Do Skype Cell Phones Make Sense?
We suspect that many people are confused by the topic of Skype cell phones. It's probably because there are so many different ways of using cell phones with Skype.
A. The 3 Skypephone
option involves a marriage of convenience between Skype and the cell phone carrier 3. We are reminded that "Skype to Skype calls are free and will always be free ...," but what's in in for 3?
3 wants to acquire new customers who will pay for mobile data services to make Skype connections and use up cell phone minutes to carry on Skype to Skype or Skypeout calls.
B. Skype For Your Mobile (SFYM) beta: operates in a similar way to A, but without requiring a user to sign up with 3 or use a specific model of phone. Users should also expect to be billed by their cell phone carriers for using their services to make connections and for the cost of mobile minutes. It is compatible with approximately 50 different models of Java enabled handsets. 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.
C. The VoWiFi
option involves downloading Skype to a cell phone or smartphone with WiFi. Skype calls can then be made from wherever a WiFi connection can be established. The downside is that WiFi networks are not quite as pervasive as cell phone services, but on the other hand they are more likely to be available at little or no cost.
D. Fring enables access to social networks, free calls, live chat via Skype, MSN Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, SIP, Twitter, Yahoo and AIM. The company is focused on mobile VoIP and the cell phone. Fring 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 enabling users to also speak with contacts using alternatives to Skype.
Skype cells phones are an attractive concept, but clearly there are many ways of skinning the cat and some of the options don't make a lot of sense when closely examined.
Here's an alternative approach to cutting cell phone bills that we believe will become increasingly popular over the coming years:
Bluetooth cordless phone.
Skype Cell Phones - related articles:
How to Skype - get a personal Online Number
Skype Phone Number - it's your local phone number
Belkin Skype Phone: pros - cons and alternatives
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 Phones to Skype Free Download
Skype Cell Phones to Business Phone Tools
