Today I want to talk about Skype, the Internet (IP) based technology for making free (or cheap) phone calls around the globe.

Skype has been around awhile, in the technology sense. While many of you are at least familiar with Skype, if not already using this service, many of you are not.

For this later group, Skype is described in Wikipedia as follows:

Skype (IPA: [sk??p]) is a software program that allows users to make telephone calls over the Internet. Calls to other users of the service are free of charge, while calls to landlines and cell phones can be made for a fee. Additional features include instant messaging, file transfer and video conferencing.

It was created by entrepreneurs Niklas Zennström, Janus Friis, and a team of software developers based in Tallinn, Estonia.[1] The Skype Group has its headquarters in Luxembourg, with offices in London, Tallinn, Tartu, Prague,[2] and San Jose, California.

Skype has experienced rapid growth in popular usage since the launch of its services. It was acquired by eBay in September 2005 for $2.6 billion.

 

In practical terms, it’s a cheap way of making phone calls.

While I am of the opinion that it’s not intended to replace your regular (e.g. cell or land line) service, it is a great way to do a number of things when in a pinch or when you are trying to save money.

I travel to Paris quite a bit on business. I usually take my iPhone phone with me. I have the global phone feature activated with AT&T, which enables me to make and receive phone calls while I’m there - at a steep price per minute. It takes only a single trip overseas to know what I mean here. After returning from my last trip to Paris, I received my phone bill. $900!!! What the …

Had I been a bit diligent in my phone calling, that cost would have been greatly reduced. Here’s how:

I have a computer with the Skype software installed. This allows me to make calls to practically anywhere for free or for a substantially lower cost than using my cell phone. If I call another Skype user, there is no cost. If I call a land line in the U.S. it costs me about 5 cents a minute (last time I checked). Skype posts its rates on the web if you want specifics.

How did I do it? First, I went to the Skype web site (www.skype.com) and downloaded their software. Then, I purchased Skype Out minutes. This allows me to make land line calls. Each time I do so, my account is debited for that amount.

Next, I bought a headset with a built in microphone, which I plugged in to my computer. I have tried to use a BlueTooth headset but on this particular computer, I have problems getting it to work and I don’t like how these wireless headsets sit on my ear ( I will save this for a later discussion). I bought my headset at Staples. Best Buy has an okay selection and you can find headsets online. Remember to change your setting in your Windows Control Panel so that the headset woks rather than your existing speakers. If you forget this step, it can be a frustrating experience getting Skype to work for the first time.

If all is working, you are ready to make your first call. I tested it on my cell phone and it worked. Now remember, when you are out of the country, you need to include the “+” symbol, the country code (for the U.S. “001″) then the number you want to call, including the area code. Hopefully, you have gotten it all set up correctly and dialed it properly. TADA!!! You’ve completed your first IP phone call. Good job!

If you are feeling ambitious, you can also get yourself a Skype In phone number. This allows you to get a phone number in your local area, which people can call and thereby reach you on your Skype phone. The monthly cost is minimal ($60 a year or $18 for three months). A neat trick is to have your regular phone forward to the Skype number and nobody is the wiser.

As I said before, I think Skype has limited uses. If you are overseas and are trying to reach people in your home country (e.g. the U.S.), this is the way to go. Also, Skype is great for conference calls and much cheaper than using conferencing services. Just click on the Conference button in the Skype system, add the numbers you want to call then click on the Call button and away it goes! I musty note too that the quality of Skype service is very good in my experience.

Anyway, I can go on about other features and functions but I will save that for a later post.