Hack64.Make Free Calls While on the Move

Hack 64. Make Free Calls While on the Move

Skype Zones provides Skype connectivity around the globe, but at a price. Save money by using free alternatives.

Works with: all versions of Skype.

Skype provides a subscription-based service for Skype users who want to make calls and chat while on the move; in fact, Skype has partnered with Boingo to provide wireless access points that span the globe (see "Roam the World with Skype Zones" [Hack #7]). But free alternatives are available.

6.6.1. Skype WiFi Program

Seemingly in competition with its paid subscription service, Skype Zones, Skype has a free WiFi program. Through this program, Skype asks that independent providers of wireless Internet access give free Skype-only access to Skype users, and advertise the fact in addition to making their wireless access points Skype friendly. Sadly, a list of participating partners and their locations is not available, so you'll have to keep a sharp eye out for the Skype logo on your travels. To find out more, visit http://www.skype.com/partners/wifi.html.

6.6.2. Hotspots

Hotspots are publicly available wireless access points. Sometimes hotspots are well publicized and other times you have to hunt them down, an activity commonly known as wardriving. Once you've found a free Internet access hotspot, you may be able to use Skype to make and receive calls. Many public libraries offer free wireless Internet access, as do some hotels, cafes, and even metro-area communities. Googling on "free wifi ("access point" OR hotspot)" will return a list of directories for free, open-access hotspots; here are a couple of web sites to get you started:

• http://metrofreefi.com/

• http://www.wififreespot.com/

The usual rules about bandwidth and latency (see "Test Your Internet Connection Bandwidth" [Hack #33] and "Test Your Internet Connection Latency" [Hack #34]) as well as Skype friendliness apply, but this is a great way to make and receive free calls while on the move.

6.6.3. Use Someone Else's Machine

You can use a machine with Skype already installed by simply logging off the current Skype user, and then logging in yourself. Of course, first you should ask the machine owner's permission, and you should be aware of the dangers of leaving personal information behind after you're done (see "Erase a Skype User Account" [Hack #98]). But, this is one of the less painful ways to use Skype on the move, as you're starting from the baseline from which Skype already works on that machine!

6.6.4. Carry Skype with You

You can install Skype on a borrowed machine, or run Skype from a USB memory stick on a borrowed machine (see "Run Skype from a USB Memory Stick" [Hack #63]). Both methods might require that you do some extra machine configuration (sound, network, etc.) before Skype is up and running properly, and there's the danger that you might leave some personal Skype information behind on the hard disk; but with a little patience, most machines with the right specification (see Table P-1 in the Preface) and a decent, Skype-friendly Internet connection can be coaxed into running Skype.