In the present times, 7 out of 10 friends of mine have switched over completely to the usage of cellphone services to meet their communication needs. But the remaining three still prefer to keep their classic landline phones actively functioning because they are not quite comfortable with the idea of depending totally on cellphones, especially when the wireless services have become so very costly. But then again, landline calls are affordable only as far as the local area is concerned. If you were to make a long distance call, you’ve had it! If long distance call charges are making you unhappy, here are three tips which can help you in slashing down the costs.

Profitable usage of communication technology calls for a wise mix of both landline and cellular services. Many people depend on either of these completely and then end up paying more than what they ideally ought to for the amount of communication that they do. Keep both services handy and use them together to ensure an overall reduction in the total charges incurred for your communication requirements.

Use Cellphones for Long Distance Calls

Long distance calls turn out to be cheaper on cellphones than on landlines because many times the services are offered for free by many companies within a certain limit. When it comes to international calls, even a cellphone call will cost a lot. You should subscribe for those services on either your landline or cellphone depending upon the charges quoted. For example, an AT &T call to Germany will cost you 9 cents over your landline compared to 26 cents over your mobile phone which is almost three times the charges of your landline charges.

Manage a Google Voice Invitation

Google Voice has come up with a plan that allows you to make calls to landlines or cellphones using a single phone number. You don’t have to take a new number from Google for this. Your present phone number will do.  Call screening and recording are not possible but voice messaging can be done well. National long distance calls in the US to any location, except Hawaii and Alaska are free. Even calls to Canada come on the freebie list. This is a very cost effective mode of making calls, but on the flip side, it is available only on invitation. So request Google to send you an invitation or if you already know someone using this service ask him/her to invite you.

If you are a habitual global caller, VoIP(Voice Over Internet Protocol) might be a better option for you. International call rates depend on the country you’re calling and the type of phone you are making a call to. i.e. a cellphone or landline.

Use VoIP Phone Service

Download Skype for free on the internet and make free international calls to other Skype users. With a Vonage connection you get to make unlimited local and long distance calls apart from free international calls to 60 countries !

I’d also recommend you to converse using voice chat of your email chat facility. Consider these options and talk in a cost effective manner.