costs, foreseeable or otherwise, are clearly communicated upfront.

• Lack of Prominent Disclosure of Critical Terms:

  • Impact: The most problematic billing terms are tucked away in small print at the bottom of the homepage. This strategic placement makes it easy for users to overlook these crucial details before signing up or making calls.
  • Ethical Ramification: Hiding critical terms, even if technically disclosed, undermines informed consent and ethical business practices. Users should not have to actively search for the most financially impactful conditions of a service.

• Potential for High Unforeseen Costs:

  • Impact: Due to charges for unanswered/engaged calls and vague network extras, a user could incur substantial charges very quickly, especially if they are making multiple attempts to reach a busy line or if the network is unreliable. This negates the “cheap calls” promise.
  • Ethical Ramification: This undermines the principle of fairness in transactions. Users are led to believe they are getting a cheap service, but the actual cost can spiral out of control due to opaque billing practices.

• Limited Information on Customer Service & Dispute Resolution:

  • Impact: While there’s a “Help” and “Contact” link, the main page doesn’t prominently feature information on how disputes are handled or what recourse users have if they feel unjustly charged. This can be a significant issue given the “charge for unanswered calls” policy.
  • Ethical Ramification: A robust and transparent dispute resolution process is crucial for ethical businesses. Its apparent de-emphasis or lack of detail raises concerns about how customer complaints regarding unfair charges would be addressed.

• No Clear Refund Policy: Motorskinshop.com Review

  • Impact: The homepage makes no mention of a refund policy for charges incurred for failed calls. This leaves users with potentially no recourse for payments made for non-services.
  • Ethical Ramification: An ethical service should have a clear policy for rectifying unjust charges or refunding for services not rendered.

In conclusion, while 1899.com attempts to market itself on cost savings, its fundamental billing practice of charging for unanswered or engaged calls, coupled with a lack of clear, prominent disclosure and vague additional fees, makes it a highly questionable service.

For anyone prioritizing ethical financial transactions and transparent dealings, this service poses too many risks and should be avoided.

How to Cancel 1899.com Subscription or Account

Given that 1899.com explicitly states “There are no subscription costs, no monthly or minimal fees or any form of prepayment,” the concept of “canceling a subscription” in the traditional sense doesn’t apply directly. Instead, it’s more about discontinuing the use of their service and potentially closing your account to prevent any future, albeit pay-as-you-go, charges.

Since there are no recurring fees or automatic deductions, simply ceasing to dial ‘1899’ or their access number before your calls would effectively stop charges from accumulating.

However, for users who have registered an account, there might be a desire to formally close it to ensure personal data is removed and no lingering connections remain. Velveticashop.com Review

Based on the information available on their homepage, there isn’t a direct, prominent “Cancel Account” button or an immediate guide to account deletion.

This often requires users to delve into their “Help” section or directly contact customer service.

Steps to Discontinue Use and Potentially Close Account:

1. Stop Using the Service: The most straightforward step is to simply stop dialing 1899 or the access number before your calls. Since it’s a pay-per-use model, no calls means no charges.
2. Check Your Online Account:
   • Log in to your 1899.com account using your phone number and 1899 customer number found in your subscription email.
   • Review your call history and outstanding balances to ensure there are no unexpected charges.
   • Look for any “Account Settings,” “Profile,” or “Manage Account” sections. Sometimes, there might be an option to deactivate or close your account hidden within these menus.
3. Contact Customer Service: If you wish to formally close your account, request data deletion, or have concerns about past charges, direct communication with their customer service is likely required.
   • Navigate to the “Contact Us” or “Help” section of the 1899.com website.
   • Look for a contact form, email address, or phone number.
   • Clearly state your intention to close your account and request confirmation of deletion of your personal data and call history.
   • Pro-Tip: Keep a record of your communication dates, times, names of representatives, and summaries of conversations in case you need to follow up.

Important Considerations When Discontinuing:

• Outstanding Balances: Even if you stop using the service, you are still liable for any charges incurred up to that point. Ensure you have cleared any outstanding balances visible in your online account.
• Data Retention: When you close an account, inquire about their data retention policy. Legitimate companies should outline how long they keep user data after account closure.
• Confirmation: Always ask for written confirmation e.g., via email that your account has been closed and your data purged, if applicable.
• Ethical Stance: From an ethical perspective, a service should make it as easy to leave as it is to join. The absence of a clear, self-service account cancellation option on the homepage is a minor ethical concern, as it places an unnecessary burden on the user.

1899.com Pricing and Hidden Costs

The pricing model of 1899.com is designed to appear highly attractive on the surface, emphasizing “cheap and free calls via the network” and “no subscription costs, no monthly or minimal fees or any form of prepayment.” This upfront messaging aims to position the service as a budget-friendly alternative to traditional telecom providers.

