Go to www.ipdrum.com (sorry but I can never figure out how to create a link) to check out Skype<->mobile gateway. Idea is you get a cheap mobile and have it permanently connected to a PC via a cable. PC is running Skype and mobile gateway software and has permanent internet connection.

Then, from your normal mobile if you want to call a Skype contact then first you call your mobile connected to the PC, mobile/Skype gateway software answers call and tells you which of your Skype buddies are online (not sure how it does this), then you initiate a Skype call. And same works in reverse if your Skpye buddies call you.

Pretty cool - you are only paying local mobile call rate, and if your mobile connected to the PC is in your Talkzone or local calling group then this could be a zero tariff call!

At the end of the day it is a bit fiddly and obvious response from Telcos is just to lower their costs - but they'll have to lower them significantly. And of course you do have some monthly cost associated with your mobile that is connected to a PC.