Per-minute rates range from half a cent to 1 cent for domestic calling. International rates vary with destination, but are far less expensive than standard toll calling, especially to population centers. Rates stay the same regardless of the time of day. Internet telephony, in fact, largely has been responsible for the decreasing price of long distance. Even the long distance companies use it to trim costs.
Chances are that at some point during the link, most international calls travel over the Internet.
PC users, by plugging directly into Internet telephony service providers, can take further advantage of these savings. Software is available from the World Wide Web at a number of service providers, including those listed above. The most popular package is made by VocalTec Communications Ltd., an Israeli company that was among the first to jump on Internet telephony. In addition to providing consumer software, VocalTec is the leading supplier of Internet telephony hardware and software for service providers. Even if you have to order or download it, service providers generally offer the software for free.