Ever since 3 launched the Skypephone, it’s been pretty clear that they love VoIP. Oddly, though, they’re just about the only UK network who does. The other ones, you see, see it as an eeeeeeeeevil thing, that will stop people using up their monthly voice minutes. 3′s really the only network to embrace Skype, with phones like the Inq1, or the Facebook phone, as it’s better known.
However, according to GigaOM, 3′s love affair with Skype has just gone to a whole new level. This time, it’s not a Skypephone they’re releasing…
Nope, it’s a Skype-enabled sim, that will let any phone on the 3 network become a Skype phone!
Ah, but that’s not the best bit… no, the best bit is that the built-in Skype service won’t cost a penny over what you pay for data access. Granted, you’ll need a data bundle to use it, but it still stands to save you a FORTUNE.
In 3′s own words:
“From 1 May, there will be no data charges or top-up fees for either contract or pay-as-you-go customers who use Skype on 3’s network. Anyone with a 3 handset will be able to buy a 3 SIM with Skype enabled and talk as much as they want to other Skype users without ever having to pay another penny. During the summer, 3 will expand its offer to make it possible for anyone with a compatible 3G phone to take advantage of free Skype calls, whether or not their phone is from 3.”
Now there’s a strategy to make them stand out from the crowd. While other networks are looking at Skype as if it’s got something nasty and contagious, 3 are saying bring it on. All this is part of the reason why 3 rocks so assuredly. Of course, there may be another reason why they want to use Skype so much. Well, two reasons, in fact:
1/ As well as being cool for users, it drives them a huge profit.
2/ There are no termination fees from the mobile networks who’re on the receiving end of the call, meaning they don’t have to pay termination fees on Skype calls, thus saving them, and you, money.
Hmmmmm, I’ve got a 3 phone… I think I may have to try this out on May 1st…
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