Did you know that many people are enjoying free phone calls and text messages to their loved ones via Android and iPhone smartphones, using one of a variety of apps? Strange as it may seem to someone with a contract mobile, it is still possible to get free calls and texts to your contacts who share the same apps as you. In this article, we examine which apps are available for download for the most popular smartphones, how they work and which is the best service for those seeking to take advantage of these exciting new apps.

How do the apps work?

The apps for free calls work by utilising the latest VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to send telecommunications and video over the internet, rather than using expensive undersea cables or satellite technology. Because this technology is free to use, it means companies can offer free calls provided that both the caller and the person answering, use the same technology. 

Connecting to the Internet is achieved from a smartphone using either Wi-Fi (such as your home wireless internet connection, or a wireless internet hotspot) or 3G, which allows you to access the Internet anywhere in the world, provided your device has a mobile signal.

Which apps can be used?

The market is flooded with services, which is great for us end users since the fierce competition keeps service quality up and costs down.  Here are some of the best out there at the moment.

Viber) – Available on most modern smartphones and tablets, one of its best features is that it scans your contact list for other Viber users to set up an immediate contact for them. Regular app updates aim to keep bugs at a minimum and users benefit from free app-to-app calling (where both users have Viber installed).

Yahoo Messenger – Although not as commonly used in America and Europe, Yahoo Messenger enjoys great popularity in Asia. As well as calls to video, Yahoo Messenger also offers free calls to video too and allows you to share files and photos in real time. (3G & WiFi supported)

Skype – Skype is the name that has become synonymous with free international calling and it’s high usage rates have driven continuous improvements in video feeds and audio quality.  Calling other users who have Skype enabled on their phones, tablets or desktop computers is simple also serves as an instant messaging and simple file transfer service.

What about calling people who don’t have the same app as you?

Sure, many of the free apps offer fantastic coverage and great services without cost.  But the reality is that international modern day living requires that we have an affordable way to contact any person.  One of the problems of so many free VoIP providers on the market is that everyone has a different preference.  If you use Skype and your friend uses Viber, how do you get hold of them cheaply from a different country?  And what about our family members who have been bypassed by the smartphone/tablet craze?

Fortunately there are other apps out there that enable cheap international calls regardless of the device or preferred app of the user.

Rebtel offer a premium quality calling service whereby the installation of an app will import your contacts from your local address book and you are provided with local phone numbers to make calls to your international contacts.  Prices are some of the lowest in the market so you can make a long distance phonecall to anyone, including your dear beloved grandma, all the way to the other side of the world, even to her home telephone/landline. And all at the modest price of a local call!