No cents makes lots of sense..

Remember the time we paid $1 a minute for calls to India? As soon as we reached home from India, I booted up the computer and called folks in India using Skype. And, they were logged in - Thanks to Skype Phone. The voice quality from both ends were awesome. No more "do you hear me"s. Total minutes cost = Zero. With our close family all on Skype, it feels like having private exchange and hotline (Good bye - Nortel, Avaya) . Besides the cost savings, it is the "always on" capability without a computer, and the voice quality that clinched our heart.

Now, coming to Total Cost of Ownership: Skype Phone is available for about $70. The price of this phone has dropped almost over 10$ since I bought (looks like my luck in picking up US stocks applies to other products too!). I also bought used Belkin Wireless routers from Craigslist and took it to India (~15$ to 20$). BSNL's basic broadband package costs about Rs. 250 / month (~5$/month).

Configuring the wireless routers can be tricky in India, depending on the type of modem and the service provider. For the ones from BSNL with simple modem, the configuration went smooth. BSNL has a device that includes a router and modem, and I was not able to configure this device to work with Wireless G router.

BSNL has several broadband offerings based on the volume of data and speed. I do not think we will hit the volume limit with 4-5hrs of internet call in a month. Skype has a monthly service offering for unlimited calling to US/Canada that came in handy when we were working from India. However, we were not able to call certain toll free numbers (877..).

What is more? Skype is available as an app on iPod touch and iPhone. iPod touch will require a special ear phone with mic (additional $30 bucks).