[jwilliams]

2.5 billion people in the world have internet access.

But most of them can't have a reliable Skype call. We still have issues calling from Australia on a decent connection to a similarly decent connection in the states.

What we've found - Good connectivity that can hold a reliable Skype or Google Hangout conversation is essential - don't be fooled thinking you can achieve this at a random Internet cafe in Cambodia. You might be able to (!), but plan accordingly.

[k__]

I think those synchronous communications should be minimized.

They break you out of a flow and bind you.

Chats/Forums/Emails are easier to integrate into the day.

[billpaetzke]

And what is a good strategy for this when deciding where to live (both on macro and micro scale)?

[sliverstorm]

Reasonable proximity to a major city is probably a decent starting point.

What's a major city? If we're still in the coarse-estimate mode, I'd say a city most people have heard of.

Maps of internet backbones will help you locate the ideal places, from a connectivity point of view.

http://www.nthelp.com/images/InternetMCI.jpg

[jwilliams]

It varies by location.

In many places, a 3G or 4G backup works amazingly well. Certainly here in Australia, and probably in certain places in Asia/Europe too.