voip- free calls

How to Make Free or Cheap International Calls Using VoIP by: Costas Kariolis Free international calls Typically ‘PC to PC’ enables you to make free international calls. To enjoy free international calls, you, and the person you’re calling, both need the following. 1. a computer or laptop 2. a broadband connection 3. a headset/ microphone/ speaker (these may be integral to your computer) 4. an account with a VoIP provider that allows this type of calls, such as Skype or MSN. This system suits many people. But it does have its drawbacks: • you are tied to your computer, as is the person you’re calling; • you need to make sure that you’ve both signed up to compatible providers that will allow you to talk to each other (usually, this has to be the same provider, though is starting to change); • it is totally independent of your traditional landline service, so you can’t just pick up the phone and dial any number you need/want to, it has to be PC-to-PC; • you can use this to make a calls to other landlines or mobiles, but if you do, you will be charged for the calls by the minute; • you often find it’s best to agree in advance a time to call the other person, by email, so with a PC-to-PC so that you ensure you catch each other at each others PC; • the call quality isn’t as good as that of a regular landline or mobile phone. Many people are happy to put up with these limitations, because the calls are free. So if this set-up suits you, then that’s great.