So Long, Skype – What Now for Cheap International Calls?

If you’ve spent any time making international calls from your PC or mobile over the past decade or so, there’s a good chance that you’ve come into contact with Skype.

Microsoft’s successor to the wildly popular MSN Messenger, Skype quickly became the go-to app for keeping people connected all over the world, with cheap international calling that knocked mobile and landline carriers squarely into touch.

However, Microsoft has recently announced that, as of May 2025, Skype will “no longer be available” to use – effectively ending an era of affordable, accessible international calling.

That said, cheap and even free international calls don’t have to die off along with Skype. Keep reading, and we’ll explore what you can do next if you’re left wondering how to keep contact overseas.

Where did it all go wrong?

It’s not necessarily that anything went wrong for Microsoft and Skype, it’s that the marketplace for international connectivity simply grew too crowded, and that rival services and apps popped up to offer cleaner, more accessible alternatives.

Always seen as a bastion of 00s tech, Skype was already losing some brand acknowledgement by the time the COVID-19 pandemic hit, which suddenly skyrocketed the likes of Zoom and Google Meet into mass public consciousness.

That, and Microsoft’s own Teams software effectively took over as the firm’s flagship conferencing app.

More than this, international calling has become more accessible over the years since Skype’s launch. Millions of people use instant messaging apps and device-exclusive software to make video calls and keep in touch across the miles.

And, for people who want to continue making traditional phone calls without the exorbitant per-minute cost, there’s services such as Planet Telecom – but, more on us shortly.

Ultimately, the world has shrunk and become closer connected since the pandemic’s height – which, sadly, helped to force Skype into a position of near-obsolescence.

You don’t have to pay over the odds for international calls

The end of Skype might disappoint many people who depended on its international call functionality and its easy top-up system.

This was more than just an instant messenger or a follow-on from MSN – Skype transformed the way people paid for overseas calls simply because it gave us all an affordable alternative to the rising fees of major networks the world over.

Now Skype’s heading to the app retirement home, it’s worth considering ways in which you can continue making overseas calls without paying over the odds. As mentioned, there are various other apps that have picked up Skype’s lead – but what if you want to continue making traditional calls without having to muddle around with different software?

That’s where Planet Telecom comes in.

Planet Telecom’s cut-rate international calling service allows you to connect with scores of countries for a minimal per-minute rate. And, in some cases, you can even make calls to overseas territories for free!

There’s no need to jump in and out of different apps and accounts – you can take full advantage of call savings from whichever UK phone you prefer.

How does Planet Telecom’s cheap international calling work?

We offer a cut-rate proxy service, which means you simply call our connecting number, charged at a local rate, and then the number you’d like to call. It really is super straightforward!

All you need to do beforehand is register your own Planet Telecom account online, log in, and add the number you want to make international calls from.

Once fully registered, you then need to associate a PayPal account, and make a minimum deposit of £5. This is the credit you’ll use towards your international calls – think of it as like pay-as-you-go credit that you’ll eat into over time.

If you need to top up your credit at any time, just log back in and add more via your associated PayPal account. Easy!

To actually make the calls, you simply need to call our access number, which is 0161 328 777. Then, call the number you want to reach overseas. Remember, you can only make these cut-rate calls from the number you’ve registered to your account!

We have a complete list of countries you can call for cheaper rates, too – meaning you won’t have to waste any time searching around.

Best of all, there’s no need for any extra downloads, contract terms, monthly fees, or credit expiration dates. Once you top up, that credit’s ready to use, and you can start calling international numbers at a fraction of what you’d typically expect elsewhere.

What about free calls?

Here’s where we can even get one over on Skype! If your mobile or landline package covers calls to 0845 numbers for free, you can use our free international calls service.

Just call 0845 222 6666, type in your country’s code and the number you want to call, and you’re connected – and, even if you don’t have 0845s included, you’ll only ever pay 5p per minute plus the access charge applied by your network or carrier.

We’ll miss you, Skype!

For personal and business calls over the years, Skype has been there for millions of us. It’ll be a shame to see it go – but, unfortunately, technology always has a habit of marching onwards, and there are no reasons why you should ever have to compromise paying more money just because options are running out.

Instead, let Planet Telecom lower the costs of international calling from here on out. Skype might leave a hole in your life, but don’t let it burn holes in your bank account!

We believe in keeping international calling cheap and accessible for everyone – and with our direct access numbers, it’s never been easier, or more affordable, to keep in touch with people based all over the world.

Skype only has a few weeks of valiant service left – but that doesn’t mean you have to delay making cheaper calls till May! Take a look at the countries we cover through our international calls service and start saving money on the calls you make regularly.

Move your Skype Number to Planet Telecom and Keep Your Business Connected

Microsoft has confirmed that Skype will be retired on 5 May 2025, leaving thousands of UK businesses at risk of losing their contact numbers. If your business relies on Skype, don’t wait until it’s too late—secure your number now with our Virtual Landline service.

We’ll ensure a seamless, disruption-free transition with zero downtime, so you can keep making and receiving calls as usual. Stay connected and safeguard your business by transferring your number to Planet Telecom, today.  Find out more here or call us free on 08000 886 886.