Free Voicemail Debuts

EVoice, which is being rolled out nationwide today, joins a crowded field of “unified messaging services” that can direct phone calls, e-mail and faxes to a single in box. Users pick up messages by dialing in with a phone or logging on to a Web site, where voicemail is delivered as an e-mail with an audio attachment. EVoice’s service distinguishes itself on the voicemail side as the first that doesn’t require users to give out a separate phone number for would-be callers to leave a message. Instead, calls are forwarded directly to voicemail. Local phone companies typically charge $8 to $10 a month for the service. But EVoice users will hear a single 5- to 15-second ad.