Skype Debuts Flat-Rate Plan For Calling Abroad

Skype has announced a flat-rate service that will be of interest to any business that wants to save money on its international phone bills.For $9.95 per month, users can now place unlimited landline calls to 34 countries, including Australia, Chile, China, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom. Cell phones are included in that price for only four countries: Canada, China, Hong Kong and Singapore (and Canada falls under a separate price plan). In addition to dialing via computer, users can call a local number from their phones and be connected to international numbers that fall under their plan, paying only local access charges or using their cell-phone airtime.

Unlimited calls between the United States and Canada fall under a $3 flat-rate monthly plan; cities in Mexico also qualify for a discounted rate of $5.95 per month.Associated Press