Skype is a simple piece of software you can download for free onto your PC. Millions around the world have done so.
Then you just need a headset, and you can make calls free anywhere in the world to other Skype users. You can also buy phones that work with Skype.
You can also call landlines at very good rates; and have your own geographical incoming number.
www.skype.comeBay has just brought Skype for $2.5 Billion.
Why?
Because eBay are going to integrate Skype into their offering to buyer and sellers. They're going to encourage all eBay users to have a Skype account - and they are going to make it easy for them to do so.
Example: You have Skype on your PC and your looking at an item on eBay. There will be a link for you to click on - and viola! - your PC will dial the seller's Skype number and you'll be speaking to them for free.
There are many, many large organizations now selling on eBay - and now the general public are going to be introduced to the concept of calling companies for free on Skype - just like they speak to their friends free on Skype.
This WILL start to filter into the outside world. Customers will start to ask why the company they are dealing with don't have a Skype number. And at some point not having a Skype number will start to become a commercial disadvantage.
And at some point the government - oh so desperate to be seen as "hip" and fully in tune with latest IT - will start to feel the pressure.
It's not going to happen overnight; and yes, there will be a wailing and gnashing of teeth - but it's coming. Not just Skype - but other VoIP systems (based on the more universal SIP protocol).
At the moment the public know that if they call an 0800 number it's free; but they sort of think that 01/02/0845/0870 are somehow the same-ish.
But they KNOW Skype calls are free - and that it's easy. So the demand will rise for companies to have Skype.
It won't be the end of 0845/0870 - but it's a poke in the eye. And yes, companies will have Skype for sales; but 0870 for customer services. And yes, some clever-clogs will develop some premium-rate service for VoIP/Skpye.
But the screw will get tighter and tighter.
OK NGM - do you're worst 8)