Skype mobile for Verizon Wireless available from Thursday
From Thursday 25th March, if you’re a Verizon customer with a smartphone and a data plan, you’ll be able to download Skype mobile.
It’ll help you stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues all over the world, by allowing you to:
- make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to anyone else on Skype around the globe
- send and receive unlimited instant messages with other people on Skype
- call international phone numbers at our low rates
Initially, the app will work on 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 the Motorola DEVOUR. We’ll add support for more phones and platforms later this year.
Skype mobile uses the Verizon Wireless voice network for the wireless connection of the Skype-to-Skype calls, giving you a reliable connection and top-notch call quality.
Skype-to-Skype calls will not be charged against your monthly minute allowance or data plan. To make calls to international landline or mobile numbers, you’ll need to buy Skype Credit.
To make sure you’re among the first to know when the app is ready for download, subscribe to this blog, follow @skypemobile on Twitter, or become a fan of Skype on Facebook. Or, if you’re already a Verizon Wireless customer, just text SKYPE to 2255 and we’ll text you back a link when it’s ready. Not long now 
I am a skype subscriber and also have a skype number that will ring my PC when called via a mobile or landline. I have a motorola droid and downloaded the skype mobile app. When I am logged in, if someone calls my skype number, my computer rings but my skype mobile does not. Is this a skype mobile limitation?
I just started using the Skype on my Blackberry. I can receive calls without any problems. When I try and call a Skype address, Verizon comes on and says the number is not in service. I tried this on two different accounts.
When will skype be avaiable to download on blackberry bold 9700?? this is a brand new phone so i don’t understand why this phone cannot have skype.
Any help me?
thanks
lucy
Excellent! Downloaded this last night and it’s worked wonders for my relationship already. I have a Blackberry on Verizon and my boyfriend has an iPhone on AT&T, and thanks to AT&T’s wonderful service, our calls constantly get dropped or distorted. It’s actually been incredibly frustrating, so out of curiosity we tested him calling from Skype for iPhone (via WiFi at home) to my mobile Skype on the Blackberry and our call didn’t drop once and it sounded fantastic. I don’t know why people are so negative on here–this service will indeed be useful to some people and we are grateful it’s finally available. (If it’s not useful to you–do something useful with your time instead of complaining about it here!)
I have a Blackberry Bold 9000 and am with Rogers Wireless in Canada. When will we be getting Skype mobile?
I have a 9530 Storm (3G, Verizon w/ data plan) and the download link says my phone is not supported. What’s up??? Skype download page issues? Looks like some here have been able to download / use …
I have a Tour 9630 on Verizon in the USA. Like @eric.seymour, when I follow the download link, I am told that my phone is not supported. Is this by design?
Skype: You are missing the boat.
I have been using Skype for years, and have “drunk the KoolAid” and purchased a phone number, advertising it on all my printed material.
Yet I am still tethered to my computer because you guys haven’t released a GENERIC BBerry application that I can use on my Bold on ATT (or any other BBerry/carrier). I’m not changing carrier/phone just to add Skype. Dumb.
Please make a generic version available so I can quit fiddle-twiking with Skype/headsets and get on to business.
If you guys want to drive revenue, you had better start offering services that business people need, rather than focusing on “free calls to your mother in bumbletown.”
This would include some basic PBX features (like call routing) and the ability to use phones which are not cheapo consumer junk. Like my BBerry or a SIP business phone.
You have a HUGE small business market that is untapped and waiting for a reasonably priced solution.
You guys have done the hard part (and well, I might add). Now get down to business.
I’m on a trip to Japan with an unlimited data plan.
Just downloaded new Skype app for my Blackberry Storm. Tells me I can only use it FROM the USA.
I am a relatively unsophisticated user, yet they think I can ‘t crack that?
verizon a**holes…
I have BlackBerry Bold 9700 & want have skype to =))
tell me!
I have Blackberry Tour 9630 with Verizon unlimited data; but, I can not download the app. It says that Skype is not available for my phone yet in skype.com/m. Please help?
I’m with @seyhmusinci and cannot get it to download to my Tour 9630. ANYONE??????????
Downloaded Skype to my BB Storm 2 and it works like a charm. Called my daughter to test it and it worked the first time. Called another Skype user and the same — worked like a charm. Looking forward to using it when I travel abroad.
I have tried to download Skype for my Storm2, but everytime I hit the link, I get a message that tells me that my phone in not compatible. I have the Storm2, so it is in the compatible list. Anyone has any ideas?
Thank you,
Same problem on my Tour… can’t download Skype! Any insider who can comment?
I have a resolution for the download problem, but they won’t let me post the link here, I’m sorry..
Go to the link below, I have a resolution for the Skype mobile download issue on Blackberry devices..
http: // www . yabood . com /how-to-download-skype-mobile-on-your-blackberry/
What about Skype for ALL Android users??? I feel a little betrayed that Skype went out just for Verizon users…
Has anyone tried @yousif.abood’s suggestion? Did it work?
