Skype to be shutdown in May

[wasabi]

6 minutes ago, Briggsy said:

I need to find an alternative to Skype for phoning UK landline numbers cheaply. My 92-year-old mum can only use the landline. And phoning government departments in the UK with long wait queues was no problem with Skype as govt. depts. use landlines and Skype gave me unlimited minutes to sit and wait on hold.

 

Will I be able to call UK landlines from Teams?

 

Those hours on hold is when unlimited Skype calls was most valuable. That's the problem with pay per minute services.

[walt1]

That's what I'm looking for too. There are many ways to make cheap calls using your Thai phone. What I need is the US local number that Skype provided. Looks like Google voice might work for that but will need someone in the states to set up and then port my current number to that account. Hopefully

[KhunHeineken]

Shutting down Skype is a crime against humanity. 

[Galong]

I Skype my 90-year-old mom twice per day.  She can barely use it effectively. I need something that is dead easy for her.  She does OK with FB Messenger, but it's just not the same. 

My MAIN issue with Skype shutting down is 2FA and OTP for various US agencies and banks. 🤦

Porting my existing Skype number is apparently the solution, but finding the right new service is challenging so far. I like working on my desktop.  So many are targeted towards mobiles. I'm at the "get off my lawn" age. I don't like looking at a mobile phone screen when I've got a big monitor right in front of me... grrr. 😏

Any desktop-friendly app/program suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[KhunHeineken]

After a brief look around on the internet, this company seems to be ok for Aussie expats looking to call back to Australia with unlimited minutes.  Calls to other countries are very cheap, so it may be ok for expats from other countries with international rates starting at $0.0050 per minute.

 

https://crazytel.com.au/residential/voiphomephone/

 

Unlimited calls to Aussie local and national numbers, as well as mobile numbers, for $8 per month. Calls to 13 / 1300 numbers $0.25.

 

I had a quick look at Microsoft Teams and I don't think I will be migrating.  I will find another VOIP provider. 

 

There must be some companies rubbing their hands together and gearing up for the deadline in May.  The owners of some previously little known VOIP companies may end up multimillionaires.  

 

Microsoft Teams will not see a cent out of me, and I have been buying Skype credit / Subscriptions for decades. 

[Galong]

6 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

I had a quick look at Microsoft Teams and I don't think I will be migrating.  I will find another VOIP provider. 

 

There must be some companies rubbing their hands together and gearing up for the deadline in May.  The owners of some previously little known VOIP companies may end up multimillionaires.  

 

Microsoft Teams will not see a cent out of me, and I have been buying Skype credit / Subscriptions for decades. 

Exactly! MS has dropped the ball big time... again! Disappointing customers is a trend with them. 

Yes, other VOIP companies will reap the benefits... now to find just the right one.  🤔

[Sid Bream]

Take your pick. Everyone will have a different preference.

