Skype Mobile And Verizon Exclusive Agreement Video

I think everyone knows about Skype and the value it has given people to keep in touch using their PC’s or what is otherwise know as VoIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol. I use Skype daily to keep in contact with manufacturers all over the world. But as many of you know, there was also a popular mobile application that worked using your data plan and not your minutes, making it a very cost effective way to keep up with people. That is where there was high speed service because it was very poor call quality otherwise. In a series of Skype news that had Skype pulling their software from Windows Mobile Devices (CLICK HERE) and then announcing Skype available for Nokia’s Smartphones via the OVI Store (CLICK HERE). Skype also announced at MWC that they had reached an exclusive deal with Verizon on Droid and BlackBerry Handsets. (CLICK HERE).

So that kinda brings us to today where Skype and Verizon have released a video on the advantages of Skype on the Verizon network. It is a pretty basic video but with a couple of key changes. First, Skype will not require a Data Plan from Verizon to work and will run in the background, being “always on”. This is a pretty big change for Skype not using Data to work on Mobile Handsets. Check out the video below for some more information:

• 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.

If you want to re-check out the press release from Verizon Wireless and Skype, jump after the break and enjoy. We’ll keep you posted with more information on Skype so stay tuned. You can also check out more at the Verizon website or CLICK HERE

(via)

At the 2010 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Verizon Wireless and Skype today announced a strategic relationship that will bring Skype to Verizon Wireless smartphones in March. The new Skype mobile™ product enhances Verizon Wireless’ smartphones for users who have data plans by offering a new way to call around the globe, while also giving hundreds of millions of Skype users around the world the opportunity to communicate with friends, family and business colleagues in the United States using Verizon Wireless.

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.

Initially, Skype mobile will be available on millions of best-selling Verizon Wireless 3G smartphones with data plans, including the BlackBerry® Storm™ 9530, Storm2™ 9550, Curve™ 8330, Curve™ 8530, 8830 World Edition and Tour™ 9630 smartphones, as well as DROID by Motorola, DROID ERIS™ by HTC and Motorola DEVOUR™.

John Stratton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless, said, “Skype mobile on Verizon Wireless changes the game. For Verizon Wireless’ more than 90 million customers, Skype mobile adds great value because we’re effectively giving customers with smartphones and data plans the option to extend their unlimited calling community to hundreds of millions of Skype users around the globe. And you’re not limited to using a single type of phone; we’ll have nine smartphones ready right at launch in March.”

Josh Silverman, chief executive officer of Skype, noted, “People want to take their Skype conversations with them wherever they go, whether it’s on a PC, TV or increasingly mobile phones. Verizon Wireless will give U.S. consumers the best Skype experience on mobile phones and will truly change the way people call their friends and family internationally.”

Customers interested in learning more about Skype mobile for Verizon Wireless smartphones can visit www.verizonwireless.com/skypemobile. Additional information about the service will be available next month.

Visit www.verizonwireless.com for more information about Verizon Wireless or follow the company at http://twitter.com/verizonwireless. Learn more and download Skype at www.skype.com or follow the company at http://twitter.com/skypemobile.