VoIP Services (Making Free or Cheap Calls)

Landline and pay telephones have been dying a slow death since the popularization of cell phones and VoIP (Voice of IP) services. You probably have heard the term VoIP, and may know what it means but for those who don't. All it is, is using your computer and your Internet connection to make a phone call either to another computer or to a landline telephone.

Most VoIP services require that you have a broadband connection, and a computer (with software) or special hardware. Some of the the hardware based solutions don't even require a computer, and one doesn't even require a broadband connection. Although the software based solutions generally require a headphone with a mike, and the hardware based solutions require a landline telephone.

Hopefully I have not confused you with the my brief tutorial above, but there are still a few caveats that I must point out. The software based VoIP solutions generally offer computer to computer chatting for free. Although, if you wan to call a landline, there is a charge. If you call a mobile phone in another country its generally pretty expensive. Also several of the VoIP providers do provide free calling in US and Canada, but there is generally some service charge associate with it.

The list below is not complete, but it could provide you with solution that will work for you. I definitely encourage you to look at all your options. Also, I am not endorsing any of the service providers listed below.

Hardware Based

• MagicJack - Charges $20 per year for unlimited calls from anywhere in the world to phones in the U.S. or Canada. To use this service, you need a $20 device that plugs into your computer's USB port, a regular telephone that you plug into the MagicJack and a broadband connection.
• Vonage - One of the grand daddies of the consumer based VoIP service providers. They tend to be more expensive then the other providers, but is still worthwhile checking out (note: Vonage has been going through some legal trouble lately)
  

Software Based

• Skype - Requires that you install software on your computer, and allows you to make calls from computer to computer for free, and from computer to a landline phone at a reduced rates.
• VoipCheap - VoIP service provider similar to Skype. Requires that you install software on your computer, and allows you to make calls from computer to computer for free, and from computer to a landline phone at a reduced rates.
• Vyke - VoIP service provider similar to Skype. Requires that you install software on your computer, and allows you to make calls from computer to computer for free, and from computer to a landline phone at a reduced rates.

Miscellaneous

• Jajah - Doesn't require any special hardware or software. All you have to do is go to a web site and enter a phone number for where you want to receive the call (such as your cell phone, or phone in your house), and the number you want to call.
• ChatterBug - Doesn't require a computer, or a broadband connection, but does require you to have phone service to your residence or business. Allows you to make calls to anywhere in the US or Canada for $9.95 per month.