However, a deeper look into their terms reveals significant nuances that introduce substantial hidden costs and ethical concerns.

The Advertised Pricing Structure:

1. Per-Minute Rates: The primary cost is based on per-minute charges for calls made through their network. The website prominently links to “Rates” and “Mobile Rates” pages where users can presumably find the specific costs for different destinations. This is standard for pay-as-you-go call services.
2. No Fixed Fees: The repeated assurance of “no subscription costs, no monthly or minimal fees or any form of prepayment” is a strong selling point. This means users only pay for what they use, theoretically.
3. Real-time Monitoring: The ability to “monitor all your calls virtually in realtime via this website” is presented as a transparency feature, allowing users to track their expenditure.

The Hidden Costs and Ethical Red Flags:

The real issue with 1899.com’s pricing isn’t in the advertised per-minute rates themselves, but in how and when those charges are applied. This is where the “hidden” aspects of their cost structure become apparent, and where significant ethical concerns arise, particularly from an Islamic perspective which emphasizes fairness, transparency, and avoidance of gharar excessive uncertainty. Avantsearches.com Review

1. Charging for Unanswered or Engaged Calls:

   • The Problem: This is the most significant hidden cost. The website states: “Charging will start directly after the spoken tariff information, you will also be charged if the number you wish to call isn’t answered or is engaged.” This is fundamentally problematic. Users are charged for the attempt to connect, rather than for a successful connection and communication.
   • Impact: Imagine repeatedly calling a busy line or a number that doesn’t pick up. Each attempt, despite being unsuccessful in achieving the core purpose of a call, incurs a charge. These charges can accumulate rapidly, leading to a much higher effective cost than advertised low per-minute rates might suggest.
   • Ethical View: This practice violates the principle of ‘iwad reciprocity or exchange in Islamic finance, where compensation should be for a benefit received. Paying for an unanswered call means paying for a service not delivered. This constitutes gharar and potentially zulm injustice if users are not fully aware or if the condition is obscured.

2. “Network Extras May Apply”:

   • The Problem: This vague disclaimer is another potential source of unexpected costs. “Network extras” are undefined, meaning additional charges could be levied under unspecified circumstances.
   • Impact: Without a clear and exhaustive list of what these “extras” are, when they apply, and how much they cost, users are left guessing. This creates financial uncertainty and removes the ability for users to budget or predict their expenses accurately.
   • Ethical View: This lack of transparency goes against the Islamic principle of clarity in contracts. All potential costs should be explicitly stated and understood by both parties before the transaction occurs.

3. Lack of Prominent Disclosure:

   • The Problem: The most critical terms regarding charges for unanswered calls and network extras are located in small print at the bottom of the homepage. They are not part of a prominent “Terms & Conditions” link that users are required to read and agree to explicitly during signup.
   • Impact: Many users will likely overlook these crucial details, signing up under the impression that they only pay for connected calls at low rates. This leads to unpleasant surprises when their bill arrives.
   • Ethical View: Ethical business practices demand full, clear, and prominent disclosure of all material terms, especially those that can significantly impact a user’s financial outlay. Burying such critical information is manipulative and deceptive.

Real-World Implications of 1899.com’s Pricing:

• Budgeting Difficulties: It becomes impossible to accurately budget for communication costs if you’re unsure whether each dialing attempt will incur a charge, regardless of connection success.
• User Frustration: Users will inevitably feel exploited when they discover they’ve paid for calls that never went through, leading to significant dissatisfaction and distrust.
• Erosion of Trust: The combination of advertised low rates and hidden charges undermines the user’s trust in the service. Trust is paramount in ethical business relationships.

In conclusion, while 1899.com advertises attractive “no subscription” pricing, its policy of charging for unanswered or engaged calls and vague “network extras” introduces significant hidden costs and ethical concerns.

This makes the service highly problematic for anyone seeking transparent, fair, and predictable communication expenses. Transfer.xe.com Review

1899.com vs. Alternatives

When assessing 1899.com, it’s crucial to compare its offering with established and ethical alternatives in the communication space.

While 1899.com pitches itself as a cost-effective solution for traditional phone calls, modern communication largely relies on internet-based services, which often provide superior value, transparency, and functionality, while also aligning better with ethical financial principles.

