Free Calls Out, But (Sometimes) The Receiving Party Pays

We've all heard the model of calls where in Europe and the UK the Calling Party Pays. Here in the USA when it comes to a cell phone to cell phone call, both parties pay per se, even in an unlimited plan model. Now out of Israel comes a Spikko, which envisions a world of receiving party pays if you're not a Spikko member.

Novel.

Interesting.

Different

all comes to mind.

First off, Spikko bills themselves as a calling "club" and like PhoneGnome and Gizmo5, provides totally free calling between members. What more they also claim to provide:

* A permanent local Israeli number

* "Spikkophone" – software for managing your telephone calls, which can be easily installed on any PC.

* Voice mail messages sent to your email when calls are missed.

* Incoming calls: those who call your Spikko number reach the Spikkiphone on your PC.

* Outgoing calls: As a Spikko club member you will be able to perform outgoing calls to any international number, free of charge, based on minutes gained from incoming calls.

* Your personal portal: The Spikko website provides you with advanced tools to manage your personal communication needs.

* Various additional services (chats, interactive phonebook, etc.)

You can read their Manifesto here.