Channel 4 and ComXo talk Telecommunications

Telephony and internet

The internet and modern telephone systems are the wonders that have made telecommuting a reality for millions around the world. From your humble home computer it's possible to run a PABX-style telephone system, audio and video conference, log into corporate servers, call remote parts of the world for a few pence a minute, and much more. But be warned: not all countries' telephone and internet systems are as well developed or competitive as those of the UK. So you need to do your homework before packing your bags. Even here in New Zealand, toll calls and internet access are expensive. Calls from NZ to the UK, for example, cost about 60% more than the other way around.

I use a nifty service called EasyVoice (now known as Call2) from UK-based company ComXo to get calls at UK rates. I enter the number I'm calling into ComXo's website and wait a few seconds. My phone then rings with an incoming call and when I pick it up, my call connects. Calls using ComXo are charged at UK rates no matter where in the world you are. For example, if you're in Rio de Janeiro, calls to the UK will cost 4 pence a minute, and 3p from Australia. You can also place calls using SMS messaging. Another take on the same idea is callserve, which uses your computer, with a headset attached, as a telephone. You place the call on the internet and it is connected into the local phone system.

If you only ever call one person or organisation, you could set up true Voice over IP (VoIP) on your computer, allowing you to place voice calls over an Internet connection for free. To find out more about VoIP, click on one of the links at the end of this article.