Not too long ago toll calls were so expensive they were rarely made and reserved for matters of great moment.
Calling between countries was even more costly – unless as friends and I once did, you could find a phone box in London which enabled you to call New Zealand for a very few pennies.
Technological developments have brought great leaps in telecommunications, increasing the ease of calling and decreasing the cost.
A niece phoned me from France recently for no cost at all.
I haven’t found a company offering free overseas calls in New Zealand but Internet options like Skype and Facetime do the same thing at no extra cost, and enable you to not only hear but also see the person with whom you’re conversing.
I’m now in the happy position of being able to talk to family and friends anywhere in the world without counting the cost and I’m grateful for that.
Homepaddock 