Skype - is it Free to Call Anymore or Not?

Is Skype VOIP calling really Free to use or not?

There is a LOT of confusion over Skype these days and I'm not sure why as it has been around for a long time. Using Skype today is no different than it ever was.

You download skype here. You install it and you add your other skype friend users. You connect to them and chat for hours or whatever - for FREE. Always has been - probably will be for a long time to come.

Here is where I have been seeing so so many psots like this:

1. Why do I see .21 cents/per minute after using Skype to talk to my friend on her cell phone?
2. Can I use Skype to call a landline phone?
3. Why isn't Skype free anymore?
4. I didn't see anything mentioned about a trial?
5. I looked around the skype site and it said you have to pay to make calls to land lines. I haven't given Skype anything but my email address, so how do they expect to charge me?
6. I just want to make Skype to Skype video calls - are these free?
7. Will I be getting a bill now?!

Those are a few. Here are the answers:

#1 - You see the 21 cents/per minute because you are using a VOIP device to call a NON-VOIP device. The carriers that set the rates for the landline are the people charging you - Not Skype!

#2 - Yes! You *can* use Skype to call a landline number or a cell phone number, but again as above; the CARRIER of that phone company is who is charging you for the call!

#3 - Skype IS 100% still free to use skype to skype. If you can get it to work, it is also free to skype to another voip software/device.

#4 - Nope. There is no trial period. All Skype-to-Skype calls are free worldwide.
Your skype will Not expire. Just keep using it as you always have. There is a newer version now. Skype 4.2

#5 - To make SkypeOut calls to landlines/cellphones you naturally need to pay for these as they are derminated by the PSTN carriers (above) the Telephone company = Carrier.... not Skype.

The rate to many countries is 2.1. cents per minute plus a small connection fee. See:
http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/prices/

The REASON you saw the 21 cent charge is that you get some free minutes with skype. When you first download and install skype, you are given a small amount of credits for free to test out the system! Read the full picture here: http://www.skype.com/allfeatures/

#6 - Yes! Skype video calls are also 100% FREE.

It's a very good thing! Skype is an awesome tool. If you use the Skype program the same way you use the MSN Messenger or the Yahoo Messenger it is 100% free - always!

#7 - Either you have already subscribed to a Skype Plan or you have just installed Skype and used the small amount of free Skype credits you are given to test the system.

Skype operates on a prepaid credit basis only. You can't ever owe Skype money nor will you ever receive a bill.

But if you use Skype to make actual phone calls - to a PHONE... you will need to have a Skype Credit or a Skype subscription. The rates are reasonable but I see no real need to do this unless you don't have a phone....? Or the person you are calling WITH skype doesn't have a P.C.

Again - the reason you were able to make an actual phone call using Skype is because Skype gives you a little credit so you can hear the sound quality and see how easy it is to use Skype.

Then - If you like it and wish to use skype in this way - you can for a very reasonable fee using a paid subscription or buying a few Skype credits. All in all, SKYPE has very fair rates!

So if you just want to text or talk or video with someone; use it the same way you would MSN Messenger or Yahoo Messenger & you are good to go; you need nothing more! Period.

I hope I have answered all the questions. If not - PLEASE ask them in the comment section below! I will answer you!

Oh - one last itm. Here is skype's free step by step help.

http://www.skype.com/intl/en/support/user-guides/

There are a few other voips that are mainly free and here is one for Canada - but it is not skype.

http://www.freephoneline.ca/

Look it over - I have not tried that one!

Also, if you love Skype - check this one out! VOIPBUSTER

With VOIPBUSTER You can also call all your online friends (pc-to-pc calls) as long as you like for free. Just like with Skype.

VoipBuster is a another free program using the latest technology to bring free high-quality voice communications to people all over the world. When you use the free VoipBuster software, you can call regular phones in various popular destinations for free (so they say - I've only tried the free trial part) or call at incredibly low rates to any other phone on the planet.

A bit off topic here but if you are having problems being stalked, cheated on, being harrassed - can't find out who it is - PLEASE comment me - I WILL HELP YOU!

Best regards, Melanie

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