Skype is probably the most popular VoIP apps for making cheap or free voice calls. You can use Skype apps on Windows, Mac, or Linux computers or on a number of smartphone platforms to make free calls to other Skype users or relatively inexpensive calls to cellphone or landline numbers. But now Skype is making it possible to make long distance calls at the same rates — without an app.
The new service is called Skype To Go. Basically you can create local phone numbers for your international contracts. So if you have a colleague, friend, or family member in New Zealand that you want to keep in touch with, but you’re in the US, you give Skype their number and the service will create a new number for you with a domestic area code.
Then you can pick up any phone and call domestic phone number to talk to your overseas contact.
The call will be billed at normal Skype rates using your Skype credit or a Skype subscription. And since you’re placing the call over a regular mobile or land line, any carrier fees or charges might apply. But still, this is a pretty cool example of an internet service working to make the technology invisible.
You can create up to 9 Skype To Go numbers for free. The service is available to users 18 countries, and you can create a Skype To Go number for contacts in any of the countries where Skype reaches.
Indeed I have been using Skype to Go for at least a year. Mainly because the Skype app for Android will still not work on a stock (non-contract) HTC Desire. Skype are unfortunately unable/unwilling to do anything about this, so I hope a similar competing service with better support will launch at some time.
This has been around for a while.
I have used it for ages. The individual numbers is a relatively new thing (umm 4 months old) but skypetogo has been around for years.