Voice over ip as a workable proposition is here. Check out Skype. Better sound quality than anything I’ve used to date, drop-dead easy to use, and for the time being anyway, free. PC only now but linux and mac clients are on the way, as are connections to the regular landline telephone network and a host of other features. There’s a great article at the register that gives a good overview of the tool. I’m tempus67, give me a call, evenings only 😉