Skypephone is a 3G internet phone with built-in Skype software. In addition to Skype calls, the phone can make conventional calls and can be used to access 3’s other internet services. This is the first mass market mobile device offered by an operator for free calling over the internet.
The Skypephone was developed by Skype and 3 in partnership with Qualcomm, using Qualcomm’s BREW platform to enable Skype to work with core handset features such as address book and messaging.
Skype is now truly mobile. This new handset is incredibly easy to use and lets you make free mobile Skype calls when you are on the move to other Skype users all over the world no matter where they are, said Michael van Swaaij, acting CEO of Skype.
3 wants to make the mobile internet available to everyone. To do this, we believe that services need to be simple to access and affordable, added Kevin Russell, CEO of 3 UK. Mobile has the potential to massively increase access to internet calling.
The 3 Skypephone will be available in the UK from November 2, 2007 for GBP49.99 on a pay-as-you-go 3 tariff, or free on a contract tariff. Later this year, it will be available in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland, Macau and Sweden.
Skype has also partnered with wireless network equipment maker Netgear to make Skype available on mobile phones. In September 2006, the two companies teamed up to offer the Skype Wi-Fi mobile phone, which lets callers make free internet calls to all Skype account. The phone does not require a cellular network but it must be within range of a Wi-Fi access point to operate.
A similar partnership was forged between Skype and Wi-Fi network provider The Cloud to enable Skype access and calls via Wi-Fi.
In addition to this, Skype has launched internet calls service on the MySpace website to help grow the number of Skype active users.
