The Big Blog

davidru85 commented Sunday, May 30

What about Android devices outside USA?

nikita55m commented Sunday, May 30

the wait is still on for Android users (or at least the majority of them!) to get at least some sort of a skype app

minchen604 commented Sunday, May 30

that is great improvement! I tried immediately, but sorry to say, the quality was really unsatisfied at least till now.........I'm looking forward to better quality in the near future!!!!

dillons38 commented Sunday, May 30

Just tried this and it works great! Pity I am going to have to pay for Skype to Skype calls over 3G

idea2go commented Sunday, May 30

What about Push notifications (for instance for text messages or voicemails?). This was supposed to come out ages ago. Have you given up on it?

scott.crotty commented Sunday, May 30

About the pricing: I currently pay for the unlimited US and Canada plan which I use on my PC. Will my existing subscription continue to work with Skype on the iPhone, or will I have to purchase a separate Skype over 3G plan?

goldman00 commented Sunday, May 30

Its great for Skype to (finally) have 3G calling, but it sucks to pay. Fring had free 3G calling over Skype network several months ago. 3G calling shoulda been free, we're already paying data plan charges!

ray.glendenning commented Sunday, May 30

Still no Android app

stefangehring commented Sunday, May 30

This is a very bad development - paying for skype to skype calls is a no go, even though it is only for 3G connections -at the moment-. A really stupid move. I will be switching to somesort of SIP-based solution in the future.

Will this punishment fee come to other mobile users as well or is this only a ripoff for iPhone users?

manzalawy7 commented Sunday, May 30

Skype's supposed promise to us:

ALL Skype-to-Skype calls are free, forever.

I think users should be outraged at the fact that you will be paying to use Skype over 3G OVER AND ABOVE your payment for the 3G connection itself.

This is very scary.

offir40 commented Sunday, May 30

!!hola quiero comprar un plan para llamadas ilimitadas pero no se como hacerlo en colombia...y pagar en pesos...si es confiable pagar online con tu tarjeta....gracias

martinokp commented Monday, May 31

How about an Android App!!! Before you determine charge for Skype calls, here is a questions.
1. What happens to customers subscribed to unlimited calls in US and Canada?
2. If Skype-to-Skype will be charged over 3G, why not the desktop?

atom-x commented Monday, May 31

Hello,

Great news! but the bad new is that skype for iPhone is not usable anymore for VoiceOver users. VoiceOver is the taling screen reader built-in the 3gs. The feature allowing VoiceOver users to flick right and left to select a control is not functionnal anymore since this new update! Please, could you re-implement this feature? It's necessary for VoiceOver users.

TIA for your support!

joeldutt commented Monday, May 31

And where is the Andriod app?

davecrowman commented Monday, May 31

I don't understand the fee for calling over 3g?

Why not charge us for the ability to do so- flat charge for a Skype+3G app or in app purchase for Skype.

I'd be happy to pay once for this feature, but I can say I'd never go for the monthly fee. I imagine this is the case for more of your iphone users than not.

Keep in mind, this is exclusively for use with people who are paying for their service, its not like ipod touch users are going to be using it.

If it's costing you guys to allow us calls over 3g you should say so, and you'd probably get less heat from your users. If its not... maybe the monthly charge isn't a great idea... again- consider the one time fee if thats the case. Most people are willing to pay for conveniences, but usually not more than once for the same convenience.

dkazibutowski commented Monday, May 31

Skype, I can't believe you are going to nickle and dime us with that 3G fee in September. The reason people love Skype (right now) is because it's free, and we can then pay for extra services like calling a land line or cell phone. Our choice. But charging people a fee for using Skype over 3G? Com'on! Skype is not the 3G service provider!!!! why charge for something that is being provided by another company? This is going to cost Skype in the long run. You'll see....

