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Skype Throws Cold Water on Cell Version

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

January 11, 2007, 2:32 PM

Don't expect a version of Skype for cellular phones anytime soon. A company executive told Reuters Wednesday at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that data plans are still too costly to make such a version viable.

While it may seem to many like a cop-out, especially considering it has already teamed with British cellular provider 3 to offer a mobile version of its software. However, that company offers a flat rate for data access, something no other carrier is doing.

Those attempting to use the software developed for 3 on another network would find it inoperable: the company actually uses a voice channel to place the data calls.

Until then, it's likely that Skype will not release any kind of mobile version. According to Eric Lagier, the company's hardware and software business development chief, the decision is also based on ensuring customers do not run up high data bills.

"We don't want to be in a situation where we say: 'Skype is free' and then at the end of the month the user gets this huge broadband bill," he told the news service.

In any case, Skype's hand may be forced by its competitors. At least one, UK-based Truphone, has already released software that allows users to place VoIP calls on Wi-Fi equipped Nokia phones. Outside of Wi-Fi hotspots, the phone acts as a normal cell phone.

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By alpha4test

edited Jan 15, 2007 - 6:19 PM

Taking advantege of flat rates in internet or almost (as i do, myself have 10GB a month for 29,99€ and happy hour from 01h00 to 07h00 over 3G) is the solution better even if the one you want to call as it also.
I live in portugal, and use a qtek/ HTC P3600 3,5g so installing skype is just a few click´s away...

Score: 0

By foxfyre

edited Jan 12, 2007 - 2:55 PM

Yes, wireless service is 3rd rate in the US. Both parties are charged and rates are too high and service sux.

Its nice to know that Something in Europe works well! As it certainly isn't refrigeration (what's "ice"?), air conditioning, clean water, reliable utilities, etc. etc. etc. But hey, in France they do have sidewalk toilets...But that is just being redundant.

But then it was wireless that saved Europe's posterior in that 1/3 of the continent still lacks wired phone service (including large parts of many major cities!) LONG after the US was fully wired and reliable (and still is).

Skype is the one who determined it was too expensive. But they still offer unlimited VOIP service to all land line phones in the US and Canada for 14.95 - complete - for the entire year... Total! (offer through January 31, 2007 - then 24.95).

Oh, and let's see, the UK is the size of what - a small state - compared to the US.
Wireless in the UK...hmmm...sounds like a Wi-Fi network there would be overkill. We have Metro WANs larger than the UK.

Oh, and let's not forget that both Ireland and Scotland are certainly happy clients... LOL

And I wish I could counter the comments about the weather and the food and the women and everything appearing old, or the fact that while we have financial and other types of scandal, yours All seem to revolve around boys liking boys.

Score: 0

By computershack

edited Jan 11, 2007 - 5:35 PM

ROFLMAO. Another article showing how you Yanks get screwed over cellular phones. I've got Skype on my "3" phone. 3 charge nothing for data Skype uses. Likewise 3 also offer MSN Messenger for free and I can browse Ebay without incurring any data charges.

An article from The Guardian:

Wednesday February 15, 2006
=================

Skype, the provider of free phone calls over the internet, yesterday clinched an important deal with mobile phone operator 3 which will see its service offered across the company's five networks, including in Britain, later this year.

The deal, the first of its kind, represents a significant threat to operators such as Vodafone who are trying to protect revenues from traditional networks while moving customers onto new 3G networks.

In contrast, 3 does not have any legacy revenues to protect, owning only 3G networks, so can offer free calls to Skype users as it attempts to increase its customer base from its current 11 million.

Score: 0

By Natrunner

posted Jan 13, 2007 - 3:10 PM

I live in the UK and the mobile phone service and availability is not the problem. It's the bloody taxes and anti mobile tower lobbies that make mobile phone services so expensive.

Score: 0

By imafurby

posted Jan 12, 2007 - 7:44 AM

Yes, but you still live in England don't you, which in my opinion would be some kind of living hell, cheap, skanky cellphone service notwithstanding.

Score: 0

By tankist

posted Jan 12, 2007 - 11:01 AM

Dude, you would be surprised. while i live in US i travel a lot. so far from my experience we have the s***tiest and the most expencive service hands down. sad...

Score: 0

By imafurby

posted Jan 12, 2007 - 2:30 PM

I wasn't referring to...oh, never mind.

Score: 0

By chirayu

edited Jan 11, 2007 - 3:33 PM

Data plans are still too expensive?

"However, that company offers a flat rate for data access, something no other carrier is doing."

Sprint and Cingular both offer Unlimited data for a reasonable price. I have had experience with both carriers.

Score: 0

By dstratton

edited Jan 11, 2007 - 4:37 PM

So you're saying $60 or $80/mo, on top of your regular voice package, is worth unlimited VOIP calling? Even some are as low as $30-45 in addition to a voice plan; but still, I think most would find this cost prohibitive, myself included.

Score: 0

By chirayu

posted Jan 12, 2007 - 6:27 PM

You seem to have understood it all wrong, I am not sure what country you're talking about. But here in the US an average unlimited data plan on a fast 3G or EVDO network only costs about $30~ where are you getting your $60 and $80 from?

I have sprint with unlimited data and 1250 anytime minutes for $49.99/month with bunch of additional features.

Score: 0

By mrow

posted Jan 11, 2007 - 8:10 PM

Cingular offers unlimited data(with a few hundred text messages and picture messages included) for $20 a month. Additionally, a voice plan is not always required. When you buy data service for your laptop, there is no voice service required. As far as I know there's no reason you couldn't just buy a data plan and use it with your phone without voice.

Score: 0

By computershack

posted Jan 11, 2007 - 5:33 PM

You Yanks get screwed seven ways from hell with your mobile phone charges. Here in the UK, my network gives me unlimited Skype usage for free.

Score: 0

By chirayu

posted Jan 12, 2007 - 6:31 PM

Unlimited skype usage? So your Skype data plan only allows you to connect to skype servers and no other servies? Ie: web browswer for your phone?

Score: 0

By blademaster

edited Jan 12, 2007 - 4:31 AM

So what your still British. And live in a filthy country. I was just over there the food is horrible and the place just seems so run down.

Score: 0

By chirayu

posted Jan 12, 2007 - 6:30 PM

Right on topic of Data Services and Skype. NOT

Score: 0

By bourgeoisdude

posted Jan 12, 2007 - 3:44 PM

What a wonderful and on-topic discussion we have here (*sigh)

Score: 0

By foxfyre

edited Jan 12, 2007 - 12:51 PM

moved...

Score: 0

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