New AT&T App Cuts the Cost of Overseas Calls

AT&T just joined the pack in offering an international calling app to its subscribers.

Developed by 8x8 Inc, the application uses voice over IP (VoIP) to place overseas calls. According to AT&T rate information, using the app to call China will cost $0.04 a minute (both wireline and wireless), and calls to France cost $0.04 per minute to a wireline and $0.21 per minute to a wireless number. That's far less than the cost calling those countries directly from either a cell phone or a wireline.

The international calling app from AT&T has competition. Skype and Google Talk are among the bigger names in this space, although there are many other options available. Verizon offers its own flavor of Skype to its customers, although that service is only available for calls originating in the United States, making it useless to international travelers.

The AT&T app lets subscribers use the app worldwide, although the app requires a Wi-Fi connection rather than a mobile data connection. Before taking an international trip, it's advisable to look up or call and confirm whether you'll have access to Wi-Fi service, rather than finding out when you get there.

International calling apps, and even just alternate voice apps, are a good way to manage your small-business telecom costs. Calls made using an app divert minute usage away from pooled company minutes or even individual minutes. In addition to minutes, international call rates on a typical wireline or cell phone add up fast.

With a VoIP service, those costs are minimized, so you save in two different ways.

It's worth weighing the cost of a subscription to a VoIP service for a mobile account to budget minutes on a calling plan. Of course, it's necessary to test the service for clarity and how often calls are dropped before pushing this out across the company.