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SkypeOut calls are free!

Skype is free Voice Over IP software (Windows, Mac, Linux) that allows you to call people all over the world with your computer and a fast internet connection. At first you could only call someone else who has Skype. Then came SkypeOut which allowed you to call people with cell phones and land line phones too. Now Skype announced that SkypeOut is free! (In the US and Canada until the end of the year.) Check out this Skype blog entry for more info.

What does this have to do with community wireless? Imagine sitting with your laptop, a microphone, and Skype where free wifi is available. (You could use a camera too because Skype does video also.) Suddenly you can call the whole of North America for free! There are even hand held phones that can make calls using Skype. That way you can look a bit less geeky talking to your laptop screen.