Skype International and Boingo Wireless announced a partnership this week that will allow users to access Skype"s VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) technology from 18,000 Wi-Fi hot spots worldwide.
Available in coffee shops, book stores, and hotels, as well as other public places, Skype Zones powered by Boingo are geared not only toward business travelers and students but also toward any wireless user in search of cheap international calling, Skype spokesperson Kelly Larabee says.
Skype Zones offer VoIP users unlimited access to Boingo"s public broadband for $8 per month. Also, infrequent users can pay $3 for a two hour connection, the companies say in a press release. The version of the product that is currently available on Skype"s Web site is a beta one, however, and the company pointed out that prices and availability may change before the final version is released.