question about VoIP

[ant]

I was looking at the Skype page and noticed you can now call other regular phones with their service (for a fee) - I don't think you could do that before - but I'm not that familiar with any of these companies/services and was wondering if anyone here might have something to recommend.

I'm still on dail-up, and I've wanted to switch to cable modem for a while but I can't justify the extra cost. If I can do it AND get rid of my land line, though, that would be perfect. I'm just not sure this technology is advanced enough yet. Any advice?

[exJW]

1. It's about as close to free as you can get...

so give it a test?

Thanks for your post, I had been considering Lingo, but I'll try Skype first.

[ant]

2. but it's only free

If others are using Skype, I think. (I believe their global rate for calling regular phones is 0.02 cents/min, but it depends on where you're calling.)

Anyway, my problem is that there's an extra cost for me because I have to switch to broadband. If I could just download it and try it out - maybe install it on my parents' computer and stuff so they can use it to call me - I'd go for it, but getting broadband is the obstacle for me. (I don't even have a cell phone. I'm what they call "cheap," though I prefer "refuses to pay for crap she doesn't actually need." :))

[no_arbusto]

3. I love it.

I have cable internet and Packet8 VOIP. I will never go back to landline. With Packet8 I get unlimited calls to the US and Canada for $19.95 a month. Worldwide, the calls are less than $0.10 a minute. There are no hidden fees. I get free voicemail, call forwarding, voicemail, etc. It works with a regular phone and you can make and receive calls to and from any number (cell or landline) in the world. You also have the option to choose a number anywhere in the Packet8 network. If you have a lot of relatives or business contacts in one particular area of the country, you could choose a number local to them and it would not be a toll call for them to reach you. You can also take your phone adapter with you anywhere in the world with a broadband connection and still place and receive calls as if you were sitting in your living room. I've had absolutely no interruptions in the 2 months that I've had service.

http://www.packet8.net

[ant]

4. wow, thanks

I'll check them out.