When international calls are dialed, only few realize that how difficult it was to do so just thirty or forty years ago. In those days use of telephone for international calls was not common. People had to depend on letters and manually carried mail for official or personal matters. Initially when people started using telephone for international calls, they had to take operator's assistance. Then came subscriber trunk dialing (STD), which allowed customers to make international calls without operator's help. The term STD is commonly used in UK, Republic of Ireland, Australia, India and Pakistan. Direct distance dialing is the alternative term used in USA and Canada. A trunk-call may be defined as a call made through a trunk which connects two far away exchanges. The term has become obsolete as all calls now can be made direct.
Telephone has now become the most common and the effective tool for verbal, vocal or oral communication. Talking to family members and friends or discussing business matters on telephone is an activity that is enjoyed by all. In emergency situations, telephone is a blessing.
Making international calls has always been costly. Per minute charges are very high and making a few minutes call makes one nervous. Internet telephony services have made it possible to make international calls at affordable prices, thereby extending the use of international calls, making it possible for a greater number of people to remain in touch. One of the ways through which international telephone cost is reduced is VoIP or voice over internet protocol, where calls are completed over an internet connection. VoIP has the capability to turn a standard internet connection into a telephone, thus making telephone calls free of cost. This technology can bring revolution to our telephone system. Many VoIP providers are already offering economical services to their customers throughout the world.
International calling cards are another way to economize the international calls bill. One must appreciate the convenience and economy they offer and this is the reason that they are in extensive use around the world. Calling cards can be a convenient and an economical way to remain in touch with your family, friends, colleagues and business partners. As compared to VoIP they don't require an internet connection. Due to massive demand of these cards around the world, network and companies are offering a number of benefits for their customers. While making a choice, one has to be careful about the hidden charges and tall and false claims made by many of these companies.
Situations may come into your life when you have to travel leaving your family and friends behind. One of the commonly used devices to remain connected is telephone. It is under these circumstances that one realizes that how important it is that we are able to make economical calls. There are a number of choices available. If you can get an internet connection, VoIP can be the first choice. Otherwise, you always have the option of a calling card. The land line is also another alternative. Last but not the least is the mobile phone, if you are able to afford it.
The author enjoys making cheap international calls to her friends and family back home. While traveling she uses her international sim for cheap calls.
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