If you’re having problems downloading Skype and your phone is on the list, please make sure that WiFi is switched off if it’s enabled. And please let me know if you still have problems!
yousif.abood – You are a life saver! Finally got the app installed!
It was app #17 not #15 for me but worked fine.
Thanks!!
For a company that has its DNA in aiming to make it easy and cheap for people to communicate with each other, linking up with a mobile provider seems pretty strange to me. Having been a Skype user since 2002, I am really starting to wonder what it is that we have to do to get a general release product for Blackberry. That’s for those of us who aren’t in the USA and wouldn’t want Verizon anyway. Come on! Why would you think that BB users stuck on the device because of the corporate world wouldn’t want Skype? When? When? When?
Question everyone. So I’m kinda confused on if this skype app would work for military families. ie overseas in Iraq. Say there online on skype on a computer can you get it on your phone? I’m debating if this would work better than the crappy 10 minute phone calls that have a time delay while talking..lol
thanks everyone =)
WHAT A TOTAL LET DOWN!!! LIMITATION WITH VERIZON AND SKYPE ALREADY FOR SKYPE BUSINESS OWNERS!
I just spent 2 hours on the phone with Verizon to find out that if you have your own phone number with Skype (not your Skype IP) FOR EXAMPLE 954.345.**** and someone call those Skype numbers it will not ring through to your blackberry device that has the new Skype application installed. ONLY people calling you from a Skype application using your Skype ID will work.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? This renders this application totally useless to business owners using Skype. I current pay Skype over $150 a year for 3 phone number for my business and I can not use them to receive call to my backberry Skype application.
WHAT A TOTAL LET DOWN!
Pretty good app. I had no problem downloading.
Verizon needs to add a tone to the app so that we know when someone is Skyping us.
Having problems downloading on 1st gen BlackBerry Storm. App doesn’t appear on list of Verizon software apps and they do not have an OTA upgrade ready. Is there a site where I can download via USB?
OK, I’ve read all the above posts; have been using Skype for years; using Skype Mobile on BB Storm since it was released. Understand that calling out via Skype on mobile uses Verizon minutes for USA calls (not a big deal), and Skype minutes for international calls from the USA (Good!), would be great to have Skype Mobile available when traveling overseas, so keep working on that!
My issue is: If someone calls my Skype-In number WHILE I AM SIGNED IN ON SKYPE MOBILE, NOTHING HAPPENS: 1) No notice is given on Mobile that I am being called on Skype-In; AND, worse, 2) Voicemail on Skype on my Laptop NEVER PICKS UP when I am also signed-in on Skype Mobile.
Obviously, one workaround would be to use Skype Forwarding to send calls to my regular Mobile number, but I would like to either be able to answer a Skype-In call on my Skype Mobile, OR at least let the caller leave a Skype Voicemail. (Note that I DO receive notification on my Skype Mobile when I have a Skype Voicemail — but if I am logged onto Skype Mobile, you can’t leave me a voicemail, sort of a Catch-22!)
My present idea is to just leave Skype-Mobile logged off so I don’t miss a Skype-In voicemail. Not a good solution, but I really don’t want Skype-In calls all forwarded to my mobile.
Any better ideas, fixes or workarounds?
now personally when skype was in the bata phase for mobiles it was usable on all android phones, witch was nice because i could use it with SPRINT, and it was nice to be able to use it. now that they are working with just version, i pity all the poor guys that pay way to much for phone service. when they removed it from the bata phase i was pissed cause it took it off my phone. now if you wanted sprint to hop in the pissing match about phones…they are going to be the first to roll out a 4G phone, the towers are already set up for it. so why are they not working with sprint? now if they just reopened it to everyone! on every carrier it would make the MOST since! so really this deal right know is kinda retarded!
Skype users are all over the world. Your service is very important for many people. When will you launch the skype mobile app for non-Verizon customers blackberry?
So many thanks.
Hmm… Yeah, I don’t see what some of you guys are so irritated about. First of all, there IS an Android App, though I think it was launched after some of the whiny posts asking for it… I have a Motorola Droid, newly updated to OS ver. 2.1. My boyfriend just bought a HTC HD2 (on T-Mobile…I know…I’m trying to convert him…) While Skype says they don’t officially support a mobile app for Windows Mobile (or any carrier OTHER than Verizon), a quick Google search yielded me a copy of Skype 3 for Windows Mobile. Within five minutes, I had it installed on his phone, which, by the way has NO coverage at my house (almost as bad as all you poor iCult members with your iPhones…) With his phone connected to my Wi-Fi and my phone having (wait for it…) actual 3G coverage, we are able to call eachother via Skype with absolutely no issues whatsoever–Android 2.1 to Windows 6.5, Verizon to T-Mobile.
So, I say good job, Skype. Keep rolling out the new products as you get them developed, and those who want to sit here and whine…well, sit here and whine…or better yet, go get a phone with Verizon. Maybe you wouldn’t have as much free time to sit and whine if your phone had a signal.
Quick question people, when launching the Skype app for Verizon Motorola Droid, is the Droid still having you turn off your wi-fi connection? I’m asking as a non-droid user who toyed around with one two weeks ago and was really bothered by that notification that popped up on the screen when I tried to start the Skype App.