• Google Voice
  • Features: Offers affordable calls to landlines and mobiles worldwide, with free calls to U.S. and Canadian numbers in many cases. You can get a virtual phone number for incoming calls.
  • Cost: Pay-per-minute rates vary by country (e.g., as low as $0.01/minute to some destinations), with credit purchased upfront.
  • Availability: Works via web browser, mobile app (iOS/Android), or desktop.
  • Pros: Integrates with Google services; simple setup with a Google account.
  • Cons: Limited number availability outside the U.S.; not as focused on video calls as Skype.
• Viber (Viber Out)
  • Features: Free Viber-to-Viber calls, plus Viber Out for calling landlines and non-Viber mobiles globally.
  • Cost: Prepaid credit or monthly plans; rates are competitive (e.g., $0.015/minute to U.S. landlines).
  • Availability: Mobile app (iOS/Android) and desktop (Windows/macOS).
  • Pros: Easy to use; syncs with your phone contacts.
  • Cons: Requires a mobile number to register; no virtual number for incoming calls included with Viber Out.
• Zoom Phone
  • Features: An add-on to Zoom’s video platform, it supports outbound calls to landlines and mobiles, plus virtual numbers for inbound calls.
  • Cost: Starts at around $10-$20/month per user, with per-minute rates for international calls depending on the plan.
  • Availability: Integrated into Zoom’s app (mobile/desktop).
  • Pros: High call quality; great for business users already using Zoom.
  • Cons: More expensive than Skype’s pay-as-you-go model; geared toward enterprise use.
• Rebtel
  • Features: Specializes in international calls to landlines and mobiles, often by assigning local numbers to your contacts for cheaper rates.
  • Cost: Pay-as-you-go or subscription plans (e.g., unlimited calls to certain countries for $10/month).
  • Availability: Mobile app (iOS/Android) and web.
  • Pros: Affordable rates; no internet required on the recipient’s end.
  • Cons: Setup can be slightly complex; less focus on video.
• Vonage
  • Features: A robust VoIP service offering landline and mobile calling, with virtual numbers available.
  • Cost: Plans start at $14.99/month for residential use, with international rates varying.
  • Availability: Mobile app, desktop, or physical VoIP phone.
  • Pros: Reliable service; extensive features for home or business use.
  • Cons: Higher base cost than Skype’s flexible credit system.
• MyTello or Yolla (Emerging Options)
  • Features: Both are lesser-known VoIP apps focused on cheap international calls to landlines and mobiles.
  • Cost: Pay-per-minute with prepaid credit; rates can be as low as $0.01/minute depending on the destination.
  • Availability: Mobile apps primarily (iOS/Android).
  • Pros: Budget-friendly; simple interface.
  • Cons: Smaller user base; fewer features like video or group calling.

[soi3eddie]

46 minutes ago, isaanistical said:

Hardly any of the 'alternatives' to Skype enable Skype's basic advantage: calls to landlines worldwide. Like many here, I have a sub and rarely use it, but I also have several Skype numbers - with annual sub - that enable me to be "based"  in other cities so someone calling me from (eg) Melbourne thinks it's just a local call.

Does anyone have any serious ideas for an alternative to these numbers? Would appreciate constructive suggestions.

 

Yes. There is a serious and professional alternative. It's called RingCentral and I used it for a UK based business from 2017 to 2022. They offer local numbers for most of the world. We used to have a central London (0207) number whilst not being in central London. We also had USA and Australian toll free numbers so customers from those markets could book with us by phone if they wished. Their phone app works great for making and receiving calls. Also, if desk based, it is possible to plug in a VOIP phone to your router - and this works wherever you are in the world. Call management, recording, routing and voicemail features too. Quite a complicated but extremely versatile system. I too, currently use a Skype number and have a monthly subscription so am considering options once Skype is no longer viable or shut down.

 

https://www.ringcentral.com/gb/en/office/plansandpricing.html

[biervoormij]

12 minutes ago, Sid Bream said:

Take your pick. Everyone will have a different preference.

