 Furthering the discussion about making calls, lets discuss Skype. Skype is a Internet based phone service that lets you call users around the world for free. It was invented in 2003 by two Swedish guys. In 2005, it was bought by eBay.
At first it allowed users to create a profile and talk to other users using VOIP (essentially it was an Internet phone). Additionally, if you had a web cam you could see the person you were talking to. It was hailed as a new way to communicate- a way that would make old phones obsolete. The only problem was that you needed a computer and a fairly good computer connection. Overtime, they expanded the service to let you call land phones or mobiles for a small fee.
While you still need a computer for a majority of its services, Skype now offers a variety of other services. You can get:
- Voicemail
- You're own Skype Phone number. (This service is called SkypeIn)
- Use Skype on a wireless phone.
- Conference calling. (A great business feature.)
- Text messaging
- File Transfers
The service has expanded since it first started and you can now use it like a cellphone, while still calling other Skype users for free. It has a lot of great features and is like a super sized version of MSN. The problem with Skype is that not many people know about. In my travels, I encountered a lot of people who had it but, compared to the amount of people who had a cellphone, or even a chat service like MSN, the amount was minuscule. I'd say about 95% of the people I knew back in the states had not even heard of the service. There were a few travelers who used the site to call back home like I did. While I think Skype is a good option to have, especially as a way to communicate with people back home, I would not rely on it as my main form of communication on the road.
Bottom Line: Get Skype. Skype has million users and is growing in popularity as more people talk about it. It will come in handy whether you are on the road or off. I use it call some people I know overseas. Just don't make it your main form of communication, especially communication with other travelers.
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yes, i use skype myself so often
lakshmi