jallbritton commented Monday, May 31

Someone needs to explain why iPhone users are getting hit with this fee. Verizon customers don't pay an extra fee for Skype to Skype calls over 3G. To this point I was very impressed with Skype and I have always recomended it to family and friends, but I'm disappointed that this where the company is headed. If memory serves "Skype to Skype calls will always be free" unless over an iPhone with AT&T 3G. I will say that I most likely won't use Skype over 3G much, but the fee has me worried that this is a start of something bigger. Basically I have my finger on the delete button and I'm waiting to see how this is going to play out.

cutterpillow commented Monday, May 31

If you think you're going to start charging for Skype-to-Skype calls over 3G - something that is and always has been free on every other Skype client - then you're sorely mistaken. This is despicable to the highest degree. Will you be charging other 3G Skype users for Skype-to-Skype calls - Verizon users? Blackberry users? Android users? Mac & PC users? If not, then what is your justification for this unjustifiable iPhone tax? And that's exactly what this is, a tax.

I will not put up with it. If you proceed to unfairly tax your iPhone users then I will no longer use Skype in the future and I will find and promote alternatives to Skype. I will recommend to all that I can to stop using Skype and to use another service that doesn't treat their users like piggy banks that they can impose ridiculous fees on whenever they want.

You are not paying for my 3G data connection and as such you have NO RIGHT WHATSOEVER to charge me a fee to use the data connection that I am paying for. I don't know what insane justifications you have for this but if you're trying to recover costs associated with iPhone development then I'd recommend that you either make Skype for iPhone a paid app or you add a one-time-only in-app purchase for Skype-to-Skype calling over 3G. In my opinion this would still be ridiculous but at least it wouldn't be as insulting and despicable as trying to charge a monthly fee for using the 3G connection THAT I'M ALREADY PAYING FOR.

Lastly I'll say that you sure do know how to tick off your customers and you are trying your very best to make your once loyal and happy customers your former, disgruntled customers. Good luck with your continuing quest to alienate all of your customers.

Cheers

cristianogp commented Monday, May 31

Hello! Are you also going to charge for 3g usage the owners of other devices such as the n900 and Symbian?

cristianogp commented Monday, May 31

Is skype on iPhone and other mobile devices as safe and secure as the skype for mac or windows? Please do not refer me to the security overview section, as it only talks about skype in general not mobile devices such as iPhone.

ranarumi commented Monday, May 31

rana
i am glad the i can make call Skype on iphone via 3g but also sad because after August 2010 Skype will charge on mobile .it should not be happen .please donot do it
thanks

elkhawand.dominic commented Monday, May 31

To charge for skype to skype calls over 3G when wifi calls are free is ridiculous and outrageous. It's like websites charging us a fee when visiting their pages over 3G compared to regular internet. Data is Data regardless of how u are accessing it and we are already paying the data provider for it. This is called discrimination against 3G users.

mjebijma commented Monday, May 31

How bizarre! We're allready paying for a 3G connection! I guess very soon there will be other software then Skype that doesn't charge there customers. I think a Skype boycot should be something to consider. This SURE is called discrimination against 3G users!

Hoezo bizar! Eerst betalen voor een 3G verbinding! Skype slaat hier de plank goed mis, ik ga er vanuit dat er spoedig een derde partij is die in dit gat zal springen. Het is enkel nog wachten op het moment dat 3G voldoende 'bandbreedte' heeft. Windows Live zou bijv. een goed alternatief zijn en wordt al veel als mobile software aangeboden. Een skype boycot van de 3G users is beslist de moeite van overwegen waard.

rowdy_sunstrider commented Monday, May 31

Charging for Skype to Skype calls through 3G on the iPhone, eh?

Will you charge for Skype to Skype calls on other phones as well? Why not?

Will you charge for Skype to Skype calls on PC clients that surf through 3G connections as well, be they tethered to a phone or using a USB modem/internal 3G modem?

Just where do you think this'll all end up?

You're not mentioning any motives and you expect people to toss their money at ya like it's ? Nice try. Get real already. Us users are already paying for the data traffic.

Wether you're being pressured by the phone companies or not is irrelevant. You used to stick it to The Man. Look at you now. You're a disgraceful lot.

