UK Carrier Launches Skype Cell Phone
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Richard Baguley Published on October 29, 2007 Comment on this |
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29th Oct 07 – The UK cell phone network 3 has launched a new cell phone that includes Skype VOIP (Voice over IP) software that can make free phone calls over the phones Internet connection. Although unlocked phones have often included VOIP software, this is the first time that a carrier has offered the software to their users directly.3's new Skypephone is a GSM phone that includes the Skype software, and 3 claims that Skype-to-Skype calls will be free as long as the customer is paid up. However, it does not support the SkypeOut (which allows users to call normal phone lines from Skype) or SkypeIn (which allows normal phone lines to call a Skype user). The Skypephone is available on a pre-paid or monthly calling plan.
Typically, the cell phone networks have not allowed VOIP software to be installed on the phones they sell, fearing that users wouldn't make calls over their voice networks. 3 is the first carrier to pre-install Skype, and the first to seemingly encourage users to use Skype. “Communication is the prime function of the mobile today”said Kevin Russel, CEO of 3 “Skype is the leader in internet communications. To enable Skype to go mobile in this way brings free internet calls together with an affordable 3G handset. Mobile has the potential to massively increase access to internet calling.”
However, 3 has obviously decided to not go the whole way on this; the Skypephone does not support the SkypeIn or SkypeOut services, which integrate Skype with the standard telephone network. This means that users of the Skypephone can only call other Skype users with the Skype software; they have to use the 3 network to call other cell phone users or landlines. The Skypephone is be on sale in the UK now. It costs 49.99 on a pay as you go plan, or is free on a monthly plan with an 18 month commitment.
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