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Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Skype is gone: Here are the best alternatives for internet calls in 2025
FILE - The Viber logo is being displayed on a smartphone screen. The Brief Microsoft shut down Skype on May 5, with some features shifting to Microsoft Teams. Users can port their numbers to alternatives like Google Voice, Zoom, or VoIP services. Some platforms offer free calling, but options vary widely depending on location. LOS ANGELES - Microsoft pulled the plug on the once-popular VoIP service on May 5, 2025, ending more than two decades of internet-based voice and video calls. While some features are shifting to Microsoft Teams, it's a business tool—not a plug-and-play consumer replacement. That leaves many former users, especially expatriates and long-distance callers, scrambling for alternatives. What happened to Skype? The backstory Microsoft announced in February that it would shut down Skype, ending support for subscriptions and preventing new number sign-ups. Some existing Skype functions—like the dial pad and call credit—are temporarily accessible through the web portal or within Teams, but only if users still have an active balance or number. RELATED: Microsoft officially shuts down Skype today Those who want to keep their existing Skype number can port it to another service, but Microsoft won't do it for them. Users must start the process with their new provider before their number expires. What can you use instead of Skype? What you can do There's no perfect one-size-fits-all replacement, but several options fill specific needs: Google Voice offers free calls to the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico and lets you get or port a number. But it only works if you're physically located in the US during sign-up—VPNs won't help. Porting from Skype costs $20. Viber , once a close Skype rival, still lets users buy credit to call international numbers, but you can't get a number to receive calls anymore. Zoom Phone and Teams Phone allow calling and SMS functions, but both are paid services. Microsoft's Teams Phone is only available for businesses, not individuals. Virtual wireless carriers like Tello offer affordable plans that can be used overseas—but you'll need a phone to use them, not just a laptop or desktop. VoIP platforms like Zoiper , , CallCentric , Virtual Landline , and Mytello cater mostly to businesses but may suit tech-savvy users seeking flexibility. Hushed , an app originally designed for anonymous calling, now positions itself as a Skype alternative. Users can purchase or port US, Canadian, UK, or Puerto Rican numbers—but there's no guarantee those numbers will receive verification texts. Number parking services like NumberBarn and ParkMyPhone allow users to hold onto a phone number for a small monthly fee, even if they're undecided about a new platform. What you can't do with Skype alternatives Some things are still unclear or limited: You cannot use an international eSIM to replace Skype. These digital SIMs are designed for mobile networks, and Skype numbers don't tie into a physical carrier's infrastructure. Many VoIP services do not reliably receive two-factor verification texts, which is critical for users who relied on Skype numbers to log into bank accounts or apps from abroad. What's next For expats, small business owners, or families with relatives abroad, losing Skype isn't just an inconvenience—it can disrupt how they communicate. Skype numbers were a lifeline for those living overseas who needed a US number to receive texts or make toll-free calls. Even though there are plenty of modern communication apps, few match Skype's specific combination of flexibility, simplicity, and affordability. Knowing what your needs are—whether it's voice calls, number portability, or receiving texts—will guide you to the right replacement. The Source This article is based on reporting by The Associated Press which included statements from Microsoft, Hushed, and Holafly.
