I uninstalled the childish program that replaced Skype, and managed to install an older version. I get asked to upgrade from time to time, but tick Not now thanks or some-such.
It's as though people in software houses imagine we're all here waiting for an exciting new experience. Nope, most are not. I pay 5.99 a month for phone calls to the UK Ireland Canada and the US. I just need it to work - every minute of every day.