Also; you have some nerve to give your users "CD quality sound" that has 4~6 seconds of latency between two users sitting next to each other, Skype to Skype calling through 3G, not too far away from a cell tower... and then being audacious enough to say "hey, enjoy this torment while it lasts. Youze gonna have to pay for it, starting next yea.. .. no.. in fact; strike that! Starting this august! Yaaaaah!! Hahaahahah! *counts nickels*".

Know this; you just opened a can of worms, half-wits. Just keep shooting yourselves in the foot.

r.brinkhuis commented Monday, May 31

How about roaming costs?

I am a lot in Italy and make lots of calls to the netherlands and germany.

Am i still have to pay fee for roaming?

biteme114 commented Monday, May 31

2 questions:
1) sound quality over 3G - I called cell phone using my Skype out and although the sound quality on my end was excellent, my friend complained that every few seconds, he would loose few words, so the conversation was basically garbled. It seems that it's switching like it's in one way calls. Saying over does not really cut it with cell phone.

2) I will NEVER EVER pay extra to Skype or anyone else, since I am already paying to my provider and I have 6 gb of data/month and never use it all up and I pay to Skype every month for Skype Out. Furthermore, nobody can call me on Skype from another phone no, since I can't get Skype incoming number in Canada. Plus, the iphone does not support multitasking yet, not till OS 4. So the value of the 3G calling with Skype is very limited. If Skype institutes anymore fees, I will simply cancel my Skype out and stop using Skype altogether. There are alternatives.

james-steeves commented Monday, May 31

Dear Skype,

I would first like to say that for years, I have been a big fan of your company and your products. I also feel that your contributions to VOIP has gotten the average person interested in the technology and to help those who are separated by far distances connect just by using a webcam connected to a computer with a broadband internet connection. I was also a big fan with the vision you had as a company to extend the Skype application beyond your PC, to internet connected mobile devices and even to your internet connected television set. Unfortunately, I can not say that now and if anything, I want to express my disappointment and even anger towards your company in respect of how you have treated your iphone users and customers over the past five months.

Based on what I know, When Steve Jobs announced the SDK to develop apps for the iPhone as well as the app store to distribute them, he had rules on what applications can and can't be made for the iphone. One of those rules was that no application was to be made that had any VOIP features over a cellular network. Based on what I know, Your company was a big advocate for that rule to be changed. Well Fortunately, Steve Jobs came out last January and said that developers can now make apps with VOIP functionality. Since then, your company was promising that very soon, you would release an update to your Skype Application for the iPhone to allow Skype calls over the cellular network.

I started to sense something being fishy as the weeks passed and no update was to be found on the App store on iTunes for the Skype Application. Once you said you where working on the call quality to improve, I had some sort of assurance that the application would then be released within the next few weeks or the next month.

I think the issue I have with your company the most is how you acted towards your customers and users between that period of time, to the announcement of the partnership between your company and Verizon, to this current day. Since the partnership announcement, everyone including my self on the Skype forums became suspicious with the sudden halt of communication over the status of the iPhone application. We at the forums kept asking for an honest answer as to the status of the iphone Application. We asked if the Verizon deal played any roll to the status of the iPhone app. Instead, Your mod's on the forums just deleted are posts and avoided are questions all together.

I think the thing that makes me the most upset enough to contact you directly to express my anger and disappointment is the update to the Skype Application for the iphone over the weekend. Yes, while it finally has the ability to place Skype to Skype calls over a cellular network, the little message that pops up when you use the application; "You've got until at least August 2010 to make and receive free Skype-to-Skype calls over your mobile network. After that, you'll need a mobile subscription."

To me, I feel like your company has gotten to the point where you get big enough, you just stop caring for your customers and you now just spit on them! This iphone application to me feels like a spit to the face! To even suspect that loyal fans, users and customers like my self is more than happy to pay whatever fee you introduce past august, well thats just complete nonsense and arrogance and who ever thought of that and approved it should be dismissed from the company! No one will pay for this! We will just move on to other alternatives like Google's Gizmo5 or even Fring.

