Use Skype to make Free Video Calls:

• www.VideoCall4Free.com

Mar 13, 2005

Author: Michael Gough

One of the most popular questions I get asked is - "Can Skype replace my local phone company service?"

The answer now that SkypeIn is here is "YES".  SkypeIn gives you the ability of having a real phone number so anyone can call you, actually your computer from any regular landline telephone.  Now I also use Vonage to supplement my telephone needs but many of you may not need the additional phone line and outbound fax capability.  I also have and use my cell phone for long distance calls as it is free after 7pm, but I have had a cell phone for many years and so the saving my cell phone may provide does not impact the example below.

Here is a breakdown of my typical phone bill BEFORE Skype:

• Local Phone service through SBC                                                              $38.00 per month US
• Long Distance phone service through various providers                          $26.00 per month US
• TOTALS  Before Skype and Vonage                                                           $64.00 per month US

Here is a breakdown of my typical phone bill AFTER Skype:

• Local Phone service through Vonage and SkypeIn                                    $16.00+$3.41 per month US
• Long Distance phone service through Vonage and SkypeOut                  $5.00 per month US
• TOTALS  Before Skype and Vonage                                                            $24.41 per month US

What Skype can do

What is a local phone service anyway ?  Well for starters it is a phone number you give out to everyone you know.  It allows you to make local calls and long distance calls.  It has a call waiting option, caller ID and three way calling and voicemail option as well.  SkypeOut handles your long distance phone service needs.

Skype with SkypeIn and SkypeOut gives you everything I just mentioned your local and long distance phone company provides you but FAR cheaper.  Skype also gives you computer to computer capability so many of your friends and family may not need to use the telephone - they just call you on the computer for free using Skype.

"But I don't want to use my computer every time I make or receive a phone call".

If you have not read one of my other articles on how to use Skype without having to touch your computer...  now is the time to read it:

• http://www.skypetips.internetvisitation.org/articles/computer_free_skype.html

If you connect a USB to RJ11 Gateway ($50-$75 US), a box that connects your computer to a cordless phone you would not have to touch your computer to make and receive phone calls.  I use and recommend the Actiontec Internet Phone Wizard for this need as it also allows you connect your home landline or Vonage connection to the same box.  I also have an article on how I connect Vonage, Skype and my computer:

• http://www.skypetips.internetvisitation.org/articles/Vonage_and_skype.html

With SkypeIn and SkypeOut and using a USB to RJ11 Gateway device you can easily get rid of your local telephone service to make and receive phone calls anywhere in your home you do now.

What Skype can NOT do

The three things you cannot do with Skype is dial 411 or "information" or use the 911 "emergency" service.  You also cannot send faxes via Skype or SkypeOut, it just doesn't work.  This is why I have Vonage for 911 service, a second phone line and outbound fax needs.  If I need 411 service, I use my cell phone, Yellow Pages or just surf the Internet Yellow Page sites if I need it, which is not often.

Conclusion - Join the Skype revolution !!!!

With the addition of SkypeIn and SkypeOut, Skype can replace your local and long distance phone service at a fraction of the cost of your current local and long distance services.  In my example it is 2/3 less than I use to pay and It even provides you voicemail if you want to use it, or you can do what I do and set your Skype voicemail answering for 90 seconds or more so your home answering machine picks up instead of your Skype Voicemail.

send me your comments:  

MG