Life after Skype

[Vossos]

Worth noting for those with current Skype credit that you can’t any longer top up Skype credit so once it’s gone, it’s gone

 

[carride]

There are some Columbia University students working on a Skype replacement. I've placed the Reddit thread below. I won't trust it right away, would want to wait until there have been countless users to give feedback...but if they're able to develop it properly, it sounds like it's going to be the perfect answer to Microsoft pulling the plug on so many of its dedicated Skype users. It's called Zkypee. Worth following.

They're looking to incorporate 2fa capable sms, calls to landlines/mobiles, the ability to port your Skype number or buy a dedicated line. They're currently asking for opinions on the services users would want, so a great time to inform them if you're so inclined and you see they're missing something that'd be worth adding to the service.

I hope this isn't a dud and winds up able to pick up where Skype is dropping off. Like many of you...I relied on Skype to call my relatives on landlines/cells and help them with things while I'm abroad, etc...Not to mention the bank 2fa's I occasionally need and calling toll free lines in the U.S.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Zkypee/

it is sketchy to me that they have no external references to “Backed by Columbia University“. The university it NYC or some other country? Where are the news links stating this to be true?
They have tried to pretend they are opensource by having a GitHub project opened, yet there is no source code. It is just a simple readme with a link to their website. Zero stars from other people, and zero issues or any feedback from people who have tried the product.

 

[liponlegs23]

I'm using Yolla which works perfectly for me (which is to call my dad's landline in the UK as he doesn't use smartphones). It works like Skype in that you add credit (I started with $4 USD) and it costs $0.06 to call landlines and $0.10 to mobiles (in the UK)

I have a refer a friend link I can send if you want and that gives you $3 credit on top up and I'd get $3 too

 

[Paige55]

it is sketchy to me that they have no external references to “Backed by Columbia University“. The university it NYC or some other country? Where are the news links stating this to be true?
They have tried to pretend they are opensource by having a GitHub project opened, yet there is no source code. It is just a simple readme with a link to their website. Zero stars from other people, and zero issues or any feedback from people who have tried the product.

It is a bit sketch at the moment and that's precisely why I prefaced the information with an: 'I won't trust it right away, would want to wait until there have been countless users to give feedback.' From what I gather, there wouldn't be news coverage/a load of feedback because they're very much working on it in real-time and haven't fine-tuned it...think they started mere weeks ago.

It's simply the first I've heard of anyone trying to fill the gap Microsoft has created by pulling Skype, so I felt it relevant to the thread. Obviously, do your own research and caution anything brand new that comes out of the woodwork, but many projects start from scratch and don't have huge names behind them. So, I'll follow along to see if this progresses in any meaningful way, just in case. As, I do need a solution that replaces Skype for me and I'm sure someone (while it might not be these kids) will come in to scoop up the clientele Microsoft has left behind, at some juncture. No other porting options to eSim carriers, etc... work for my case as my phone doesn't support them and I don't have the cash to buy a new phone in this absurd economy.

 

[Paige55]

I'm using Yolla which works perfectly for me (which is to call my dad's landline in the UK as he doesn't use smartphones). It works like Skype in that you add credit (I started with $4 USD) and it costs $0.06 to call landlines and $0.10 to mobiles (in the UK)

I have a refer a friend link I can send if you want and that gives you $3 credit on top up and I'd get $3 too

I think that sounds great depending on the frequency/length of your calls. For me Skype was great because it was unlimited SMS and calls to landlines/toll free numbers. My calls with my dad and relatives would put me at over $100 a month on that scheme, though, which I can't afford.

I hope someone truly comes up with a comparable service that also includes the 2 factor authentication texts I need to be able to receive. I've sorted through a lot of options and none seem to offer me the exact service Skype did for a price I can afford. I think Yolla might work while I'm trying to sort through all the options for something more long-term though. Thanks so much for listing it here for us!

 

[liponlegs23]

I think that sounds great depending on the frequency/length of your calls. For me Skype was great because it was unlimited SMS and calls to landlines/toll free numbers. My calls with my dad and relatives would put me at over $100 a month on that scheme, though, which I can't afford.

I hope someone truly comes up with a comparable service that also includes the 2 factor authentication texts I need to be able to receive. I've sorted through a lot of options and none seem to offer me the exact service Skype did for a price I can afford. I think Yolla might work while I'm trying to sort through all the options for something more long-term though. Thanks so much for listing it here for us!

You're welcome and good luck!

 

[Tonight97]

What's the name of the expat forum? I need some advice for a trip to Medellín

A Colombia expat forum currently has a similar thread. A member posted this:

Skype Number Alternative

What is the best Skype alternative? Get a phone number in any city of choice from $1.79 per month and unlock features Skype never had.

sonetel.com

 

[twin]

What's the name of the expat forum? I need some advice for a trip to Medellín

www.expatexchangecolombia
There is much more to be gleaned from any number of fayboo groups, however, especially Medellin.

 

[Tonight97]

www.expatexchangecolombia
There is much more to be gleaned from any number of fayboo groups, however, especially Medellin.

Thank you!

 

[Caribbean Cool]

What's the name of the expat forum? I need some advice for a trip to Medellín

Very helpful. Thank you for posting.