Skype Halted Permanently; Here are Still-Viable Alternatives for Communication
Skype's shutdown has left millions of users scrambling for a replacement for their beloved internet phone service. While Microsoft shifts some services to Microsoft Teams, now's the time to explore alternatives.
Loved for affordable long-distance calls and easy communication, Skype's simplicity particularly shone in setting up communication for elderly parents living far away or simply due to habit. Founded in 2003, Skype was a pioneer in utilizing voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology, but its demise is causing inconvenience for Americans and expats abroad.
With the shutdown, Skype users can transition to Teams with an option to migrate contacts and chats. However, Skype numbers and subscriptions no longer renew, and users can still access the dial pad from the web portal or Teams to make calls until their subscription expires.
Transferring Skype numbers to another provider is an option, but it must be initiated through the new provider, not Skype.
Consider Google Voice for worldwide calling and messaging directly from a smartphone or desktop web browser. U.S., Canadian, and Puerto Rican calls are free, and users can even port their numbers from other services like Skype for $20. Unfortunately, the free version is only accessible to U.S. residents.
Long considered a Skype rival, Viber, owned by Rakuten, also offers international calling but is no longer allowing users to obtain a Viber number to receive calls. Zoom Phone, with number porting and SMS text messaging, also comes with a monthly subscription and extra fees for international calls.
Microsoft Teams offers calling options, but it's not for regular users as it's intended for small and medium-sized businesses.
Mobile virtual network operators, like Tello, can offer U.S. phone plans and phone numbers for expats living overseas, but remember, you'll need a physical phone to make calls.
Other VoIP services like Zoiper, VoIP.ms, CallCentric, Mytello, and Virtual Landline are abundant, with many catering to business users. Some, like Hushed, which started as an anonymous calling app, are marketing themselves as Skype alternatives, offering phone numbers from the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, or Puerto Rico for users to port their own numbers.
If you can't decide which service to switch to, number parking services like NumberBarn.com and Parkmyphone.com can let you store your phone number for a monthly fee, reliving any text messages sent to that number without a need to switch immediately.
Remember, eSIMs, the virtual version of the mobile phone SIM card, aren't compatible with Skype numbers due to the fundamental differences between VoIP services and traditional mobile networks.
- The shutdown of Skype has caused a stir in the world of technology, prompting users to explore alternative internet phone services.
- Founded in 2003, Skype was a pioneer in national and international tech business, featuring voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology.
- With Skype's demise, Americans and expats abroad are finding the transition to Microsoft Teams daunting, as their Skype numbers and subscriptions no longer renew.
- Google Voice is an option for worldwide calling and messaging, even allowing users to port their numbers from other services like Skype for a fee.
- Viber, a long-time Skype rival, also offers international calling, but it's no longer allowing users to obtain a Viber number for incoming calls.
- Zoom Phone, with number porting and SMS text messaging, is another alternative, but it comes with a monthly subscription and extra fees for international calls.
- Microsoft Teams, while offering calling options, is more intended for small and medium-sized businesses, not regular users.
- In the market for a new VoIP service, some users are turning to providers like Hushed, which started as an anonymous calling app and is now marketing itself as a Skype alternative.
