I uses an Internet phone service called Lingo.  I get unlimited local and long distance calling including Canada and Western Europe, plus more phone features than I know what to do with for $20.09.

You need high speed Internet access to use it which costs more than dial-up, but even with that I save money.

Here's the breakdown:

Before Lingo		With Lingo
Dial Tone	$35	Unlimited Calling	$20
Cheap Dial-up Internet	$15	High-Speed Internet	$45
Long Distance (average)	$40
Total	$80	Total	$65

With the high-speed Internet, I actually use the Internet all the time.  In addition, I can talk and surf at the same time.  I don't have to wait until the rates drop to make a call.  I have features I never wanted to pay for before, but can't live without now, caller ID, and a simultaneous ring.  My cell phone rings when you call my house.

If you can shop around for a cheaper high-speed hook-up, you'll save even more money.

OK, you want to know is the quality as good as my old phone.  No, it isn't; it has some glitches similar to digital cell phones, only not nearly as often.  It's probably 97% of what you had before, and you can yack on the phone all night long for FREE.

Lingo's Broadband Phone Service - First month free. Use your broadband connection for UNLIMITED local and long distance calls only $19.95. Lingo's unlimited calling is the alternative to your high phone bills.

I love my Lingo phone so much I've been talking it up with everyone I meet.  Since they'll pay me to sell their service, and since I really think this is the best deal going, I figured I might as well collect some bucks for what I'd do for free anyway.