So what is up with this supposed monthly fee past August to make Skype to Skype calls over the cellular network on your iPhone? Whats the justification to this cost? I pay my cell phone provider $30 a month for 6GB of data. 6GB to consume it anyway I want so long as I don't abuse the network. If I go over my 6GB data plan, Well thats my problem and should pay any over charges for it. Skype is a P2P based VOIP protocol. The calls don't pass through any server, they just pass through nodes. I don't quite understand the associated cost to this. Why do I have to pay this fee on top of my monthly data fee from my cellular provider? Could you please explain the justification to this cost?

Also, Why do Verizon customers who get a smartphone with Skype in it and they do not have to pay for this fee?

For my last question, I would like to ask this. Skype, Can you please explain to me the difference between using this updated iPhone application that does VOIP over the cellular network and paying the unknown small fee past August to make Skype to Skype calls, compared to taking my notebook PC, tethering it to my iPhone to receive internet via cellular network and using the Skype application on the PC to make Skype to Skype calls past August?

If anything, I ask that your company review this decision. Go on the Skype forums to see all your users who are Angry over this. That not enough? Go on to iTunes and read the reviews. It has already been up for a few days and already people are giving negative reviews over the fact that you plan to charge to use the cellular call feature. If you did not even think of adding a charge to the application, I am sure all the reviews for the application would be high praise. It's actually a good update! Just the idea to charge for it foreshadows its usefulness.

Lastly, I ask once again to please review this decision. I want to be a continuing fan of Skype and its products! I want to continue to encourage other people to use Skype. But continuing to make these bad decisions, I am sorry but I would have to move on.

grug2k commented Monday, May 31

Perhaps you'd like to explain

- How it costs Skype any more money to provide their service, just because my IP happens to be from a mobile carrier over 3G

- What the difference is, to Skype, between making
a) Making a Skype call over my iPhone
b) Making a Skype call over my laptop, using my iPhone as a modem (free to tether on my carrier, free for Skype, AND I can use more bandwidth if I make a videocall)
c) Making a Skype call over my laptop, using a USB HSDPA modem, using my iPhone's SIM card

- Why I can call, Skype-to-Skype over 3G, on my old Nokia (provided by 3 Australia) for free, and have been able to do so since 2006?

- Whether this charge applies solely to iPhones as it appears to? Why am I paying an iPhone tax?

- Whether it has anything to do with your Verizon deal in the US...believe it or not, a great deal of us live in other countries and have unlocked phones and don't really care about US telco politics.

- How it's fair that those of us overseas often have download limits on our 3G plans, who are essentially already paying for X amount of MB

- What you meant by your previous claim "Skype-to-Skype calls are free, forever."

Now if my telco wants to charge more for tethering, or Skype, or whatever, that is certainly their prerogative. It's not yours.

An IP address is an IP address. You're not providing my internet service. You don't magically incur more costs because I'm on 3G.

Now excuse me while I go jailbreak my phone...

uglierwan commented Tuesday, Jun 1

Seriously...you want me to pay on top of my monthly fee to my cell company? I'm happy to pay for calls to landlines etc, but Skype to Skype...not going to happen. Maybe you want me to move to Fring or Google Voice?

hockeyguy8 commented Tuesday, Jun 1

You can download fring at the app store, not only can you make calls over 3g for free you can also see the person on your handset if they are on a computer so one way video call.You would think sykpe knows about this.

rykel98 commented Tuesday, Jun 1

Guys, what are the Skype alternatives?? As far as I can tell, there seems to be NONE. Tried SIP over wifi/3G. Nope. Quality sucks. Skype sounds better because it is p2p, rather than server-client (SIP technology)... I hope alternatives come soon!

gd-jac commented Tuesday, Jun 1

What amazes me the most is not the fee per se but the inability for a communication (!?) company to properly articulate and convey a message to its customer base without upsetting it. Is there anybody – with some common sense (if not professionalism) – in charge of marketing and PR?

droobey commented Tuesday, Jun 1

Charging for skype to skype over 3g. Thought skype to skype was always meant to be free. Oh well. And so another company gets greedy.

gd-jac commented Tuesday, Jun 1

Peter Parkes

Considering the considerable delay in coming up with this version (which caused a lot of upset) and beside the annoying message that keeps popping up to remind us that at the end of August it is not any-longer free, you would have been better served by releasing this app with the pricing structure and not with a statement that keep people guessing.

