Section 6.13. Redial

6.13. Redial

Millions love Skype, and for good reason. A free phone call anywhere in the world to anyone with an Internet connection is the type of disruptive technology that scares incumbents (AT&T, the monolith, disappears when purchased by SBC) and thrills users (100,000 or so new Skype users per day, thanks to word of mouth).

But computer-centric broadband phone services, whether Skype or one of the SIP phone companies, will satisfy only a small percentage of total telephone users. The telephone in its traditional form and function resonates strongly with most people.

If you have friends far away with Internet connections, Skype puts you together for the least money possible (free is good). But if you feel more comfortable with a phone-centric service as discussed in the previous chapter, you have nothing to apologize for or feel guilty about.

The best part? You can mix an inexpensive phone-centric provider to get away from the traditional telephone company and use Skype to call friends outside your free calling area. Or, you can use Skype from your laptop when you travel and call back home.

Monopolies on telephone providers and services disappeared. Use Skype, use SIPphone, use FreeWorld Dialup, use Vonage, use Packet8, use BroadVoice, use your cell phone. Use whatever you want for the calls you want, and enjoy.