iPhone to get Skype
Skype is planning to launch its application for the iPhone on Tuesday in a bid to expand its network beyond computers. A Blackberry-focused application is also due to be launched in May.
A unique aspect of the Skype application for the iPhone is that users will be able to directly import numbers from their phonebook into Skype, therefore eliminating the need for duplicate lists.
From tomorrow onwards Skype will be available as a free download in the App store and will allow free calls between iPhone owners who use the service. Additionally users will be able to globally connect to all PC based Skype users.
Although it is expected that the use of Skype will actually boost consumer data usage, which should maintain telecoms providers’ revenue streams, it is yet to be seen how MTN will react to this.
MTN currently offers unlimited data services on some smartphone packages, most notably on the Blackberry 8900. If Skype were to become available for Blackberry in South Africa it would be interesting to see whether the provider will simply phase the offer out.
As it currently stands, Blackberry owners would be able to spend long hours on the phone with other Skype users without paying the exorbitant network-to-network fees that South African telecoms providers have become so infamous for.
It was also announced that Skype would soon be available on Nokia handsets that operate on either Android, Google’s mobile system, or Windows Mobile systems. Release dates have not yet been publicised.
Skype on iPhone and Blackberry – discuss this article
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