If recent announcements are correct then we will see the capability for Skype to Phone (as in PSTN). There is a general assumption that Skype will have to charge for calls into the local phone network or to a local cellphone. I believe their intent will be to make such calls free. Unbound Spiral: Skype Xfire Presence
Comparisons are being made to Hotmail, which was one of the first free email providers. Now for the punch line: email is now essentially free (nevermind the part about how many would also now gladly pay for virus- and spam-free email — that’s the other side of the curve).
I think that Skype could very easily and cheaply build out VoIP gateways with nothing more than a couple of local phone lines and some Linux gear.
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