Filtered Geek

What is Skype?

Skype (available at www.skype.com) is a online phone service, traditionally called VOIP (Voice over IP). Skype provides very inexpensive calls across the world and free calls to other computers. Setup for Skype is no more difficult than downloading the application, and signing up for a free account / phone number.

Now That I Have Your Attention, What's Skype Cost?

Skype is very inexpensive, especially if you compare it to what you currently use. Lets say you pay $20 a month for traditional phone and maybe you spend $0.10 a minute on long distance. You probably have a cell phone too, costing you around $50-$100 a month. Well Skype can replace most of that stuff, your cell phone has an advantage of being portable (You can actually use Skype portably as well, but that's a bit more complex). Like stated above, Skype is free if you just call other computers (this includes video as well), but if you like to call other people who don't have Skype, you have two options for calling; Prepaid minutes, or monthly calling.

You can check out the rates for prepaid calls on Skype's web page

Monthly rates are $2.95 for USA/Canada calling, and up to $9.95 for worldwide calling. With this monthly package you get your personal phone number, call forwarding, text messaging, and voice mail. So basically everything you land line can do (*note that Skype is not a replacement for emergency calls).

Well I Don't Want To Make Calls On My Computer, I Like My Land Line

There are a fairly wide selection of Skype enabled phones, so you don't have to be tethered to your computer to make calls. Check out the Skype Store, or Amazon for some such phones.

Skype - Filtering The Filter

So now you have a idea what Skype is, and what it can do for you. Let's just recap Skype and it's basic features;

1. You get your own personal phone number and account
2. Computer to computer audio/video calls are free
3. Low monthly rates for nationwide calling ($2.95 a month)
4. Features like call forwarding, voice mail, text messaging are included
5. It's easy to set up, you probably already have everything you need in your house!

So go give Skype a try, saving money on phone calls is always great, and you can be connected for less than your think!