| Since the late 1800's and the invention of the first | | | | chat with your cousins in Canada for free, or you can |
| telephone, the way people connect with one another | | | | spend all night catching up with your partner who has |
| has fundamentally changed. Indeed, the world has | | | | travelled to Timbuktu on business. Add a webcam to |
| seen the telecommunications market revolutionised | | | | the mix, and you can even see each other! And, it is |
| over the last 130 years, with advancements in | | | | still for free. |
| technology shifting the way individuals approach | | | | But, there must be a catch, right? Nothing is ever for |
| communication. | | | | free. |
| Therefore, not only can you now speak with people | | | | If you consider having to have a computer, an |
| almost instantaneously, but it doesn't matter where | | | | internet connection and the previously mentioned |
| you are. Take the mobile phone as a prime example: | | | | headset, a catch, then yes you're right. However, |
| its introduction has meant that people can now speak | | | | with 1.5 billion people using the internet globally, |
| to, or text people whilst they're on the move. This | | | | statistics tend to indicate this is not such a major |
| has consequently eliminated the need to be at home | | | | hurdle. |
| or to find a phone box. | | | | The only thing you are required to do then, is |
| Arguably however, it is the introduction of the | | | | download the relevant software, create a user name |
| internet, which has sparked the most important | | | | and add contacts to your list. It is important to note |
| change in the way people reach each other remotely. | | | | here that to speak with people for free they must |
| Harnessing the power of such technology as | | | | also have the same software. Again, though, this is |
| broadband, and combined with various web | | | | not a problem, as long as you know in advance which |
| applications, it is now possible for individuals to make | | | | supplier your friends and/or family are with. |
| calls using the internet. | | | | As it goes, the numbers of people making free calls |
| As such, there are two distinct advantages to | | | | over the internet has increased rapidly over the past |
| making online calls. Firstly, it is completely free. | | | | couple of years. In fact, Ofcom has predicted that |
| Therefore, you can wave goodbye to unnecessary | | | | by the end of 2008 the UK will have around three |
| phone bills. (Well, you do need a headset, but since | | | | million people calling others online, which clearly |
| they can be bought for a little as a couple of pounds, | | | | displays the popularity of online communication. So, |
| the initial outlay will soon be recouped!) | | | | what are you waiting for; start video calling that |
| Secondly, you can speak to anyone in the world, | | | | auntie in Australia! |
| from anywhere in the world. As a result, you can | | | | |