Unlimited SkypeOut Internet Calls

If you’ve been using the free VoIP internet phone software from Skype, you probably know that there has been free calling from your computer to landlines and mobiles in Canada and the US from May 2006, until Dec 31st. This service is called SkypeOut and is normally charged by the minute.

Well, come Jan 1st, Unlimited SkypeOut in Canada and the US will be offered for the low cost of US$14.95 for the entire year. That is, you can use Skype from your computer (or any smart phone that supports Skype) to any landline or mobile in these two countries. All year long, for any duration.

Skype, the VoIP telephony company acquired by eBay last year, announced that it would be charging an annual fee of US$29.95 for unlimited calling plan to regular phones in both the countries. If you sign up for SkypeOut before January 31, 2007, then you only have to pay $14.95 for all of 2007. But if you are not sure you want to do this, despite the low price, or you miss the new promo, you make SkypeOut calls @US 2.1 cents per minute.

Skype has already been challenging broadband phone providers like Vonage, who offer free calls to several European countries along with voice mails, 911 emergency-dialing and free ATA (analog telephone adapter) device for a monthly fee of $24.99. But for $29.95 (or $14.95) for a full year, it’ll be interesting to see if Skype grabs more subscribers for their VoIP solution (even without e-911 service).