SkypeIn… but not “in” Canada.
For those of you unfamilier with Skype, it is a peer to peer text, voice and video application. The Skype website says, “Skype is free calls, video calls and instant messages. And you can call landlines and mobiles anywhere in the world at great rates. Free to download and easy to use. “ I agree, in principle, with their statement.
SkypeIn(tm) is when you buy a 10 digit phone number and have it assigned to your Skype Account. People can call you from a cell phone or landline by dialing your Skypein number and ringing you on your computer. You can buy SkypeIn numbers for 21 countries… but unfortunately, not Canada.
Until Now…
Now you can get a number for most major Cities in Canada for Skype…
…but still not from Skype.
If you really want a SkypeIn number with a Canadian area code, there is a really inexpensive way to acheive it. I did. I can now be reached on my Skype account by anyone who dials my new number with the 403 Area Code – 403-775-2205 (give it a try… I spend 80% of my day near a PC)
Here is how you can get a Canadian phone number to ring into your Skype account;
- Get a subscription for unlimited calling in the US & Canada for your Skype account… 3 months, the cost is $7.95.
- Buy a SkypIn number for your account. Choose from a number for any of the 21 Countries that are available… I chose a number in Texas. I like Texas.
- Now, navigate yourself over to LES.NET. Sign up for an account ( no cost to open the initial account).
- After you are logged into your LES.NET account –> click the menu “order DID” that’s a fancy telecom term for “Phone Numbers” (direct inward dial… I think
- Once you buy the phone number you want for Calgary… you need to get it to ring into your Skype Account.
- Click the menu Peers/Trunks –> on the bottom, click “New Trunk”
- Edit the Trunk details –> give it a name –> Peer Type = Phone Number –> Peer Address = YOUR SKYPEIN number… remember the number you bought and assigned to your Skye Account earlier –> SAVE your changes.
Now. There you have it! Dial the local 403 number (in my case) and it forwards directly to my SkyIn number in Texas and then rings through to my PC!
Les.net rates are very inexpensive. You can get a North American Toll Free number for a one time fee $15, montly fee $2.50 and $0.055/min. Canadian numbers with Les.net are $3.50 per month plus $0.011 per minute or a flat rate of $8.88. You choose, pay-as-you-go or flat rate.
I know that it is sometimes easier read than done. If you want a local Canadian number for your Skype account and find the above steps overwhelming… just drop me an email from the contact page here and I will either coach you through it or just simply get you setup.
Happy Skyping.
Hey – why not get Skype now and give me a call? – 403-775-2205
Cheers -
David A. West
shane magee on August 18th, 2008
hay david, any ideas as to how i can get a skypein number for saint john nb????