Date: Monday, October 29, 2007

3 Mobile launch new Skype Phone

3, the UK’s newest mobile phone network, have recently launched their long-awaited Skype handset. The handset will allow customers to make free phone calls over the Internet using the popular Skype telephony service, which has around 246 million users worldwide.

3’s decision to offer a Skype handset looks set to revolutionise the mobile phone industry.  Traditionally, mobile phone companies have been reluctant to offer free Internet calls, fearing it may affect their revenue. Some existing phone handsets can already access Skype, but this requires the download of third-party software, which deters many users. In comparison, 3's Skype-specific handset is much more straightforward. By launching it, 3 have become the first company to design a handset specifically for Internet calls. The company's decision to do this has been applauded by Michael Van Swaaij, Skype’s acting CEO. He said: “It takes an innovative operator… to challenge traditional thinking and offer the kind of product other operators are still shying away from.”

The 3 Skype service will be easy to use and can be accessed by simply pushing a button on the Skype handset. By making access to Skype so simple, 3 will make Internet calls more accessible than ever. Kevin Russell, chief executive of 3 UK, believes the potential of Internet calling is vast and as a result, “services need to be simple to access and affordable.” He was also keen to note the positive impact mobile phone companies could have on Internet phone services, he said: “Mobile has the potential to massively increase access to Internet calling.”

In addition to making free UK calls, Skype users are also able to make cheaper global calls. However, it is thought that this service won’t be available on the new 3 Skype handset. 3 Pay as you go customers will have to top up their phone with a minimum of £10 per month in order to take advantage of the Skype service, although customers on a 3 contract will be able to access Skype as part of their existing service.

Sources:

BBC News

Guardian