Free for 5 mins…….

There are two methods for “talking” with another person using MSN Messenger:

• Voice conversations let one MSN Messenger user “call” another MSN Messenger user from PC-to-PC. As Faizan noted, these are free and unlimited, but both parties must be on computers and logged onto the Internet.
• Phone calls can also be made, using MSN Messenger and calling ANY valid phone number. This lets you talk to someone who doesn’t even have a computer. To use this service, you must first select and sign-up with a voice service provider.

It’s the latter that I think “Guy” was referring to. You can setup Messenger to place phone calls by selecting Actions > Make a Phone Call. The first time you run it, it will check to see if your computer is capable of making PC-to-phone calls, then you’ll see a screen like this:

When you click the Get Started Here button, you’ll see a list of providers for your region. Here in the U.S., I could choose from six different providers. Each one has different terms of service and pricing plans (yes, you have to pay). For example, net2phone offers rates as low as $0.01/minute in the United States, with a minimum initial purchase.

Some of the providers may offer specials or even free trials, but you’ll have to click “more info” for each one to review their latest offers.