Tech Untangled

Skype today announced a new feature called “Skype To Go” for Skype Pro customers. For those already spending a small fortune on International calls, this allows you to make international calls at local rates by dialing a local number. Now, you just have to pay the The SkypeOut rate of the country you are calling (plus local phone charges, if any)

Frankly this is not much different than using a local calling card to call internationally. For example, I use WQN to call from the USA to Sri Lanka (ah yes, that beautiful country otherwise known as Serendib). WQN has both toll free (800) or local number in the US (toll free numbers charge a little more). I can dial the local number from my mobile phone (at no additional cost as long as I’m within my minutes), and then dial the international number.

I’ve even programmed the International numbers I call into short codes (e.g. #1, #2, #3). All I have to do is program the WQN number and then the International short code, along with a ‘wait’ in between in my cell phone’s addressbook and I don’t even have to enter any numbers. No need for PINs, and I can even recharge by calling the same toll free number.

How it works

* You get a local number - it’s your personal To Go number.
* You assign the To Go number to an overseas number.
* Save the To Go number to your mobile.
* When on the move use To Go to save on international calls.

So what’s the big dilio about Skype To Go?

Other Coverage
1. Skype To Go: international calls from your mobile at local rates