Mobile phone users now use data services more than traditional calls and texts – and here’s why…
VOIP is a method of making voice calls using data via the internet. It is commonly used by mainstream cellular networks to facilitate free ‘same network’ calling as part of your monthly bundles.

By using a VoIP application downloaded on to your smartphone it also enables you to make free calls to other VoIP users using the same application. Many apps will also let you make other ‘out of group’ calls or calls to landlines, but check the prices as this is not always the best way to make them.

VoIP based calls using an app from your mobile use 3G or 4G data so make sure you have either a large bundle of data or unlimited data, as lengthy calls can consume large amounts of data. This is especially important if you’re abroad and using your app to make calls as data is charged at a higher rate when you’re roaming (up to £7.00pMB outside of the EU). Where possible either use a dataroam SIM or stick to wifi if you’re using your VoIP app abroad.

Many VoIP apps (e.g. Face Time) will also let you stream visual and audio files and they can use large amounts too so, again, it’s wise to change your SIM card or limit use to wifi hotspots.

Most VoIP apps can be downloaded for free but some will eventually require an ongoing monthly or annual fee once a free trial has ended so check the T&C’s carefully. Popular VOIP applications include;

• Skype – the biggest name in VoIP with around 600 million users, lets you make free voice or video calls to other Skype subscribers. You can use it on Windows computers and even on some smart TVs.
• Viber – like Skype, widely used by around 200 million subscribers, it lets you make free voice and video calls to friends and family who are also Viber users. You can use it on PCs, Macs, all mobile phones and tablets.
• Vtok – lets you make free voice and video calls to anyone with an iPhone, iPad or Android phone. The big plus for Vtok over the popular FaceTime is you can use it for cross-platform calls too.
• FaceTime – If you’ve got an Apple device ( iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch) you can make free video calls to other users who also have the app. Apple devices come with the app already installed, so you can start using it out of the box. However, iPhone 4 users can only use FaceTime over wi-fi. Other iPhone users (4S and 5) can use the service over both wi-fi and with a data allowance.