Free Calls to America From Almost Anywhere

http://callingamerica.com/
Friends overseas can call from their pc to your phone.
12/18/08 By JOHN BIGGS
In trying times like these, every little bit helps, even if it’s just saving the price of a phone call. CallingAmerica.com is a new ad-supported Web service that lets you make phone calls to any number in the United States from any computer with a Web browser and a broadband connection.
The service, which begins Thursday, requires you to view a short ad before you place the call. The audio is played through the browser, and the site uses your computer’s microphone to transmit what you say.
There is a limit to the fun, however. Unregistered users can make calls of up to two minutes; registration — which is also free — gives you unlimited calls of up to 15 minutes. While it’s not as versatile as other Internet calling services like Skype or Vonage, it is enough to make a few quick calls while on the road without racking up long-distance charges. Most important, the service works domestically and all over the world. That means you can call the United States free from any cybercafe or Internet-enabled computer virtually anywhere. While it might not be as cozy as a call from a phone booth in London, the service is certainly cheaper. Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company