International Dialing: LiveSimplicity discussion forum

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Why is it so costly to make international phone calls? Surely the infrastructure has been set up now to handle the traffic yet it is becoming increasingly expensive to make long distance calls.

View A

Phone companies should switch to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) to eliminate the idea of long distance. Use the internet as the single pipeline to transfer voice and data across the world at minimal cost.

View B

Phone companies are in a very competitive environment and must make money to stay in business. Long distance charges are just one ways they make up the cost. If we use the internet for voice and data, that would essentially destroy phone companies, making ISPs the main providers of service.

3 comment(s) so far

Maven thinks: Although the internet is the ideal way to transfer data, I doubt that wireless companies would be willing to service without finding some way of charging us for use. Distance should no longer be a factor. With the onset of the internet and growing globalization, we should not be limited by companies just trying to make a buck. This is possibly why programs such as Skype have become so popular in the last few years.

chip thinks: Dont look at them as long distance calls. Consider the Call'ee as just round the corner. Then work backwards and find the easiest line of connection. Invariably, that line is the Internet. Phone rates have been decreasing significantly in Asia and most of the World over the last decade, and more so when you consider a 4-5% inflationary trend. Its just a matter of time till your blahblah.com site comes up with a free wireless communication device, offering unparalleled connectivity from here to the Moon. And i did mention free, because its almost a fundamental principle that humans have an inherant need to connect and communicate with others.

Computers have become the modern mailman, banker, television and radio (and much more). These unpaid workhorses will bring seamless networking further into our lives.

pawn thinks: I know this site is sponsored by Philips, but the new VoIP phones from Philips are very intriguing. Skype enables phones are becoming more and more prevelant. I don't see the current way of distributing phone calls lasting. It seems the internet is the most convenient, cost-effective way to tranfer information. The only question is, will phone companies that make a good deal of revenue off selling web services be against this or will see that customers want this.