Verizon Wireless and Skype have teamed up to offer free Skype-to-Skype phone calls over the Verizon voice network. That’s potentially a lot of free chatter, considering that 91 million people use Verizon Wireless and Skype counts 600 million users worldwide.The Skype Mobile service is now available from Verizon on six of its BlackBerry 3G devices and three Android 3G smartphones, said Ryan Hughes, vice president of business development for Verizon Wireless. Verizon says it will expand the number of devices that can use Skype Mobile.
Skype-to-Skype calls are free, and you can make international calls to standard landline phones with Skype’s low international rates. You also can send Skype IM messages to other Skype users at no charge. Skype Mobile works only on Verizon’s cellular voice network and not on Wi-Fi networks, however.
The calls are charged against credits in your Skype account, just as so-called Skype Out calls are when using a PC. Calls and IM messages are not charged against Verizon monthly minute allowances or data plans. You do need a Verizon data plan to use the service, however.
The Skype Mobile service automatically logs users into Skype when they turn on their smartphone. This creates an always-available presence so that your Skype contacts know you are available (you can turn off the service, of course).
Video isn’t yet available because of limitations of phone handsets and the cellular voice network, Mr. Hughes said.
Verizon selected the BlackBerry and Android phones because customers who own these devices tend to be heavy consumers of wireless services, he added.
Skype Mobile can be used on the Blackberry Storm 9530, Storm2 9550, Curve 8330, Curve 8530, 8830 World Edition and Tour 9630. Android phones include the Motorola Droid, the HTC Droid Eris and the Motorola Devour.
If you are a Verizon subscriber who uses one of the compatible phones, you can download the Skype software to your phone and use Skype Mobile.
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