1899.com: The Dial-Around Service

• Service Model: Traditional dial-around service for cheaper national/international calls by prepending ‘1899’ or an access number to existing phone lines.
• Pricing: Advertised as “no subscription, no upfront fees,” with per-minute rates. However, critically, charges apply for unanswered or engaged calls, and “network extras may apply.”
• Transparency: Lacks clear, prominent disclosure of the “charge for unanswered calls” policy. Information is present but easily missed.
• Ethical Concerns: Significant gharar uncertainty due to charging for non-delivery of core service. Potential for unjust enrichment.
• Convenience: Requires remembering to dial a prefix before each call.
• Key Benefit Claimed: Cheaper traditional calls.
• Major Drawback: Hidden costs, potential for significant unexpected bills, lack of transparency, and ethical concerns over charging for failed connections.

Modern Communication Alternatives Internet-Based:

These services generally offer clear advantages in terms of cost, functionality, and ethical considerations.

1. Signal

   • Service Model: End-to-end encrypted messaging and high-quality voice/video calls over the internet.
   • Pricing: Completely free.
   • Transparency: Open-source code, clear privacy policy. No hidden charges whatsoever.
   • Ethical Alignment: Strongest privacy and security focus, ensuring user data protection. No financial transactions beyond the user’s internet data plan.
   • Convenience: App-based, seamless communication once connected.
   • Benefits: Superior privacy, free calls worldwide internet permitting, high-quality audio/video.
   • Drawbacks: Both parties need the app.

2. Telegram Portfoliodesign.net Review

   • Service Model: Cloud-based messaging, voice/video calls, and file sharing.
   • Pricing: Free for core services, with optional premium features for enhanced functionality.
   • Transparency: Generally transparent about features and costs.
   • Ethical Alignment: Offers secure though not always default end-to-end encrypted communication. The free model avoids the problematic charging schemes seen in 1899.com.
   • Convenience: Widely adopted, versatile, works across multiple devices.
   • Benefits: Fast, reliable, large community features, secret chats for enhanced privacy.
   • Drawbacks: Default calls/chats not end-to-end encrypted requires ‘secret chats’.

3. Jitsi Meet

   • Service Model: Free, open-source video conferencing that can also be used for one-on-one audio/video calls.
   • Pricing: Free.
   • Transparency: Open-source, transparent about how it works. No hidden charges.
   • Ethical Alignment: Strong commitment to privacy no account needed, no data tracking.
   • Convenience: Web-based, no software installation often needed.
   • Benefits: Excellent for ad-hoc meetings, privacy-focused, flexible.
   • Drawbacks: More geared towards conferencing, less of a direct replacement for quick phone calls.

VoIP Providers e.g., Google Voice

• Service Model: Assigns you a virtual phone number, allowing calls and texts over the internet. Can forward calls to traditional phones.
• Pricing: Often free for calls within certain regions e.g., US/Canada for Google Voice, with competitive rates for international calls. Clear per-minute rates for paid calls.
• Transparency: Costs are typically upfront and clearly stated for international calls.
• Ethical Alignment: Transactions are clear. you pay for connected calls. No gharar from charging for unanswered calls.
• Convenience: App-based, integrates with existing Google accounts.
• Benefits: Virtual number, voicemail, call forwarding, often very low international rates.
• Drawbacks: Requires a Google account, sometimes internet quality can affect call clarity.

Traditional Telecom Add-ons/Plans e.g., AT&T International Calling Plans

• Service Model: Add-on packages or plans from major carriers for international calling.
• Pricing: Usually a fixed monthly fee for a certain number of minutes, or competitive per-minute rates.
• Transparency: Generally very clear about costs, minute allowances, and included countries. Charges only for connected calls.
• Ethical Alignment: Clear terms, no hidden charges for non-service.
• Convenience: Integrated into your existing phone bill.
• Benefits: Reliability, good call quality, single bill.
• Drawbacks: Can be more expensive than VoIP for very high usage, requires a contract with a major carrier.

Conclusion of Comparison:

1899.com’s model is outdated and ethically questionable due to its billing practices.

While it may initially appear cheaper, the risk of paying for unanswered or engaged calls significantly diminishes its value proposition and creates financial uncertainty.

Modern internet-based alternatives like Signal, Telegram, and Jitsi Meet, along with established VoIP providers or international plans from major carriers, offer:

• Greater Transparency: Costs are clearer, and you generally pay for successful connections.
• Better Value: Many services are free for basic communication or offer significantly lower rates for international calls without hidden fees.
• Enhanced Features: Messaging, video calls, file sharing, and stronger privacy.
• Ethical Alignment: Adherence to principles of fairness and clarity in transactions, avoiding gharar.

For anyone seeking reliable, transparent, and ethically sound communication solutions, the modern alternatives are vastly superior to 1899.com. Loqate.com Review

The perceived “savings” from 1899.com are likely to be offset by unexpected charges and frustrating experiences.