I am however also surprised by the frankness of your statement of yours "It’s a question of value, not of cost" – ipso facto what the market can or is willing to afford (e.g. the same product X is more expensive in Dublin than Prague due to market condition)

This said I keep being amazed at people who continue to believe that these services/products (and I am not taking only for Skype) will continue to be free. As every business model this one needs to make money and when critical mass will be reached every company will start charging, but frankly it all depends how, how much and with what Service Quality Level (which is the crux of the matter)

thomascoleman commented Tuesday, Jun 1

wheres the PROPER iPad app?

surlyhacker commented Tuesday, Jun 1

Peter, I'd like you to tell us which of the following is the case (in the US, at least):
1) Apple and/or AT&T is charging you a fee (or making you compensate them in some way) for the ability to provide Skype calls over 3G on the iPhone, and you are planning to pass this fee (in whole or in part) on to your users
2) Neither Apple nor AT&T charges you (or demands compensation) for the ability to provide Skype calls over 3G on the iPhone, but you have decided for the first time ever to introduce charges for Skype-to-Skype calls
3) You are legally prohibited from answering this question
4) You choose not to answer this question

surlyhacker commented Tuesday, Jun 1

Thanks for the quick response

ipasqualo commented Tuesday, Jun 1

PAY THE CALL Skype-to-Skype is a shame! Never mind that you will pay in 2011, is a matter of principle! Google Voice devour you if you continue with these choices ... this would be a sad thing.

alemotturamob commented Tuesday, Jun 1

@Peter Parkes - thanks for your replies. I agree with you that the people providing me with water should not have a say on what I use the water for. However, I think that the people I buy the coffee machine from should not have a say over which water source I use to feed the coffee machine.

Skype customers who are rejoicing about using Skype over 3G are strong believers that a data connection should be used for anything they want. Equally, these same customers strongly believe that an online service (including Skype) should be free regardless of which data connection you are using.

I agree with jallbritton that it is incoherent for you to start charging skype-to-skype calls (over 3G) when you broadly advertise that "Skype-to-Skype calls will always be free" pretty much everywhere on your website.

brianridgway commented Tuesday, Jun 1

I'm pleased that Peter Parkes has been able to answer many of the questions posted so far but I still don't understand:

• Why is it that only iPhone 3G users appear to be facing charges for Skype-to-Skype calls from 2011; what about 3G users on other mobile platforms?

• Peter states "we have a great relationship with Verizon Wireless which allows us to make Skype-to-Skype calls completely free per minute on their network – much like we do with 3 in the UK". Does this mean that as a 3 UK customer with a 3G iPhone, I will not pay from 2011?

* Will users who tether their 3G iPhone to their laptop and use Skype incur the additional charge?

• Skype as a company have been remarkably successful in introducing VOIP to the average user with its freemium model. Do Skype think that the model they have used to date is now broken from a business perspective?

elkhawand.dominic commented Tuesday, Jun 1

@Peter Parkes. Thank you for the clarification. However I have 2 comments:
1- It's a matter of principle: skype to skype calls are always free according to the original skype company's vision and promise. 3G skype to skype calls are by definition included.
2- If you give me the option of buying a new coffee maker to make better coffee, u can't tell me that I would have to pay for it if I use bottled water, or use it for free if I use city water. You can make me pay for it alright but that would be a one time fee not a fee according to usage and I can use it with any water source I want.

skvingedal commented Tuesday, Jun 1

@Skype, I certainly hope you don't make those who have a unlimited subscription pay more to use Skype on their mobile phone.

