This is one of those cool posts where it's so fulfilling to click "publish" Do you still remember the North American free calls announcement? Free SkypeOut calls within North America and Canada until the end of 2006. Still ongoing.

Many thought "why only America"? Well fear not Europe, because Skype is with you. As of right now and until the end of 2006, all SkypeOut calls to landlines within France are free. Unlimited. Zero price. No catches.

If you're from France or just speak French, check out our French site and the French blog for more ongoing coverage.

A couple of things to point out...

• in France, this applies to landlines only. In North America, it covers both landlines and mobiles.
• you can call for free within the individual "islands", that is, within North America and France. You cannot call North America from France for free or vice versa — in this case, the regular SkypeOut rates continue to apply.
• in both North America and France, if you use Call Forwarding then it costs you the standard SkypeOut rate.

What's next? Can we expect more "free countries"? What happens in 2007? I don't have the info to post here just yet, but 2007 is not that far away any more, so we'll have to come up with the answers soon, so stay tuned for that. And until then, enjoy the free calls in USA, Canada and France.