If that’s still the case, it’s a real bummer. Might as well use Skype for the PSP GO. Works great, as long as I have a wi-fi connection.
Why no app for smartphones in general? Why carrier dependent with stipulations? Paying for voice minutes is an outmoded model. Sadly, as a Sprint customer I still don’t have Skype for my phone, but from the sounds of it, it is so limited that it wouldn’t do my any good anyhow. Unlike every other piece of Skype software, this sounds like crippleware.
I am seriously considering transferring to Verizon because of the Sykpe Mobile feature. I want to make sure I understand what it does. I understand that I will be able to make Skype to Skype calls anywhere in the world. But I am unclear about reach of the paid plan.
I will be traveling in the Czech Republic, UK, and Austria soon. Will I be able to call any number in the US or other non-Skype numbers in the US or elsewhere from these countries?
Thanks for your help.
i get blackberry 9700 but it can’t use skype. i know that it’s modern anyway i saw that blackberry 9000 doesn’t have it so how can i know when do you have skype on my mobile ?
I am traveling outside the US, and Skype mobile worked fine for me for several days. i could log on, see my contacts, IM. I never tried a skype to skype call while outside the US, but I assumed it would work. Then yesterday I tried to log on and it won’t let me, saying that Skype mobile can only be used on Verizon Wireless in the US. Why did it let me before and not now? Why did the people in the Verizon store seem to think that it would be a great way for me to connect while outside the US? I’m really only wanting to make skype to skype calls, not call landlines or cell phones with it. It seems like that should still be doable!
Hopefully someone can answer this question for me. I’m in the US with a Blackberry on Verizon, my boyfriend is in France with an iPhone on Orange. Both of us have the Skype app downloaded to our smartphones. Both of us can make a Skype to Skype call to eachother is atleast ONE of us is on our computer (ie Skype to Skype Mobile or vice versa) But we cannot call eachother from Skype Mobile to Skype Mobile (ie if BOTH of us are away from our computers) we can text, just not call. For me, it gives me a busy signal when I try to call him. Can anyone help me on this?! Why does this happen – no one seems to have an answer…
That sounds strange – if he’s online on his iPhone, you should be able to call him just fine. Drop our support team a line and they should be able to help you out.
Today my phone asked me to download an upgrade to ver 1.0.0.6 … I did that and rebooted. I am traveling in Europe…now when starting skype I get the message …”Skype Mobile can only be used on Verizon Wireless in the US”. So why do I need Skype mobile now? I do not need it in the US. The only reason I use it is for international calls when I travel. What good is it on my phone now?
Skype mobile for Verizon Wireless doesn’t work outside of the US, unfortunately – that’s always been the case. Sorry to disappoint!
Only works in the US? Utterly useless. I installed it this morning and am uninstalling it as I type…
I just downloaded this app for my Eris phone and upon opening it I received this error message: “Skype mobile can only be used on Verizon Wireless in the US.” I live in Johnson City, TN, in the United States of America. My phone is on the Verizon network. Why isn’t this working?!
Sorry to hear you’re having problems – you should get in touch with Verizon Wireless support to resolve this.
How is is possible not to be available for 9700 YET?!?!This is the Flagship phone of BB!!!!!!
A Verizon tech support person told me that if I download this application on my BB Tour and then go to France (Paris), I will be able to use Skype Mobile from there using the Tour, but some of your comments here say this isn’t the case. Who is right?
@earth3003 we are, I’m afraid. Skype mobile for Verizon Wireless only works in the US at present.
For ppl who paid for a skype number & subscription:
“If you call within the US, you’ll use your Verizon minutes as normal.”
I paid for a skype number and a subscription that I now can’t use on skype mobile with my verizon droid? that’s pretty stupid. Why use skype at all? smh…
If anyone out there is reading this, and thinking about paying for a skye number or sub for mobile use – don’t give them your money. scour the net for a google voice invite, you won’t regret it.
I don’t understand all the hype here — skype mobile had always been out there for Windows Mobile users and I have been using it on my TP2 over Verizon’s 3G network with no problem. The only drawback back then was that skype calls were routed through the speaker at the back of the phone, which could be solved by using a headset or installing an application that routes calls back to the earpiece.
What Verizon is doing right now is to make Skype more restrictive. Now WM users could no longer download the full-version of Skype which they could use to make domestic and international calls. The only choice they are left with is skype through Verizon, which they couldn’t use to make domestic calls.
I think one of the reasons why Skype calls are domestic only is to ensure call quality. First, it is less drain for your battery since it’s not processing data packets. Second, your phone’s processor has to be able to handle the encoding/decoding of the data packet. When you are roaming, you’re at the mercy of the data connection. Imagine how frustrating it may be if the data connection is not as stable as home? The average user would then point the blame at whom? First would probably be Skype, even if they don’t deserve the blame.
Windows Mobile users are being shut out from Skype for reasons not related to Verizon. Therefore you have to find and download the old copy and deal with the quirks of Skype on WinMo.