Mint
06-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Skype bids adieu, but you can try THESE alternatives — including Teams, Zoom and more! Check the full list
Microsoft has finally pulled the plug on Skype, its once-revolutionary internet calling platform, leaving millions of global users scrambling for alternatives to stay connected. The shutdown, which took effect on 5 May, marks the end of an era for one of the earliest and most recognisable names in online communication. Launched in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft in 2011, Skype enabled affordable international calling, video chats, and instant messaging long before the rise of Zoom, WhatsApp, and Teams. Microsoft announced in February that Skype's services would be folded into Microsoft Teams, the company's business-focused communication platform. Users can sign into Teams using their Skype credentials, and are offered the option to migrate contacts and chat histories. However, Microsoft has clarified that Teams Phone, its calling feature, is not intended for everyday consumers and is limited to small and medium-sized businesses. The shutdown especially affects expatriates and remote workers who depended on Skype Numbers — virtual phone numbers used to receive authentication texts or make toll-free calls to the U.S. Those with active subscriptions can still receive calls until their number expires, provided they use Teams or Skype's web-based dial pad. Auto-renewals for Skype Numbers were halted on 3 April, and Microsoft is urging users to transfer their number to another provider if they wish to retain it. The porting process must be initiated with the new service, not through Skype itself. In the wake of Skype's demise, users are considering a variety of replacement services: Google Voice allows U.S. users to obtain a virtual number and make free domestic calls. It also supports number porting for a $20 fee. However, it cannot be newly registered from outside the U.S., and VPN workarounds are discouraged. Viber, a long-time Skype competitor owned by Rakuten, supports international calling via prepaid credits, though it now requires a mobile number for registration and no longer issues Viber numbers. Zoom Phone and Teams Phone offer paid business-grade telephony features, including number porting and SMS support, though neither is aimed at casual consumers. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Tello offer U.S. phone numbers with low-cost mobile plans, some starting at $5 per month. These can be activated abroad, but are not compatible with desktop apps or web calling. VoIP platforms such as Zoiper, CallCentric, and Hushed are seeing increased interest. Hushed, in particular, is branding itself as a Skype alternative, offering numbers from the U.S., Canada, UK, and Puerto Rico — though it warns that verification texts from certain services may not always go through. For users undecided about their next step, services like NumberBarn and ParkMyPhone offer number-parking options. These allow you to keep your number active and receive texts for a monthly fee, while retaining the option to transfer it later. However, this is only available for U.S. and Canadian numbers. While international eSIMs are popular for cutting roaming costs during travel, they are not compatible with Skype numbers. 'Skype numbers are not tied to a mobile carrier's physical infrastructure,' explained Pedro Maiquez, co-founder of eSIM provider Holafly, making them unsuitable for mobile eSIM services.
Zawya
11-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
HKT partners with Microsoft Hong Kong to launch next-gen Teams Phone solution
First local telecom carrier in Hong Kong to provide Microsoft Operator Connect 1 HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 February 2025 - HKT has partnered with Microsoft Hong Kong to provide Operator Connect, making it the first local telecom carrier to offer the new Microsoft Teams Phone solution for enterprises in Hong Kong. Operator Connect revolutionises business communications by seamlessly integrating existing business phone lines with Microsoft Teams through an operator-managed service. This solution enables enterprises to benefit from professional technical support and quality assurance while enabling Teams for calls, without the need for extensive changes or new hardware, resulting in a cost-effective, streamlined transition. By utilising its self-managed network, HKT has also introduced HKT Operator Connect Plus, an advanced version of Microsoft Operator Connect powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Leveraging its expertise in solution design and system integration, HKT Operator Connect Plus offers monitoring of call quality, automatically alerting users of any potential issues 2 and tracking down to the root causes of the fluctuations during voice calls. Steve Ng, Managing Director of Commercial Group, HKT, said, "HKT has a long-standing history of providing reliable voice services to thousands of enterprises in Hong Kong. We understand the need for a future-proof, enterprise-grade communications platform in the evolving digital landscape. HKT Operator Connect Plus, powered by AI, assists enterprises in swiftly identifying and resolving cloud voice issues. Committed to enabling corporates in their digital transformation journey, we will continue to leverage the latest technologies, including AI and automation, to deliver advanced Unified Communication-as-a-Service (UCaaS) that caters to enterprises' evolving needs." "We are thrilled to see the launch of Operator Connect in Hong Kong, marking a significant milestone in our collaboration with HKT," said Cally Chan, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau. "By combining Microsoft's industry-leading technology with HKT's carrier-grade capabilities and local expertise, Operator Connect becomes a future-proven solution that provides customers with a comprehensive, reliable and AI-powered communications solution that will drive productivity and digital transformation for businesses of all sizes." Comprehensive end-to-end support is available to enterprises, covering Microsoft licence, technical integration and operator-managed service. Additionally, a dedicated technical support hotline provides professional advice on preventative measures and troubleshooting, ensuring reliable communication for local and regional businesses. HKT addresses various migration challenges and operational requirements, ensuring seamless implementation of HKT Operator Connect Plus with the Teams Phone system. _____________ 1 Information source: 2 This is a value-added service, and users need to apply for it separately. Hashtag: #HKT The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About HKT HKT is a technology, media, and telecommunication leader with more than 150 years of history in Hong Kong. As the city's true 5G provider, HKT connects businesses and people locally and globally. Our end-to-end enterprise solutions make us a market-leading digital transformation partner of choice for businesses, whereas our comprehensive connectivity and smart living offerings enrich people's lives and cater for their diverse needs for work, entertainment, education, well-being, and even a sustainable low-carbon lifestyle. Together with our digital ventures which support digital economy development and help connect Hong Kong to the world as an international financial centre, HKT endeavours to contribute to smart city development and help our community tech forward. For more information, please visit LinkedIn: HKT
