Skype is one of the largest VoIP (Voice-over-Internet-Protocol) providers in the world. We look at the advantages and disadvantages of using Skype.

Skype was designed by the people behind the peer-to-peer program Kazaa and Skype has quickly become one of the most popular VoIP services available today. Skype allows users to make free, yes free, telephone calls via your broadband connection to other Skype users. However, not every aspect of the program is quite so wonderful.

Setup Skype VoIP

Skype has grown in popularity specifically because it offers users the opportunity to make completely free long distance and local calls through its peer-to-peer network. Basically the way the program works, is that users download the program, create a personal ID, and then start dialling telephone numbers, just the same as a normal telephone. You can call other Skype users, land lines and mobile phones all from your computer.

When you use Skype it relies on a fast internet connection, using a dialup is simply impossible because of the way it works. You also need a good headset with microphone for the conversation to be heard clearly, although we tested it using laptops using a webcam and it seemed to work fine. The video cam connection was what you would expect from this technology, a bit jerky here are there but the sound was good. It works well ok over a wireless connection if you have a strong signal but it does deteriorate if the signal is weak, but then doesn't all software!

Skype VoIP Features

Skype differs from other major VoIP systems because it is designed more on the lines of an Instant Messaging service that offers voice communication rather than a program designed to imitate a traditional telephone. This means that it runs on a platform that allows for instant messaging, a convenient tool for those that want to send files across the internet while they are speaking making this an excellent tool for business communications. The service also comes with a host of other supported features like video calling, 3 and 4 way calling, call-waiting, voicemail, and customizable ringtones.

Skype best feature is its Free Free Free!

But while all of these features may be wonderful, the real standout feature of Skype is that its free. Unlike its competitors such as Vonage who charge for each and minute on each and every call, Skype is so appealing because it allows skype users to call other Skype users completely free.

The bad news is that to call non-Skype users you will need to purchase Skype credit. You can purchase Pay As You go time or a monthly subscription, click here to see Skype rates.

Conclusions

We think that the Skype program is most excellent! for those that make lots of long-distance and local domestic calls to friends with solid internet connections who are also Skype users. These calls are completely free, no matter how long you talk.

The fact that Skype charges for each and every call that is made with someone who is not using Skype differs from telephone replacement VoIP services like Vonage. Because Skype avoid the set monthly fees, Skype is still the better deal if you make phone calls like this under 500 minutes a month. Its also is beneficial if a lot of the calls you make are international rather than simply local domestic calls.

If you are planning on using VoIP to talk to someone on the US west coast, Australia or Canada, while you are in London, and you plan to talk a lot, then it may makes more sense to look elsewhere or ask your friends to get Skype and do it all for FREE.

Advantages:

• Offers free local domestic and long-distance calls to other Skype users;
• Has some of the cheapest international rates available anywhere;
• Offers safe, encrypted calling, with excellent quality;
• Local Number Portability (LNP) is available along with voice mail;

Dis-advantages:

• Requires a good computer with a hard-wired ADSL or Cable broadband connection;
• Communicate may deteriorate using wireless with low signal strength;
• No call forwarding, or FREE 999 emergency service;

The bottom line: If you make tons of long distance domestic calls or if you make less than 500 minutes of calls to non-Skype users, then Skype is the provider for you.

Visit the Skype website