Skype and 3 announce Skype Mobile Phone

VoIP service providers and mobile operators have never been friends. You know, VoIP services like Skype have unlimited calling plans which will eat-up mobile operator’s talk time. But things slowly seem to be changing, or atleast in the UK where mobile operator 3 has officially partnered with Skype to roll out the 3 Skypephone.

3 Skypephone is a fully featured mobile handset which comes with 3G and Skype calling functionality. Besides making Skype calls, users can also make conventional phone calls, use other internet functionalities and chat with their Skype buddies. Here’s a video tour of 3 Skypephone which will brush you up with some of its features:

This phone will go on sale on Friday (Nov 2) across 3Stores in the UK. It’s priced at GBP 49.99 (around Rs. 4,065) for pay as you go (prepaid) deal. Those who opt for 3 contract can get this phone for free. It will also be available in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland, Macau and Sweden later this year.

Of course, if you don’t like the specs of the 3 Skypephone, you can always run around with Skype client for Windows Mobile or Symbian. I use Fring on my N95 to connect with Skype, GTalk and more.

[Via: Skype Journal]