I also agree that Skype to Skype should be free no matter what even if you are on a 3G network. That's been the basis for Skype over the years and it would be a better idea to keep it that way.

kurtevk commented Tuesday, Jun 1

Peter Parkes you say to @james-steeves thanks for your feedback – I appreciate the comprehensive critique. I disagree on one point, though, and that’s on the question of value which I’ve addressed above. We believe that this is something people will be willing to pay for – otherwise we wouldn’t even be contemplating charging for it in the first place. It’s a question of value, not of cost, and my recommendation is to try it and see. If, at the end of 2010, you don’t find it valuable (or even before then) then please, please let us know.

Dear Petar,
Do you know what racketeering is?

P.S.
You just lost me and another few millions as a clients!

kevtha commented Wednesday, Jun 2

Greedy thieves. Are you guys not making enough money as it is already in subscriptions by millions of users? Is it really all worth it to start charging in this aspect to call on 3g again? I'm usually not as blunt in my comments, but this move is completely ridiculous and unnecessary as others have pointed out the fees aren't actually being utilised for anything other than just fat profits in the pockets. If this fee was perhaps say used to upkeep a service to provide 3g calls then they may be acceptable but so far you haven't explained why this charge is needed.

wilsynet commented Wednesday, Jun 2

Thanks for the update to the application, seems terrific!

Some feature requests for future versions:

1. Bluetooth headset support
2. Running in the background and able to receive calls with new iPhone OS 4.0 which presumably supports multi-tasking.

Thanks!

jeyges commented Wednesday, Jun 2

How on EARTH does it work? I downloaded the new version, and I've been trying and trying - I can't figure out how to do it. I can use Skype over WiFi (which sucks on the iPhone), but I can't do it over 3G. Are there instructions anywhere?

beardsleym commented Wednesday, Jun 2

Firstly I would imagine that there are some backstage dealings between Skype and telco providers. The implementation of VOIP over 3G and OS4 could potentially ruin carriers. I have taken to VOIP and my bill has gone from $75 to $16. This is a business decision with that in mind. The increased revenue of Skype out over 3G would cover the R&D of the iPhone app so it seems odd to start charging for use. All VOIP providers offer free in network calling, some at a third of the cost of Skype. Vote with your feet.

spynetro commented Wednesday, Jun 2

Well i already used other service for VOIP over 3G that is free... so i will not pay for Skype over 3G...

jon.leto commented Wednesday, Jun 2

As soon as I saw the notice of the upcoming fee I returned to my home screen, removed skype and rated it 1 star. Moving on from skype. Glad I'm canceled my unlimited calling a few monts ago, I WAS ACTULY GOING TO RENEW IT IF THE CALL QUALITY WAS GOOD OVER 3G!

jacobdol commented Wednesday, Jun 2

Unbeleivable. I am already paying ATT for voice and data, Skype for Skype Pro and voice mail, and now I have to pay for Skype to Skype calls over 3G???? Not going to happen.

sprognak commented Wednesday, Jun 2

Don't give the "it's a substantial investment" arguement for charging. No other platform is charged, you already charge for skype to non skype calls - which is perfectly fair. Free skype to skype calls have always been the reason people used skype, back at day one you used to advertise and be proud of the fact that skype didn't use any infrastructure and hence why you could make it for free. The only reason to date that skype hasn't made free skype to skype calls over 3G is because Apple didn't let you. Now if you are being made to pay some royalty to do this then fine, admit it...

I'm sure I won't be alone in stating that I'll never pay for a skype to skype call. There are plenty of completely free sip providers out there who will happily take the reigns of free VOIP leader away from you if you try it.

beniltoncarvalho commented Wednesday, Jun 2

@peterparkes

Peter, the one thing that is not clear for me and I was hoping that you could clarify: regarding the charges for 3G Skype-Skype calls, are these specific for those using the iPhone app? Or, no matter what, all of us are subject to the fees when the calls are placed through 3G (assuming that these are not 3 UK or Verizon US users)?

