Boingo Wireless and Skype have launched a new service Skype Access that will enable Skype users to access Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide, and pay using Skype Credit.
The feature will be embedded into Skype as a core feature, first in the Skype for Mac 2.8 Beta software and then in versions of Skype for other operating systems.
Boingo enables consumers to access Wi-Fi on their laptop or mobile device at more than 100,000 hotspots worldwide — including airports, hotels, cafes and metropolitan hot zones — with a single account.
The new application lets users connect to a Boingo Wi-Fi hotspot with a single click and to pay per minute only for what they use. Skype Access scans for available Boingo hotspots and presents a pop-up dialogue box displaying the price per minute to use the Boingo network using Skype Credit.
Luis Alfonso Serrano, vice president of network strategy for Boingo Wireless, said: “With Boingo and Skype Access, Skype users will be able to access hotspots around the world and know that they can get high-quality speed on the Boingo Network for their Skype calls. Boingo provides digital nomads — no matter where they are in the world — with an easy and fast way to get online.”
Scott Durchslag, COO at Skype, said: “Skype Access is perfect for those times when you need to make a few Skype calls or send some instant messages while you’re on the go. You only pay for what you use, and there’s no need to fiddle with credit cards or log-in details.”
