Skype is an excellent form of communication... using it to talk to b/f who is currently over in the states. We converse over the web, and the reception is EXCEPTIONALLY clear both on broadband and dial-up! He also will occasionally ring me on the landline or mobile using it... again it very clear (not as crisp as net-to-net), and no delay. Rates to landlines are excellent! 30min phone call from USA to here cost 60c!
I highly recommend Skype. It functions as a phone, but you can also 'chat' using text. I think it's a brilliant little application!
-soc