Today, at the Mobile World Congress, Verizon decided to change the game a bit. Beginning next month, users with data plans will have unlimited access to Skype over 3G. This means that people can now call any Skype user directly from their phone without having to pay an extra cent. This would allow you to call your old, yet tech-savvy Aunt Hilda, over in Poland for free. Here"s an excerpt from the press release:
"The two companies have created an exclusive, easy-to-use Skype mobile offering for 3G smartphones. Verizon Wireless 3G smartphone users with data plans can use Skype mobile to:
- make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user around the globe on America’s most reliable wireless network;
- call international phone numbers at competitive Skype Out calling rates;
- send and receive instant messages to other Skype users; and
- remain always connected with the ability to see friends’ online presence."
To sign up for more information about using Skype for Mobile, Verizon has set up a special webpage. In the press release, the following phones are mentioned as being able to take advantage of this new Verizon/Skype relationship:
- BlackBerry Storm 9530
- BlackBerry Storm2
- BlackBerry Curve 8330
- BlackBerry Curve 8530
- BlackBerry Curve 8830 World Edition
- BlackBerry Tour 9630
- Motorola Droid
- HTC Droid Eris
- Motorola Devour