What is Skype?

Skype is a software program that allows you to make and receive calls from your computer. It not only allows you to call other people with Skype, but you can make calls to regular phones around the world for only € 0.017 (or about US$ 0.02). If the other person you are calling is also on their computer with Skype, you can call them for free. It's only when you want to call a regular phone that it will cost you something. You can even sign up for a service with Skype that allows you to receive calls. You get a regular phone number and it rings on your computer.

What about the quality of Skype?

Calling over the internet is not a new thing. It has been used in business for years and is only now reaching consumers. It is called Voice over IP (VoIP) or sometimes refered to as Broadband Telephony. It is something that is being offered by large telecoms and usually just disguised as unlimited long distance in your country. What they are really doing is setting you up with a broadband internet connection and adding a box that allows you to connect your regular phone into the internet.

Similarly, if you have ever used a pre-paid calling card, you are calling through your regular phone line to a service that places your call over the internet. That is how they have been able to give you such good rates on calling cards. All these broadband phone services are so good that for years consumers have not been able to tell the difference. Skype is exactly the same. As long as you have a good internet connection, your calls will sounds as if they are going over a regular telephone line.

What if I don't want to use my computer to make calls?

If you don't want to use your computer to make calls, you can sign up for Voice over IP service, like Vonage. They send you a box that you attach to your internet connection. Then you attach your regular phone to your that box. That's it! You can start making unlimited long distance phone calls for very low monthly fees (about $20-30). You can also have some international calls included or your can just pay the very low internet rates. It's the easiest way to take advantage of internet calling without fussing with software and keeping your computer connected.

Check our comparison of Voice over IP providers in the US. If you are looking for providers in the UK or elsewhere in the world, you will find the prices are very similar to those in the US. Vonage is probably the most well know provider and has good offering in most parts of the world.