If you have a PC - set up skype and your telephone calls to each other are free!!!

If you're not using it, then download skype for free phone calls over the internet. Just go to skype.com and download, and follow the instructions. You set up a skype name (which people will use to connect to you) - and you can then call other skype users anywhere in the world for nothing!!! It is called voice over IP (internet Protocol). If your PC's internal mike and speakers are okay, you won't need a headset. If not, you can buy a little headset and mike for next to nothing. So when you click a friend/family skype name on your PC, the skype software will check if the other person is online - if so, the PC will ring like a phone. The receiver clicks the green button on his PC and connection is made.
If you have a skype account, but family members don't have a PC - you can still call their landline or mobile with skype. Here is where you have to pay - but the rates are ridiculouly cheap. This is done by buying skype credit - just follow instructions. I can get 10 hours talk time for €10 - any landline/mobile in the world. If you have any questions post a comment, and I will try and answer them. I will send you my skype name by email. My son Leam is on skype and is in Belgium and we can talk for ages completely free. Happy skyping!