you plug them in
No. But if you have an iPod touch you can download VOIP applications(voice over internet protocal) such as Talkatone(free), textfree with voice(semi-free), or skype(free skype to skype but needs paid...
By pressing the ON button, it looks like a hung up phone, and when the lights are on in the phone, its red.
There is no way to remotely activate a switched off phone.
This will most likely be under tools or settings. Then go to alarm clock and select "edit" change off to onn, set the time, and you are done!