Skype
Talk for free anywhere in the world.
Summary
You have to hand it to Skype. Their goal in 2003 was to provide a service that would allow people talk to one another, anywhere in the world, for free. Their original Softphone (the medium through which voices could travel) pretty much accomplished that goal, as long as the person on the other end was also a Skype user.
It wasn’t long before Skype had 1.5 million subscribers and requests from all over the globe to translate Softphone into more languages. In a bold and innovative move, they quickly offered the same service to WiFi consumers. Additionally, in response to customer requests, they crossed platforms, enabling their service to Linux and Mac users.
Customers continued to ask for even more, and Skype continues to listen. Requests for calls to a standard phone or regular phone calls were made. Skype went to work to answer, and was among the first to partner with telephony equipment providers to find a resolution. Development costs run high, but Skype kept their charges to a minimum when offering, in 2004, SkypeOut capability. The service was still tied to the computer via a headset with microphone, but it was once again bringing people together from around the globe. In July of that same year, Skype signed up with four carriers in anticipation of their long-awaited SkypeIn feature. It was April 2005, the same month they reached 100 million subscribers, that they met their goal: A fully-operational Internet telephone system.
Today, Skype has expanded their WiFi packet to include palm-sized mobile phones that will roam for a WiFi provider. They were among the first to offer IM-type video connections, and the picture gets even brighter. Their service is the most reasonably priced, and, because of all the alliances they made during their early years, they can now offer equipment ranging from phone adaptors and USB phones, to video sets and headsets.
Users on each end of Skype are able to talk as effortlessly as you would on the phone, within the U.S. and abroad. Internet phone connections are usually knocked for bad sound- but some users claim the Skype connection is clearer than some phone conversations.
Pros
- Skype-to-Skype calls are free
- Talk to anyone, anywhere in the world
- Calling packages priced low with annual discounts
- International calls have some of the lowest prices around
- Skype software was the pioneer for other similar providers
- Crystal-clear connections
- Call computer-to-computer, landlines or mobile phones
- Great customer service
Cons
- Not at once clear that users must purchase both SkypeIn and SkypeOut
- Equipment is not included with Skype
- Some pricing only available in English Pounds
Calling Plans & Expense
When you compare pricing for both SkypeIn and SkypeOut unlimited, it is a very competitive VoIP provider, except that it does not have emergency calling capability.
- Skype-to-Skype calls are always free
- SkypeIn is $60 for a year and can be paid in 3-month increments of $18.
- SkypeIn Pro is half the price for a year, only $30. Plus, you get discounts on equipment and other perks.
- SkypeOut is $29.95 per year, which translates to $2.50 per month.
- International calls can be sent to more than 30 global destinations and international rates apply, with a 3.9 cent connection fee applied to each outgoing call. In order to use international service, you pre-purchase Skype credit and use the minutes much like you would a calling card.
Business Customers
Skype is a business-friendly resource, with cost-effective solutions to help your business operate more smoothly. They have a new control panel for businesses that allows you to maintain control over every employee’s account and refresh them when needed. You can also use Skype for email and download an office toolbar. Enhance your web conferencing needs with the Convenos Meeting Center. All of these tools and more are available in the Skype Small Business Pack.
Features
These are some of the many features you'll enjoy with Skype. Some are included with a Skype paid account, and some are part of the free features.
- Voicemail
- IM capabilities
- Video conferencing
- Send SMS messages to your mobile friends
- Call Forwarding
- Call Transfer
- Caller ID
Common Misspellings
Skipe, Scype, Skypes
Emily: Has anyone tried Skype? I would like to use them but I want some positive feedback beforehand.
ricky: Loving skype! I call my family in Ireland for like $0.02 cent a minute it is insanely cheap. I also call my buddies pc to pc for free. The video calling is really good as well