For what it's worth, I don't quite agree with your water/coffee analogy. Take Microsoft, Apple and Mozilla as examples: they provide software (browsers) which require Internet connection to work at full capacity (as Skype does); that said, what would be one plausible justification for them to charge me if I use their software using a different network protocol? (costs of development isn't really a nice answer here, because these are tools that allow them to have a huge group of users on their platform - many of them who are willing to pay for premium services).

Skype's profit comes from credit purchases and subscription services, and the broad and free access to its technology on Skype-to-Skype calls is what increased the number of general and subscription-based users that made Skype such a big deal today.

Regardless the network structure used to place the call, Skype-to-Skype calls are *not* a premium service - they are proof-of-concept (it's like paying the water company to show that the water they deliver at my house is wet and has 2 molecules of hydrogen and 1 of oxygen). Premium services are emergency calls, Skype-In numbers, Voicemail, Voicemail -> SMS....

For the record, I'm a relatively happy Skype credit and Skype subscription user, who will definitely cancel the services once Skype starts charging Skype-to-Skype 3G calls - it's a matter of principle.

aim-kai commented Wednesday, Jun 2

For me - SKYPE BROKE ITS PROMISE! For a long time I heard that free Skype-Skype calls remains at heart of Skype company and that's your unique selling proposition.

Peter I agree ith you that sometimes people are willing to pay for extended functionality - but with this argument - you and your entire company lost moral right to discuss the network neutrality issue and neutrality of my Internet experience. Don't try to convince me that you're something better than AT&T now.

For all others - use other skype clients or just change the VoIP software - Skype is not the only one option you have.

dunecliftcooper commented Wednesday, Jun 2

Public chat room for this topic, vent your anger and frustration at this shameful news, skype:?chat&blob=4OpdqwtzW9q7SlGA4ZeNILUAxseYmGnQqegZ0MeK6fPpVBNK_NPt1MAUyuMYfgLsONQ1gdzKrs7DKRFc
OZKjknywwA

copy and paste in your browser

barbie.roberts commented Thursday, Jun 3

I'm so mad at Skype I can't breathe. I foolishly gave them $25 for nothing. I thot I had to give them money to talk to my daughter in Scotland and I don't......now I can't get the money back and there's no one to contact. They take you around in circles.
I'm pissed at them as well as myself!

robert.edstrom commented Thursday, Jun 3

Finally calls over 3G, how we have waited! Great!

BUT: To even think about charging us users for this service in the future is an outrage. Seriously, is this some kind of pressure you get from other parties (IE Apple/Verizon/AT&T)?
Don't go there. I will uninstall Skype from all my devices and computers the day you start charging for Skype-to-Skype, and I believe I am not alone.

robert.edstrom commented Thursday, Jun 3

By the way, kudos for giving individual response to the comments here. It shows you care about us customers, but please show respect to our concern.
I already pay for Skype-to-Phone, which I am glad to for the extra value. But charging differently depending on what client the user is calling from is more like charging more for the coffee I make at home if I'm going to put milk in it.

entheosone commented Thursday, Jun 3

I can understand if Skype charges a small fee for VOIP on 3G, understandably it's probably AT&T twisting their arm. But, I do feel 3G Skype service should be free for paying Skype customer, like myself. I use your service to talk with my family who live overseas, but if you begin to charge me another fee on top of what I currently pay for your service it will become cheaper for me to simply use prepaid international calling cards again. The economy isn't exactly great for everyone; be our corporate knight in shining armor in an age of blood sucking mobile giants.

shaunbenza commented Thursday, Jun 3

I will not pay an extra charge to use Skype over 3G.
I will pay for SIP and close my Skype account.
Skype, you have lost your Mojo.
This is very sad.
You were once the people's champion.

alanpearly commented Thursday, Jun 3

Look, if Skype over 3G uses some new-fangled technology (hence the new coffee machine) ok. It has value and Skype should be compensated.

Why not then charge users for a 3G enabled version? Everytime you improve it, release a new version then charge for it again.

