"We want to remind you that your 'missionaries may telephone their parents on Christmas and one other time during the year, usually Mother's Day or another significant holiday' (Mission President's Handbook, 22). These calls should be kept 'short (preferable not longer than 30 or 40 minutes)' (see Missionary Handbook, 37) and should not distract missionaries from their service.
For many missionaries, it will be most convenient to use the mission-provided phones. However, in some areas of the world such phone calls can be difficult to arrange and/or be very costly. Therefore, missionaries are authorized to use Internet options, like Skype, to make their calls. If a video option is available, they are also authorized to use the video feature in their call.
As always, these calls should not create an inconvenience to members or others. Neither missionaries nor members should purchase any additional equipment in order to make these arrangements. Weekly letters home should continue to be by postal service or e-mail only."