The skype landline subscriptions are the way to go. Not by the minute.

One year unlimited phone/video calls $60 for US/Canada .. skype to skype, of course, is always free.

The gubmint isn't liking skype, though, as they keep no records of IM's and skype-to-skype calls .. it is only stored on the users computers. Landline calls, of course, go thru the system..
Yahoo and MS, etc, keep records of IMs if needed for evidence etc

I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!