Just a quick note - 1800 numbers are free on Skype, but I think you need to have Skype credit to do it, even if that credit is not used.

People that I know with VOIP over naked DSL find it unreliable.
From time to time it stops and you need to reset the router, so you might have missed calls in between.

Saltpetre

I've just worked out that using the $14.95 monthly VOIP idea I can save about 80% at least on what I presently pay, even if I still retain my landline. So with some help from my younger very savvy sibling who I see very occasionally and who set up my internet for me, this seems the way to go, as my router has a spare port on it. At the same time I feel I need to keep my landline as we have a priority assistance facility on it which is a necessity for us. But I will make the savings on calls which is good.

Until less than a year ago I didn't even own a computer [or mobile phone], and now finding time to investigate what is on it, and at the same time try to absorb all the new advances constantly being made makes me feel so inadequate. Our local library has a programme where the schoolkids mentor adults once a week for 6 weeks to explain all aspects of computers, which is great, but unfortunately I don't have the hour + travel time it would take to join.

In my own defence though, I am so time poor with being my partner's carer full time 24/7, it doesn't leave me much free time to investigate this new [ to me ] technology, so this is when I appreciate that olo members take the time to help me out, as I literally have no-one else to ask, so I'd like to say thank you all.

World watcher and others.
I combined my plan.
Saved near twenty bucks in doing it.
My family led the way, we are on that server our plans are unlimited free calls to each other.
My total spend is far more than I need, on reflection I could near halve it, at the end of my two year plan.
I Phone included I get 650 minutes of calls a month plus free to family.
And 4 ghz.
For $84 a month.
Now if you, any one, have a ham radio club near you, I am sure some one could put my areal up, in 30 minutes.
Do it your self?
Duck in to any place selling the computer games kids use, buy that USB lead, 15 meters is about, $20
You should try to use less, leads are like a leaking hose, loss of signal rather than water, same effects.
you can do the rest, do not fall off the ladder!

Although Telstra management should be replaced instantly I'd say that the real driver for the intolerable practises are the shareholders i.e. greedy Australians not giving a hoot about other Australians. We have no choice as Telstra is the only provider but if another provider ever came in Telstra would lose 95% of it's subscribers in my area solely due to their customer service. Technically they are as efficient as the best of them but customer service ? Nope !
Too much money spent on advertising & top brass. Telstra is way too expensive in comparison to our northern neighbours.

Re VOIP:

Yuyutsu is right, that if the broadband service (or Comms Provider service) goes down for any reason, then the Voip becomes unavailable - but that's why you need to retain a normal landline phone service, even if it is a 'budget' plan.

People who go with 'naked' DSL may save the $20/mth line rental for a landline phone service on their phone line, but in doing so place themselves in the position of no phone service at all if power goes out (blackout) or if internet or modem or router or ATA or comms service goes down! And they therefore also risk losing incoming calls.
They are additionally hugely vulnerable if a fault develops on their landline (ie the copper wire running into their house) - and thus no internet, no phone, no Voip, no nothing. And, who are they going to call to repair that landline?
So, this is a false and unwarranted 'saving', leaving one 'naked' indeed.

(Funny also how some people don't keep a manual phone handset (ie non-cordless), for use when there is a power blackout. Still, they will say there's always the mobile - but is there?)

With a good quality landline broadband service of 512k, Voip is just acceptable, and may be almost unusable if there is a lot of traffic on the comms system. Speeds of 1024k (1Mb) and higher are preferable, and can provide a near perfect, Telstra landline comparable experience, most of the time.

VOIP is not relevant to those on wireless or 'mobile' broadband, but can be an option with some Satellite services, such as the one I am on, and apparently also on the new NBN Satellite service.
It's worth a look.

Anyone considering VOIP can get a **FREE** account (no monthly, just pay for calls, and cheaper than engin) by first joining the Whirlpool forum, then follow the 'Mynetfone' link in the VOIP thread. Both engin & MNF are reasonably efficient (absolutely brilliant if Tel$tra is your standard) and FWIW, I've had accounts with both since Moses was a boy. Any total dumbcluck can do the setup because the companies can supply a pre-configured phone adaptor that just needs plugging in. Even my 96y/o mother could do it before she left the planet. I have people using VOIP on 256k ADSL, just means you can't browse porn or whatever when the phone is in use or it gets AWFULLY crackly. No problem at all with a 'proper' ADSL connection. I regularly yadda away on two different VOIP services plus run a few different online programs all at the same time, but then I have 22Mb ADSL2.