As charges for cell phones and long-distance calling go up, and saving money becomes more important, many people are turning to Internet phone calls to reduce telephoning expenses. Free calls online, made using Internet services such as Skype, are becoming more popular, but there are limitations on free Internet telephone services.
How to Make a Free Phone Call Over the Internet
Just like many cell phone providers, a call from one Skype user to another Skype user incurs no charge. Skype-to-Skype calls, even international phone or video calls, never cost anything. Download Skype for free, and use the various features to make phone calls over the Internet at no charge.
- Step One: Download the software.
- Step Two: Get a headset for Internet phone calls. Technically, Skype users can make calls without a headset, but sound is better for both parties if they use a computer headset. The headset combines a pair of headphones or earbuds with a microphone.
- Step Three: Add a friend in the contact list. Search by email address or name, or enter the person’s Skype ID to add someone to the Skype contact list.
- Step Four: Click on the ID of the person in the Skype contact list. A green icon means the contact is online, and available to receive calls. A white cloud symbol with an x in the middle means the contact is either offline or invisible.
- Click on “Call.”
Free Video Conference Call With Skype
Making a free video conference call using Skype is just as easy as making an internet phone call using the same software. Simply ensure that the computers being used are equipped with a functioning webcam, and select “Video Call” instead of “Call” after clicking on the user’s ID.
Cheap Internet Telephone Calls
It is also possible to call a regular telephone, including landlines and cellphones, using Skype. While Skype does charge for these calls, the rates are relatively low. Make a cheap phone call with the “Pay as You Go” option, and pay just over two cents per minute. Subscriptions include unlimited calls within the US and Canada for under three dollars per month, and unlimited Internet telephone calls world-wide for $13.99 per month.
Low Cost and Free Calls Online With Skype
Use Skype to make free phone or video calls online when calling other users with the same software, or make a cheap Internet phone call to a friend or family member’s cell phone. Either way, software for Internet calling reduces costs while improving communications. For more information about using Skype for video conferencing, read Video Conference Calls & Small Business Phone Services From Skype.
Victoria Nicks - Victoria Nicks has a Master's Degree in IT, and extensive hands-on experience with various types of hardware and software.
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