Rail passengers get free phone calls

You can make free phone calls using Wifi-equipped laptops or handhelds from major railway station in Britain thanks to a deal between hotspot provider Broadreach and Internet specialist Skype.

All you need to do is register with Skype here and download a software client Ñ there are versions for Windows, Mac OSX, Linux and Pocket PC. The software logs on to Broadreach's Readytosurf hotspots automatically, with no tricky log-ons.

Calls between Skype users are free, but there are charges for calls to standard phones Ñ prices start at 1.7 Euro cents per minute, which is still much cheaper than a mobile call. You pre-pay Skype for these calls on much the same basis as a standard phone card.

You cannot ring a Skype user from a standard phone, though the company is working on that one. The free service extends to all Broadreach Readytosurf hotspots, which are to be found in Virgin Megastores, Eurostar trains and various traveller eating places, as well as railway stations.

Broadreach is offering free internet phone calls as a way of promoting its wireless internet access, for which there is a variety of payment options.