VoIP: free PC-PC calls through your ISP

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technology allowing totally free PC-PC telephone calls or cheap PC-Phone calls through your internet connection. Having an unlimited download rate with your ISP means VoIP really does save you money.

In addition to the software download, installation and registration, all you need is a microphone and speakers, or a headset. That is unless you prefer a normal handset which simply requires a spare USB port and does not necessarily require that your PC be switched on while having a conversation.

The main tarrif provider is Skype who offer free PC-PC calls as well as free calls to landlines through their monthly subscription package, but there are many other competitors offering various rates to suit your requirements. This is great for someone using the internet frequently, because if you’re just placing a PC-PC call, it only requires your recipient to have the same software installed along with their registered username. Anyone with a landline can receive a VoIP call, regardless of which provider’s software you used to dial their number.

VoIP is nothing special since it is only doing what the internet is already capable of, which is to send data packets of compressed digital audio at high speeds, similar to methods used by torrent files. Instant messenger programs such as Yahoo! And MSN also cater for voice transfer, but is not as advanced as VoIP. One thing worth noting is this: do NOT pay for PC-PC (aka Webweb) calls with any provider. This is and should remain free but Pc-Phone (aka Webphone) will cost you and this is where the money is made. Even Tesco have entered this market as there is much potential in these convenient telecommunications applications.

VoIP has established it self as a viable method to avoid paying line rental, especially if the people you intend to call are all on broadband - those on dial up might want to consider their costs since they would still be paying by the minute and will create a false economy.

If you are considering downloading and installing a VoIP provider’s software, choose Skype. This is simply because it has gained the most popularity and is fast becoming the Microsoft of the VoIP market. Having said that, I am looking at it from an internet only angle – if most of your contacts, friends and family don’t have an internet connection it’d be worth considering another provider specializing in Pc-Phone calls or just Phone-Phone calls.

18185.co.uk do just that – you register your landline number or your mobile number, or both, with 18185 and enjoy the benefits of discounted calls (free in some cases) to landlines and mobiles. Before dialing your recipient, simply enter the prefix “18185” followed by their number and wait to be connected. You must still pay pre-exisiting line rental however. The only reason I actually registered with 18185 was to be able to send 1p texts from my mobile via the internet, rather than searching pointlessly for free sms sites which always seem to have a catch.

In summary: I would register with two companies to get the best of both worlds. One company serves your texting/mobile/landline needs and one serves your basic PC-PC calls for free. As long as you aren’t commited to high subscription costs it’s worth looking into VoIP and how it can save serious cash on all your telephone activity.