• Google Voice
  • Features: Offers affordable calls to landlines and mobiles worldwide, with free calls to U.S. and Canadian numbers in many cases. You can get a virtual phone number for incoming calls.
  • Cost: Pay-per-minute rates vary by country (e.g., as low as $0.01/minute to some destinations), with credit purchased upfront.
  • Availability: Works via web browser, mobile app (iOS/Android), or desktop.
  • Pros: Integrates with Google services; simple setup with a Google account.
  • Cons: Limited number availability outside the U.S.; not as focused on video calls as Skype.
• Viber (Viber Out)
  • Features: Free Viber-to-Viber calls, plus Viber Out for calling landlines and non-Viber mobiles globally.
  • Cost: Prepaid credit or monthly plans; rates are competitive (e.g., $0.015/minute to U.S. landlines).
  • Availability: Mobile app (iOS/Android) and desktop (Windows/macOS).
  • Pros: Easy to use; syncs with your phone contacts.
  • Cons: Requires a mobile number to register; no virtual number for incoming calls included with Viber Out.
• Zoom Phone
  • Features: An add-on to Zoom’s video platform, it supports outbound calls to landlines and mobiles, plus virtual numbers for inbound calls.
  • Cost: Starts at around $10-$20/month per user, with per-minute rates for international calls depending on the plan.
  • Availability: Integrated into Zoom’s app (mobile/desktop).
  • Pros: High call quality; great for business users already using Zoom.
  • Cons: More expensive than Skype’s pay-as-you-go model; geared toward enterprise use.
• Rebtel
  • Features: Specializes in international calls to landlines and mobiles, often by assigning local numbers to your contacts for cheaper rates.
  • Cost: Pay-as-you-go or subscription plans (e.g., unlimited calls to certain countries for $10/month).
  • Availability: Mobile app (iOS/Android) and web.
  • Pros: Affordable rates; no internet required on the recipient’s end.
  • Cons: Setup can be slightly complex; less focus on video.
• Vonage
  • Features: A robust VoIP service offering landline and mobile calling, with virtual numbers available.
  • Cost: Plans start at $14.99/month for residential use, with international rates varying.
  • Availability: Mobile app, desktop, or physical VoIP phone.
  • Pros: Reliable service; extensive features for home or business use.
  • Cons: Higher base cost than Skype’s flexible credit system.
• MyTello or Yolla (Emerging Options)
  • Features: Both are lesser-known VoIP apps focused on cheap international calls to landlines and mobiles.
  • Cost: Pay-per-minute with prepaid credit; rates can be as low as $0.01/minute depending on the destination.
  • Availability: Mobile apps primarily (iOS/Android).
  • Pros: Budget-friendly; simple interface.
  • Cons: Smaller user base; fewer features like video or group calling.

In the past Google Voice could not be setup from Thailand. Has this changed?

 

It is a very good summary but on some of them you do not list if they have a phone number subscriptions. I need something to be able to receiving texts or calls from banks for the authentication.  

[Thailandbuckeye]

I tried Google Voice and it stated it wasn’t available in my country, with and without VPN.

 

I mentioned Sonetel earlier in thread, didn’t get any yay or nay on it. Here is their info as an alternative to Skype. 
 

Easy Setup that Lets You Focus on What Matters 

1. Choose number
   Choose your virtual number in a country of your choice, such as the US. You can also port your existing number to Sonetel.
2. Sign up
   Most types of numbers offer a free trial.
3. Forward incoming calls
   Forward incoming calls to any phone number at the cost of a local call (free if included in the selected plan).
4. Make calls
   Make calls worldwide at the cost of local calls, from your mobile or computer, with the Sonetel app.
5. Activate AI Features
   Get a written summary after each call you make or receive. Get draft follow up emails that you can send to the person you spoke with. Get meetings summarized. Get a score for every customer call you handle, and get suggestions on how to improve.

Why Switch Now 

As Microsoft phases out Skype’s pay-as-you-go model, Sonetel stands out as a reliable, affordable Skype alternative.

You’ll get a professional phone number at a lower monthly cost than Skype’s old pricing, plus advanced features that help you run your business more efficiently.

Switch to Sonetel today and experience a seamless way to manage your business calls worldwide, all while saving money and sounding more professional than ever.

[Galong]

8 minutes ago, biervoormij said:

In the past Google Voice could not be setup from Thailand. Has this changed?

 

It is a very good summary but on some of them you do not list if they have a phone number subscriptions. I need something to be able to receiving texts or calls from banks for the authentication.  

My problem too... the video aspect of Skype can easily be replaced. It's the 2FA and OTP for US gov agencies and banks that I need to get 100% right. 

[Galong]

8 minutes ago, Thailandbuckeye said:

I tried Google Voice and it stated it wasn’t available in my country, with and without VPN.

