mobile phones w/cheap international rates

My child is attending university in Scotland and my cell phone bill is over the top. We have GSM phones but the mobile phone company is adding on huge roaming charges for the calls placed from Scotland to the US. Anyone know of a solution? Skype doesn't work for us - we both use Macs. And with the time difference, it's not always convenient to use the laptop to call either.

I'm looking for a mobile company in the UK that has good rates, especially on international calls. thanks!

[everyann]

I'm not knowledgable of mobile services in the UK but I would definitely recommend looking into a Vonage phone. A few friends/families of mine have it. Basically the idea is that, say your whole family lives in Seattle, you can get a number from that area so that it will remain a local call for them. Wherever you move, you bring the Vonage phone and keep that Seattle (or wherever you choose) number with you and they have decent rates. I have a friend from Washington and she now lives in Japan but we still call her Washington number to reach her.

So maybe you can get your child the phone/equipment necessary for your local town.

Check out their site here for the rates, availability, and how the whole process works. Now I'm not sure if there are any "cell phone" capabilities, but as long as you're home then you can always make that phone call or your child can call home. I do see on the site a call forwarding feature...that may be something to look into as well.

I hope this helps!

[d360]

My two favorite mobile phone service providers are Skype and Telestial. Skype has a couple of unique products, the USB phone will plug into your computer and allow VOIP calls and also the soon to be released wifi phone which is a great concept. Anywhere you can get a wifi connection you can make a phone call.

If you have any more questions drop me an email.

[deysmeean]

Hi

As a family, we too do have a landline and mobile phones, but what I have noticed is that now the deals and call charges on mobile phone are very good and very low. If you consider the free inclusive minutes and text message that come with the monthly contract, I think one is better of with a mobile. I use my mobile for all calls inland and for calling abroad. There are companies on the internet like reallyjustdial.co.uk that offer very cheap rates to call aboard .

Now hardly anyone ring us on our landline and we too never bother to use, its just sitting there. I reckon landline is going to phase out and mobiles are the future.

Regards