Skype
Published on 03 March 2010
Updated on 05 April 2024
Updated on 05 April 2024
WHY?
Frequent communications are essential in the diplomatic world. International phone calls are the norm in diplomatic network. The ‘Voice over IP’ (VoIP) services offer interesting opportunities and can allow important savings through low cost calls.
WHAT IT DOES
There are many services that provide VOIP. The most popular voice communication service in the world is Skype. If the person you want to call is using Skype, iyou can contact him and your call will be unlimited and totally free anywhere in the world.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
In order to be able to use Skype you only need a PC (it can be also a laptop), an Internet connection (even WiFi is good), headphones with microphone connected to the computer. You should run the Skype software. The calls made to any other Skype user (from PC to PC) are free.
It is also possible to use Skype to make local and international calls to landline and mobile phones and also receive calls from these phones on your PC. These services are not free, but they are much cheaper than traditional landline and mobile international rates. These services are called SkypeOut and SkypeIn respectively.
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“Skype scandals and security”
“Skype scandals and security” — on March 11, 2010 by Anonymous —
Skype really does allow people to connect – diplomats included.
Security is however an issue that has to be considered. The scandal over Chinese authorities monitoring and censoring Skype messages [https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7649761.stm] in January this year highlights the problems of using such communication at official levels. Yet, when countires promote issues that are open and transparent, the general use of free VOIP services offers the opportunities at reduced cost. It increases their ability to engage more widely in the international community.