 

I mentioned Sonetel earlier in thread, didn’t get any yay or nay on it. Here is there info as an alternative to Skype. 
 

 

Easy Setup that Lets You Focus on What Matters 

1. Choose number
   Choose your virtual number in a country of your choice, such as the US. You can also port your existing number to Sonetel.
2. Sign up
   Most types of numbers offer a free trial.
3. Forward incoming calls
   Forward incoming calls to any phone number at the cost of a local call (free if included in the selected plan).
4. Make calls
   Make calls worldwide at the cost of local calls, from your mobile or computer, with the Sonetel app.
5. Activate AI Features
   Get a written summary after each call you make or receive. Get draft follow up emails that you can send to the person you spoke with. Get meetings summarized. Get a score for every customer call you handle, and get suggestions on how to improve.

Why Switch Now 

As Microsoft phases out Skype’s pay-as-you-go model, Sonetel stands out as a reliable, affordable Skype alternative.

You’ll get a professional phone number at a lower monthly cost than Skype’s old pricing, plus advanced features that help you run your business more efficiently.

Switch to Sonetel today and experience a seamless way to manage your business calls worldwide, all while saving money and sounding more professional than ever.

Thanks... I'm looking into it now. The monthly rate is fine. It seems to have very mixed reviews. Folks either absolutely love it and say the customer service is excellent or they said it doesn't work when waiting for an SMS (for a code/OTP). 🤔

[lordgrinz]

I have Google Voice setup from before I left the US to live here years ago, I still use it for texts from banks (with a USA local number), it is actually more reliable than Skype. But I also have a yearly subscription with Skype and a Skype number in the USA for pretending I was in the US. Like I said, I can use the Google Voice for text, but have never tried porting the call portion, I think they may notice where I am located and shut off the service. Hopefully someone here makes the transition to something else out there and let's the rest of us know how they fared.

[Galong]

12 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

I have Google Voice setup from before I left the US to live here years ago, I still use it for texts from banks (with a USA local number), it is actually more reliable than Skype. But I also have a yearly subscription with Skype and a Skype number in the USA for pretending I was in the US. Like I said, I can use the Google Voice for text, but have never tried porting the call portion, I think they may notice where I am located and shut off the service. Hopefully someone here makes the transition to something else out there and let's the rest of us know how they fared.

I've read about services being cut off by Google once they figure out that you're settled into Thailand and not just visiting.  Me thinks the clock is ticking for ya. ☹️

[lordgrinz]

6 minutes ago, Galong said:

I've read about services being cut off by Google once they figure out that you're settled into Thailand and not just visiting.  Me thinks the clock is ticking for ya. ☹️

Been working for almost 9 years now, but I haven't turned on the voice call option, which would let them see the mobile number here in Thailand. I rarely use the service, just for texts from banks.

[mrmicbkktxl]

10 hours ago, PomPolo said:

Skype was Sht anyways used it a few times to make phone calls to landlines but many other viable, cheaper and reliable options.

Which are better and cheaper?

[AhFarangJa]

Lots of helpful info, thanks to members for taking the time to post, However, they mostly seem to be concentrating on business use with monthly subscriptions. I use Skype with a prepaid 10 pounds sterling, with automatic top up when it went to 1 pound. I only use it to call my UK bank, or the government pension people, so a monthly fee would be a waste of money. Any tips for a system that is only used about eight times a year?........cue the jokes now.........

[scubascuba3]

3 hours ago, Etaoin Shrdlu said:

 

Thanks. 

 

In the meantime, I've downloaded Viber and purchased a subscription that provides unlimited calls to the US for 59 baht per month.

 

I've used Viber in the past, but haven't done so for a number of years now. I'll see how it works.

 

Unfortunately, Viber does not seem have an option for providing a US phone number the way Skype does, at least as far as I can determine. But that's a minor issue compared to being able to make calls to landlines in the US.

