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[bobf <bobford79 AT yahoo.com>]

For anyone that has realtives or friends outside the U.S., this article in 
the NYT might be helpful

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Free Calls to America From Almost Anywhere 
      
 
By JOHN BIGGS

In trying times like these, every little bit helps, even if it’s just saving 
the price of a phone call. CallingAmerica.com is a new ad-supported Web 
service that lets you make phone calls to any number in the United States 
from any computer with a Web browser and a broadband connection.

 
The service, which begins Thursday, requires you to view a short ad before 
you place the call. The audio is played through the browser, and the site 
uses your computer’s microphone to transmit what you say.

There is a limit to the fun, however. Unregistered users can make calls of up 
to two minutes; registration — which is also free — gives you unlimited calls 
of up to 15 minutes. While it’s not as versatile as other Internet calling 
services like Skype or Vonage, it is enough to make a few quick calls while 
on the road without racking up long-distance charges. 

Most important, the service works domestically and all over the world. That 
means you can call the United States free from any cybercafe or 
Internet-enabled computer virtually anywhere. While it might not be as cozy 
as a call from a phone booth in London, the service is certainly cheaper. 
JOHN BIGGS 



http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/18/technology/personaltech/18calling.html?em