I know next to nothing about computers but this was mentioned on this weeks World Business Report on the beeb's World Service:
http://www.skype.com/
Apparently it's business model is the same as Google's making the basic service free with other premium services being charged for. Any views from those with more knowledge?
Personally, John, I wouldn't touch skype with a barge-pole; I believe it's the same people as "gave us" Kazaa - great for downloading music, viruses, spyware, etc etc etc; and a firewall which deliberately leaves "open doors" for their own manipulations.
But - maybe I'm overly cynical? Perhaps somebody has good experience of them?
All best - Gavin