This should be in th skype-closes-shop-in-may-2025
It’s gonna be a problem for many and that’s where they will search.
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Thanks, got my post and the replies moved to the right place. 
I still use Skype because it’s the preferred means of communication for some of my older family members. Teams tests so far are not working, not even to find existing contacts by email address or Skype name - even if that person is sitting in the same room as me and also logged on to both!
These folks generally prefer to type-chat and share memes/videos as opposed to voice chatting. WhatsApp and Signal could be options, and Viber looks like it could be a good option that isn’t owned by the usual companies. I’ll check it out as well. Thanks @RobBob
Skype was the first thing I managed to get my parents using to make international calls. Before that I had to maintain a VOIP number so they had a UK number to call normally.
Technology has moved on and now we have easy to use smartphones and my parents have successfully migrated to WhatsApp.
There’s a blog on NordVPN as to which messaging apps are more secure or best:
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For years we did the same, because international phone numbers, like international flights, only work in one direction. Or somethin’.
We’ve finally managed to switch my mother to FaceTime - but that only works if there is a grandchild on hand to set up the call for her.
But hey - at 95, I’m just glad she’s still here to talk to.
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I tried the “Zadarma” VoIP service, and at a 3rd or 4th attempt it finally succeeded to make a call to a foreign landline.
I could make such a call from my mobile or land phone but either tha calling rates or the monthly subscriptions for that are so 20 century expensive.
Skype was used by many people for cheap international calls. A good alternative is Google Voice (only available in the US) and MyTello. Viber also has international calls (Viber Out) but if I recall correctly the credit will expire after a few months.
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