Phones have evolved tremendously, even in just the last few years. Plus, now more than ever, having a mobile phone is simply a necessity for an increasing number of people.

In 2022, it’s estimated that 83% of the world population has a smartphone. For those who want to check the math, that’s 6.64 billion people. Some people have more than one smartphone, too – one for personal use and one for work.

Additionally, smartphone technology has improved leaps and bounds since they were first introduced to the market. You can do more with a smartphone now than you ever could before.

That includes having a phone call conversation with multiple people on the same line. It’s as though the party lines are back in fashion.

However, smartphone technology still comes with limitations in some areas. Conferencing and conference calls are one.

Even if you have an iPhone or an Android, you could still run into issues with trying to get multiple people on the same line. Luckily, there are free conference call platforms that are extremely efficient and easy to use without having to learn how to operate the ins and outs of a new software or piece of hardware.

Why smartphones still struggle with conferencing

Though there aren’t many things smartphones don’t do well themselves, that is with built in hardware and software, one could certainly argue that conference calls are one of those things. There’s a reason “how to start a conference call on iPhone,” or similarly “how to start a conference call on Android” are such popular search queries. It’s just not the most intuitive of tasks.

No matter which type of phone you have, just getting started can be a significant pain point. Who calls whom? What happens if you have an active call with one person and someone else calls you? What do you do?

If you’ve been in any of the described situations above and wrestled with those very questions, then it’s probably safe to assume that you have hung up on a person or two when you didn’t intend to.

One caveat: not every mobile carrier allows for conference calls. If you fall into this category of smartphone user, then you definitely should look into a free conference call option.

iPhone conference calls

Both of the two most popular mobile operating system options, iOS for iPhone and Android for many other brands of smartphones, have the ability to make limited conference calls, although it is practically having multiple people on one line rather than a true conferencing experience.

The process of starting a conference call on an iPhone begins with dialing the first person you wish to join you on the call. Once connected, you have to select “add call,” dial the second person and wait until they answer the phone. Then, you have to press “merge call.” From there, you can repeat the steps to add more people to the call.

However, there are limitations that make using an iPhone for a conference call to speak with multiple people not as efficient – or as easy – as relying on a free service:

1. You are limited to only 5 people maximum. Unless your group is small, this won’t work for your needs.
2. Only the original caller can see the names of the people on the line. Those people can only see the name of the original caller.
3. Many people accidentally hang up or disconnect from the line at certain points when trying to connect or merge.
4. Not all carriers support conferencing to begin with, an immediate dealbreaker.

Android conference calls

The process of connecting with multiple people is similar on Android for Samsung, LG, Google and other popular brands compared to iOS for iPhone. But then again, it is plagued by similar drawbacks.

First, though, the process of starting a conference call on an Android phone is, like we mentioned, essentially the same. Make a call, put that call on hold, dial another person, connect, merge and repeat.

Even still, you are still held to that 5 caller maximum, can at many points hang up on others or have them accidentally hang up on you or not have the ability to make a conference call due to the carrier.

The best bet? Find a free conference call service provider that has all the features you need that your smartphone’s built-in functionality does not.

How free conference call services fill the void

Avoid the hassle of using your own phone, and unlock immediate benefits and features by opting to use a conference call service, preferably one that is free.

Not only will you immediately be able to have many more people on the line with you at the same time, but you also will have access to many useful features that prove their value as soon as you utilize them.

For example, use a service such as Conference Town, and you will get the following features (all free):

• HD audio quality
• Free call recording
• No reservations required
• No time restrictions
• No caller limits
• A full web interface for easier use
• Caller ID and active call talker
• Question and answer
• And so much more

Finally, you can use many free conference call providers no matter your mobile service carrier. Getting started is very easy and, quite frankly, nowhere near as confusing as fumbling around trying to connect individually with only a handful of callers.

To be honest, that doesn’t sound much like a conference call, anyway.

Don’t pay for a conference call provider

But why is going the free conferencing route the best choice? Why not elect to use a paid provider? Well, you will find that many of the paid options out there truly aren’t worth the money.

In fact, you can find a free service with many of the exact same features as those that charge. Plus, with a service like Conference Town, you don’t have to install any new software or hardware to use it.

You can sign up easily and quickly or start an instant conference call right away with no hassle at all. Conference Town truly is the best, most efficient free conferencing provider available.