Skype mobile now available on Verizon Wireless multimedia phones on the BREW platform
Six months ago, we announced a strategic relationship between Skype and Verizon Wireless to create the Skype mobile application and make it available on a variety of Verizon Wireless’ Android and BlackBerry smartphones.
Today, we’re taking another step forward with Verizon Wireless and expanding the Skype mobile application onto a variety of Multimedia 3G phones with an app based on the BREW platform, including the LG enV TOUCH, LG Chocolate Touch and Samsung Reality. This will allow even more Verizon Wireless customers to tap into the Skype mobile experience, particularly as we realize that not everyone has an Android or BlackBerry smartphone.
The Skype mobile app for Verizon Wireless 3G Multimedia phones works the same way it does on the carrier’s smartphones, letting you make free calls* to friends and family on Skype, great value calls to landlines and mobile phones overseas, and send IMs to people on Skype anywhere in the world.
Here’s how charging works:
Skype-to-Skype calls, to or from your mobile, computer or TV
These calls are completely free*. They don’t count towards your Verizon Wireless minutes allowance.
Calls to another mobile number or landline number in the US
These calls count towards your Verizon Wireless minutes.
Calls to an international mobile number or landline number
These calls are great value – pay for these using Skype Credit or one of our subscriptions. For example, you can make unlimited calls† to landlines in Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey for just $6.99 per month.
All calls run on the largest and most reliable wireless network in the US, which helps to make sure that call quality is top-notch, and lets you use your favorite accessories, including Bluetooth headsets.
Additionally, as the app runs in the background, you’ll never miss a call.
To get Skype mobile on your LG enV TOUCH, LG Chocolate Touch or Samsung Reality, you can download it from Media Center/Get It Now or from the Verizon Media Store – or text SKYPE to 2255 for a link to the download.
Don’t forget that Skype mobile is also available for DROID and selected BlackBerry smartphones on Verizon Wireless – just visit www.skype.com/m from your device to download it.
* You’ll need a data plan in order to use Skype mobile on your Verizon Wireless phone.
† A fair use policy applies to unlimited subscriptions.
How about releasing a version of the skype mobile application (for Verizon Smartphones) that’s actually useful to people who travel outside of the United States and rely on Wi-Fi instead of handcuffing the service to 3G? But that would make too much sense….
Seriously, still nothing for non-verizon users. I’m a paying customer, I live in Norway, with no Verizon here (not that I would want it anyway), and there is no option for me to use skype on my android device. And this only so that you can make more money with closed contracts… You are so going to lose a client. (and probably a lot more as long as this attitude persists)
Skype & Verizon,
What’s the point of releasing a bit of software that won’t allow you to use your unlimited Skype account with the new application without incurring charges from Verizon? I understand that Skype-to-Skype calling would be free, but I have an unlimited Skype account that I intended to use with my phone. I’ll just go back to using Skype unlimited on my iPod Touch!
In addition, I used the application and it doesn’t use the caller ID that I have specified with my account. Explain any of that.
How about support for other BREW phones beyond just these three? Like the SCH-U960 (Samsung Rogue)? If it worked well I would easily pay $10 for it.
Not a word for android! It is not the fact that Skype will develop or not something for android, this is the fact that there is no statement at all regarding android. Strange way of communicating or rather not communicating. I would understand a statement such as ” Skype will not develop an app for android” Or, “we intend to do it, but this not for the time being our priority” I do not understand this “laisser aller” which creates anger to your clients.
I have to add that I am living in Switzerland and I have a N1, (beautiful and perfect phone) and a contract with a Swiss provider. There is no limitation in my contract and I do not understand why I should suffer from the situation and limitations created by the relation Skype-Verizon, very far from us here. I think Europe should create their own OS, office and other necessary software as China is starting to do. We have the ability to do it, we do not have the will to do it. Strange.
My old windows mobile 6.5 has a skype client that works on both wifi and GSM/3G. Skype will loose me as a customer if they persist in crap like this.There is NO WAY a skype app for android is hard to do, since the boys at fr*ng were able to pull off video calls mobile to PC with current tech.
Skype, dont be stupid and kling to the past; BE the future.
Help! I am a new Skype user .. just downloaded Skype mobile to my Blackberry Storm2. Leaving for 10 days in Europe on Thursday. I purchased a European subscription, a Skype to Go #, a Skype online # and Skype credits. I am trying to make sure I will be able to use my mobile for emails, calls & voicemails during my trip. I am confused and could use some guidance. Please advise. Thanks, G
It’s great to see you guys expanding compatability with a range of mobile devices. However, in your September blog, PLEASE include a mention of where things are with mobile video chat. Most new Android handsets seem to have built in front facing cameras, and now even the iPod Touch does also, and although Apple keeps plugging Facetime, I think what most people like myself are waiting for is Skype to extend it’s core functionality of free video chat to these devices. I can understand that there are a lot of technical challenges involved, but I think it would be good for Skype to give users some hope that video chat using smartphone and PMP/Tablet cameras is on the way.
And if it is not on the way… I think Skype, and the Skype mobile blog in particular should note that phones are now rapidly replacing PCs as the primary means of internet browsing and communications, and users expect mobile ports that offer the same level of functionality. If Skype doesn’t offer mobile video chat, it could squander the market share and reputation it has built up so well on PCs.
Please throw us a bone here! Is video chat for mobile devices coming?
Go create skype mobile for Samsung GT S8500 Wave, please.