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Making Cheap Calls Abroad

The implications of making cheap calls abroad has changed dramatically over the last few years, mainly because of a computer technology known as VoIP.

VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol and basically its means that an internet enabled computer can talk to an internet computer.

Now, the computer needs special software, a microphone and speakers, but from a scratchy start when early conversations sounded like a Doctor Who episode, VoIP has come of age, mainly thanks to ever increasing Broadband speeds.

If you have a reasonable speed on both communicating computers, the standard of the voice sound is comparable to most landline telephones.

Furthermore VoIP has moved on, nowadays not needing two computers in order to make the connection. There is now the option for computer to landline telephone, or computer to mobile telephone.

Formerly the territory of the computer geek, VoIP software programmes are commonly available and now easily understood. The slight downside is of course that when technology becomes mainstream, it usually switches from a free facility, to a paid one.

But, even when you take in the cost of modern VoIP software systems (and most charge via monthly subscriptions), then the cost is still way under the traditional method of calling using landline telephones, or mobiles.

Usually, most computer to computer conversations are free, whereas most computer to telephone conservations have a cost attached, although, as said already, much reduced from traditional call rates. VoIP call charge subscriptions tend to only be a few pounds a month, often for unlimited calls to landline numbers.

And the bonus with many of the VoIP packages is that you can also use a web camera, meaning that you can add real-time video as well to your calling experience.

Of course, VoIP is having another effect as well, in that it is bringing down cost all through the existing networks, which means traditional call charges are set to fall even further.

Is VoIP the end of the landline telephone system though – not quite yet, but many observers feel it’s hear to stay and grow in influence, which can only be good news for those making cheap calls abroad.