Skype is the Global P2P Telephony Company that is changing the telecommunications world by offering consumers free, superior-quality calling worldwide.
With Skype, you use a connection through your computer, connecting a handset/headset either via the usb port or headphone/speaker sockets on the PC itself.
To use Skype, the telephone software you need for your PC is first downloaded from their web site, and then installed on your computer. This is completely free of charge.
Then just register on the Skype website to get started!
If you have friends that already use Skype on their computers, anywhere in the world, then you can talk direct to them completely FREE OF CHARGE (credit not required on your Skype account for this service)
Calling landlines is no problem, just add credit to your Skype account using your credit card. You can start calling friends on landlines anywhere in the world from 1.2 pence/minute (call costs vary according to country, calls to mobiles may cost more). This service is called 'Skype Out'
(add this link to your Favourites!!!)
Skype are currently providing the facility to buy UK phone numbers. This would mean that friends who do not have a PC can contact you on your Skype account by calling a UK number!!!
So if they call, and you are in Spain or Australia for example, as long as your PC is turned on and handset/headset connected, you would be able to receive the call and speak to them. The call is routed to whichever computer you are on, in whatever country (when you are logged into Skype).
But what if your computer is turned off!!! Well, for this service - called "Skype In" - there is a free voicemail when you buy a UK phone number. So even if you have your equipment turned off, you can retrieve messages at a convenient date.
Skype plan to be able to offer landline phone numbers in other countries, and they are currently available in
United States, United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Poland, Norway and Sweden. So hopefully they will also be able to offer Spanish landline numbers in the future - fingers crossed!!!
AND REMEMBER, Skype isn't just for people moving abroad. If you are living in the UK then use Skype to call friends and family also in the UK or abroad free of charge, or use 'Skype Out' to call them on a landline.
There are different advantages with the products offered by the InternetPhoneCo.com and Skype. It's up to you to select the correct package to meet your own needs. Here is a summary of the main differences (please use the links from this site to visit each companies web site for in-depth research).
No payment required for Skype user to Skype user calls
Calls to other InternetPhoneCo users are free, but both parties must be subscribers to the InternetPhoneCo (see below)
Handsets/headsets readily available from around £30
One-off payment of £75 for Connectbox or Connectphone hardware, or a pc handset/headset can be used via computer (about £30).
No monthly subscription
Monthly subscription of £4 per month (includes UK phone number)
Fee of 30 euros (approx £20) per year for a UK number
Fee incorporated in monthly subscription
Computer must be turned on to make/receive calls
Phone can plug-in direct to broadband connection. No computer is required
Answerphone facility
Answerphone facility
Travel worldwide. Log into any computer with Skype software (which has a handset or headset/microphone) and get talking
Travel worldwide. Take your pocket sized Connectbox with you and plug it into any broadband ethernet connection. Then just plug a normal phone into the box
Generally calls are cheaper to UK landlines than InternetPhoneCo
Generally calls are cheaper to UK mobiles than Skype