FAQ

What is 1899.com?

1899.com is a dial-around service that offers what it claims are cheap international and national calls by requiring users to dial ‘1899’ or a specified access number before their desired phone number.

It operates on a pay-per-use model with no subscription fees.

Is 1899.com a legitimate service?

Yes, 1899.com appears to be a legitimate telecommunications service provider, in the sense that it routes calls and charges for them.

However, its billing practices, particularly charging for unanswered or engaged calls, raise significant ethical and transparency concerns. Homepropertylawyers.com Review

Does 1899.com charge for unanswered calls?

Yes, critically, 1899.com states that “Charging will start directly after the spoken tariff information, you will also be charged if the number you wish to call isn’t answered or is engaged.” This means you can incur costs even if your call doesn’t connect successfully.

Are there any hidden fees with 1899.com?

Beyond the problematic policy of charging for unanswered or engaged calls, 1899.com also includes a vague disclaimer: “Network extras may apply.” Without clear definitions of what these “network extras” entail, they represent a potential source of hidden and unexpected costs.

How do I check my call history and invoices on 1899.com?

You can monitor your calls and check invoices by logging into your personal account on the 1899.com website.

You’ll need your registered phone number and the 1899 customer number provided in your subscription email.

What are the benefits of using 1899.com?

1899.com advertises benefits such as no subscription costs, no monthly fees, and allegedly “lowest rates around.” It also offers real-time call monitoring for users. Designmyhousenumber.com Review

What are the major drawbacks of 1899.com?

The major drawbacks include charging for unanswered or engaged calls, vague “network extra” charges, and a lack of prominent disclosure for these critical billing terms, leading to potential unforeseen costs and an ethically questionable service model.

How do I stop using 1899.com?

Since 1899.com operates on a pay-per-use basis with no subscriptions, simply ceasing to dial ‘1899’ or their access number before your calls will stop any new charges from accumulating.

If you have an account and wish to formally close it, you would likely need to contact their customer service.

Does 1899.com offer a free trial?

Based on the homepage information, 1899.com does not explicitly offer a traditional “free trial” period.

Instead, it positions itself as “free to sign up” with “no obligations” and only charges for actual calls made. Seat-in.com Review

What are ethical alternatives to 1899.com for communication?

Ethical alternatives that offer transparent pricing and generally only charge for successful connections or are free include Signal, Telegram, Jitsi Meet for internet-based communication, and traditional VoIP providers or international calling plans from major telecom carriers.

Is 1899.com suitable for long-term use?

Due to its controversial billing practice of charging for unanswered calls and the vagueness of “network extras,” 1899.com is generally not recommended for long-term use, especially for users who prioritize predictable costs and ethical transactions.

How does 1899.com compare to WhatsApp or Signal for calls?

1899.com is a traditional dial-around service for landline/mobile calls, whereas WhatsApp or Signal provide voice/video calls over the internet VoIP. WhatsApp and Signal calls are typically free aside from data usage and only connect when the recipient answers, making them more transparent and cost-effective.

Can I port my number to 1899.com?

The 1899.com website does not mention number porting. It appears to be a service you dial before your existing number, not a replacement for your primary phone service. You simply register your current phone number to use their service.

Is 1899.com safe for my personal data?

While 1899.com has a “Privacy Policy” link, the main page doesn’t provide extensive details on data security or how personal information is handled beyond stating that invoices won’t be sent by post and can be checked online. Users should review their full privacy policy. Choicetrade.com Review

What payment methods does 1899.com accept?

The website states, “We accept various popular payment methods.” However, it does not specify which methods these are on the homepage.

Users would likely discover this during the signup or payment process.

Does 1899.com provide customer support?

Yes, 1899.com includes a “Help” and “Contact Us” link on its website, indicating that customer support is available for inquiries or assistance.

What is the “free rate message” mentioned by 1899.com?

The “free rate message” is an optional audio message played before each call made via 1899.com, intended to inform the user of the current call rate and confirm that the call is being routed through their network.

Why is charging for unanswered calls an ethical concern?

From an ethical perspective, charging for an unanswered call can be seen as unjust because the core service a connected conversation was not rendered. It introduces gharar uncertainty and can lead to users paying for something they didn’t receive, which goes against principles of fairness and transparency in transactions.

Are there mobile apps for 1899.com?

The 1899.com homepage does not mention or provide links to any dedicated mobile applications.

The service appears to be website-based for account management and requires manual dialing of the prefix before calls.

What if I disagree with a charge from 1899.com?

If you disagree with a charge from 1899.com, you would need to contact their customer service through the “Help” or “Contact Us” sections of their website to dispute the charge and seek clarification or resolution.