Free mobile to Skype calls from 28TEL [Review]

While Skype has played a major role in taking VoIP to masses, a constant complaint against Skype is its closed network. Skype uses a proprietary protocol and does not interoperate with other VoIP providers.

Friend and fellow blogger at Talkfree7, Piyush, highlighted the launch of 28Tel‘s service that enables 28TEL users to call online Skype contacts for FREE. I decided to take a deeper look at the service and it has some promise.

28TEL is an offering by Linkwell International. 28TEL allows you to make cheap international calls from your mobile phone. 28TEL basically provides local number numbers for your international contacts. If you have used Rebtel, you already know how this works. All you need to do is enter the number of your international contact and 28TEL will provide a local number for your contact. Now you can dial the number to reach your contact, no PINs, no passwords, no downloads!!! Currently 28TEL provides local numbers in 9 countries, including Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Philipines, Taiwan, USA and Canada.

Nothing special so far. However, 28TEL has a great feature for its users. 28TEL users can dial their Skype contacts for free. 28TEL provides a local number for your Skype contacts and you can reach your contacts for free (if they are online) by dialing the local number. More details on how to use this service are provided here. This service is free during the beta phase and may be charged in the future. But this is an interesting first step and basically shows that the Skype network can be reached without relying on Skype-in number.

They are also offering free international minutes for sign-ups. So go ahead and try them out. If you have already used 28TEL share your opinions here.

UPDATE: 28tel is no longer offering free calls to Skype. Refer to our updated post on how to make and receive free Skype Calls.

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