Skype Cell Phone - What are the Options?
It took a while, but there is now an official Skype cell phone the 3 Skypephone. The idea of being able to use Skype from a cell phone changes everything. It massively increases the usefulness of the service and the potential cost savings that can be achieved. So while the benefits to both Skype and the end user are obvious, it's less clear as to what's in it for the cell phone companies.
We presume that was the challenge that gummed up the works for so long. Anyway, the "3" network evidently identified an opportunity to differentiate its services by collaborating with Skype and now we can buy a Skype Cell Phone in markets including: UK, Australia, Italy, Hong Kong, Austria and the Republic of Ireland. These are the counties in which "3" operates.
While the Skype cell phones from "3" are quite impressive 3G devices with all the usual features: camera, loads of memory and a Skype Button ..., they are not of great interest to those of us who already own a cell phone or live in countries other than those serviced by the carrier.
Get an Unlimited US & Canada calling subscription from Skype - $2.95/month.
Other Options for Would be Skype Cell Phone Users
Fortunately there are more Skype tools on there way and they include Skype for your Mobile. It's available for download now and it's free. There is no requirement to change operators or to buy a special cell phone. It is compatible with approximately 50 different models of handset. Standard Skype features are supported including: contacts, IM, SkypeOut ..., but there are geographic restrictions applicable and at the time of writing the excluded regions include the U.S.
Buy Skype Credit now to make cheap calls internationally
Is that where the story ends? Not at all, mobile VoIP has well and truly taken off and there are several entrepreneurial private companies that have leapt at the opportunity of addressing the Skype mobile phone market. Probably the most interesting of these options is Fring.
In brief, Fring describes itself as enabling access to social networks, free calls, live chat via Skype, MSN Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, SIP, Twitter, Yahoo and AIM.
Fring is clearly focused on mobile VoIP and the mobile phone. It operates via a thin client that is downloaded to the handset and supports VoIP over 3G, GPRS and WiFi networks. Furthermore it supports roaming across multiple networks.
The idea of using Fring to convert a handset into a roaming WiFi cell phone is particularly interesting to those of us with the ambition of removing our SIM cards all together.
Get a Personal Online number
Related Articles:
How to Skype - get a personal Online Number
Skype Phone Number - it's your local phone number
Your Next Cell Phone will be a WiFi Cell Phone
Skype for Windows Mobile
Belkin WiFi Phone: the good - the bad - the ugly
The Best Skype Router
Skype Cell Phone to Skype Free Download
Skype Cell Phone to Business Phone Tools
