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Skype: The Other Penny Drops

SkypeOut calls will no longer be free within the US and Canada. Skype (owned by eBay) announced on Dec. 13th that there is now an annual fee to make calls from within the US and Canada to any mobile or land-line phone. Calls from PC to PC will remain free.
“Unlimited Calling gives you a full year of unlimited calls to anyone, on any phone, within the US and Canada for just $14.95. ($29.95 after January 31st 2007).” This is still cheaper than most phone plans but it’s probably the thin edge of the wedge.
Many libraries use Skype to reduce their costs of calling for special research. I also know some libraries that bring in exciting story hours from afar using Skype. I doubt this is is enough of a cost to stop that but it cold be a barrier to some.
Then again, if they’re charging, expectation go up regarding performance and support.
Stephen

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Posted on: December 14, 2006, 8:47 am Category: Uncategorized

By: stephen

rev="post-699" 1 comment

One Response

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  1. Mike said
    on December 19, 2006 10:28 am

    While Skype is charging $14.95 (whatever after January 31st) for SkypeOut, that is for a year of service, not a month. At that rate, it is considerably cheaper than other phone plans.
    Couple it with SkypeIn at 30 Euros for a year of service, and your total annual phone bill is around $45, plus the cost of the high speed Internet connection you were going to have anyway.