So Viber is only useful if someone the other end uses Viber, so same Line, WhatsApp etc

[Digitalbanana]

I have Skype credit using the top up method, not subscription, that I expect will last another 10 years or more based on my call history to land line phones. If you ask Copilot or any AI about that, they say you can carry on with Teams as if it were Skype.

>>> Microsoft Teams will honor your existing Skype credit. Even after Skype is retired on May 5, 2025, you will still be able to use your Skype credit through the Skype Dial Pad available in the Skype web portal and within Teams2. Your credit will remain valid until it is fully used, regardless of the duration

[lordgrinz]

13 minutes ago, Digitalbanana said:

I have Skype credit using the top up method, not subscription, that I expect will last another 10 years or more based on my call history to land line phones. If you ask Copilot or any AI about that, they say you can carry on with Teams as if it were Skype.

>>> Microsoft Teams will honor your existing Skype credit. Even after Skype is retired on May 5, 2025, you will still be able to use your Skype credit through the Skype Dial Pad available in the Skype web portal and within Teams2. Your credit will remain valid until it is fully used, regardless of the duration

 

Based on the email I got, it sounded like they are just abandoning Skype, telling us to port to another service. But will Teams just be porting Skype services over to itself, or does Teams not have the same Skype features? Never used Teams before, so don't know what it offers.

[PomPolo]

1 hour ago, mrmicbkktxl said:

Which are better and cheaper?

Viber, Google Voice, Zoom and Line to name a few.  Haven't tried them all but fairly sure I have seen options to purchase calling credits on them all the same as Skype.
And if you only want to talk or video other people without a landline but whatsapp/line/viber/fb messenger installed can't beat these apps for free messaging and calls it's very rare these days people don't have a mobile and at least one of these apps installed!
That is probably why Skype is shutting down who talks on Landlines anymore! 

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

28 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

So Viber is only useful if someone the other end uses Viber, so same Line, WhatsApp etc

 

No.

 

Viber has Viber Out, which for 59 baht per month supports unlimited phone calls to US landlines and mobiles, just like Skype. World-wide calling costs a bit more.

 

https://account.viber.com/en/

 

The major deficiency of Viber is the lack of an equivalent to the Skype Number for incoming calls.

[Galong]

38 minutes ago, Digitalbanana said:

I have Skype credit using the top up method, not subscription, that I expect will last another 10 years or more based on my call history to land line phones. If you ask Copilot or any AI about that, they say you can carry on with Teams as if it were Skype.

>>> Microsoft Teams will honor your existing Skype credit. Even after Skype is retired on May 5, 2025, you will still be able to use your Skype credit through the Skype Dial Pad available in the Skype web portal and within Teams2. Your credit will remain valid until it is fully used, regardless of the duration

Teams is out! ☹️

"You cannot directly receive bank verification codes through Microsoft Teams on Windows 11; Teams is primarily a communication platform and does not have the capability to deliver verification codes for banking purposes. "

[lordgrinz]

The basic needs are a local telephone number in the USA for incoming calls. Also the ability to call back to the USA as if I was there, same for texts. No other features needed. I spent $39 yearly for a 12 month Skype number subscription, and $30.50 yearly for Skype subscription. So a total of $69 for a local USA phone number, and unlimited calling in North America. Is there anybody offering this exact setup?

[PomPolo]

1 minute ago, Galong said:

Teams is out! ☹️

"You cannot directly receive bank verification codes through Microsoft Teams on Windows 11; Teams is primarily a communication platform and does not have the capability to deliver verification codes for banking purposes. "

I didnt know this one was going to mention That MS are pushing teams that does have outgoing call /messaging ability didn't know about the bank code stuff, guess we will still need mobiles for that.  As @Etaoin Shrdlu said also one of the features I did like about skype was the My Number where you could rent a static number useful if you have to give someone persistent contact details.