3 Launch First Skype Mobile Phone

The UK’s newest mobile phone network, 3, has unveiled their eagerly awaited Skype handset. The phone has been developed in conjunction with a Chinese mobile phone manufacturer and will be the first Skype-specific phone in the UK. Skype can be used on some other mobile handsets, although using it requires downloading third-party software. As it’s specifically designed for use with Skype, 3’s new handset will allow users to access the services much more easily. In fact, 3 users will be able to access Skype services by simply pressing a button.

Skype is an Internet based telephony service, which lets users make free UK calls over the web. It also allows users to make low-cost global calls, although 3 users will be unable to benefit from this service. However, they will be able to take advantage of Skype’s instant messaging service.

By developing a Skype phone, 3 has become the first UK mobile network to embrace Internet phone technology. In the past, many mobile phone networks have been wary of developing a relationship with Skype, as they felt their profits would be affected. Michael Van Swaaij, Skype chief executive, has praised 3 for daring to move forward and adopt their Internet phone service. He said: “It take an innovative operator…to challenge traditional thinking and offer the kind of product other operators are still shying away from.”

Kevin Russell, 3 chief executive, has stated that their new Skype handset was produced to make the Skype Internet phone service more accessible. He said: “services need to be simple to access and affordable.” However, the company aren’t quite as charitable as they would let us believe; critics have noted that the company look set to gain many customers from their links with Skype.

There are currently an estimated 2.5 million Skype users in the UK and, thanks to 3, this number looks set to grow. Eventually, all 3 users with contracts will be offered access to their Skype service, although pre-pay customers will have top up their phones with at least £10 per month to take advantage of the opportunity.

Sources:

BBC News
Guardian