Hope people feel this is appropriate to this NG. We're all in it to get something better for less money.
From an article in New Scientist I found out about Skype. Seemed too good to be true. The deal is that you create a Skype identity and go in a directory. You can then call any other ID anywhere in the world for nothing. If you want to call an ordinary landline or mobile you need money in your account and dial using the on-screen keyboard or your real keyboard. This is called SkypeOut. Using a pretty naff headset the quality is good to excellent and there seems to be no noticeable latency delay. Connection is quicker than BT if anything.
The rates look amazing. It's about 1.2 pence to a landline almost anywhere in the world, and under 2 pence to a mobile. The exception, wouldn't you believe it, is european mobiles, which are about 15 pence, and some less developed countries.
I downloaded the software (free). I then put 10 euros into my account, clamped on my headset and have been dialling UK local and national calls at
1.2p. I checked duration and cost and the rates are correct. So far I haven't got any other Skype IDs so haven't tried the free service. I was going to include mine but on second thoughts decided against as I don't want dozens of test calls.I think my next step is to get a Skype Cyberphone. They reckon it is just the same as using a normal phone. Its 40ukp so I think I'll try out the service for a bit longer first. There must be a catch!
BTW this is *not* an ad. I have no connection with Skype. Just wanted to share this.
Address is
Peter Scott