I cannot conceive of any logic whereby someone can justify charging not just once, twice, or even thrice but _every_ month for a new coffee machine...

alanpearly commented Thursday, Jun 3

Look, if Skype over 3G uses some new-fangled technology (hence the new coffee machine) ok. It has value and Skype should be compensated.

Why not then charge users for a 3G enabled version? Everytime you improve it, release a new version then charge for it again.

I cannot conceive of any logic whereby someone can justify charging not just once, twice, or even thrice but _every_ month for a new coffee machine...

mcja74 commented Thursday, Jun 3

I have my question about this new cost-change that will be next year.
1- If I use my Iphone terthering modo and use my Laptop with skype do I have to pay?
2- How do they know if I use 3G or Wifi mode?
3- If I'm continuing using my old version of skype do I have to pay (I've it blackrained it and was able to call since a year over 3G)?

I hope that someone of skype will response all this questions. Anyway so I will use Skype next year to call land-lines over 3G (there are other ways to call over internet for free).

able2ru commented Thursday, Jun 3

There have been questions about Skype on Android with Verizon. Here is what I have found:

Skype to Skype are free, BUT, they use the phone side of service, not 3G.

Skype to landlines and cell phones use your Verizon minutes. If you have a subscription to Skype for unlimited calling in USA and Canada, it still works, BUT you use cell phone minutes to make the call.

If you have a SkypeIn or now known as Online Skype number, it will work when you are on a PC BUT will not work with Skype on your Android cell phone, so people calling you while you are using your Android with Verizon will not connect to you.

The Verizon Android Skype will NOT let you use Skype over WiFi.

Like others, I am concerned. I have the "unlimited" data plan from Verizon, so paying again to use Skype on 3g does seem like double dipping. I suspect that ATT allowed Skype to begin using 3g AND eliminated their "unlimited" so that they not only get you to pay more sooner, they also get you to pay Skype also which I suspect that Skype will have to surrender some of that money to ATT so ATT wins twice, Skype wins once and the customer gets screwed.

The question is how long before Verizon does the same? If they do, then Skype will be removed from my cell phone. It was already severely limited and making you pay for less, well, is insulting.

bhpaterson01 commented Thursday, Jun 3

Anyone know how you get to this "rapid access to the dial pad from the home screen?" It's not so rapid if you can't find it. Thanks!

goodfriend4ever4u commented Thursday, Jun 3

There is skype on android mobiles. I just downloaded on mine through planet 3 link in Uk. I don't see how others can't do it though because the file was .apk and should work on others as far as i know. I can probably try to post it for people?

freddy.angel commented Friday, Jun 4

My Skype stop working after last nigth update to version 2.0 !!! What should I do ? How do I go back to the previous version ?

donchoolisu commented Friday, Jun 4

I have an unlimited subscription, do i still need to pay for calling over 3g?

Its ridiculous if i have to pay for my 12gb data plan, an unlimited world subscription, and skypes 3g call charges. All just to make an overseas call!!

dewezve commented Friday, Jun 4

I agree that it is unfair to have to pay a monthly fee for the skype app enabling calls on 3G. A one-time small fee would be much more appropriate. We already pay for the data plan with our provider.

dunecliftcooper commented Friday, Jun 4

Sorry about the above, that didn't work try this for the public chat on Skype's proposal skype:?chat&blob=tgLZDhPVCvtEn7gB610Dyd8tElLVSuCdaRdnNUsX79OLiym1dxFx0Wjc7c68mJ8qn5mpZu_ljWNJbEF7GUo-vT7iobjU

robertchandlerskype commented Friday, Jun 4

Hi Peter,

How will this work in the UK. I already have a Network 3 subscription which includes free skype to skype calls. I then put their sim into an unlocked iPhone and I can't make free calls any longer but still pay the same monthly subscription? Does look like an iPhone tax to me @peehsb

sprognak commented Saturday, Jun 5

@Peter Parkes: So why penalise the iPhone platform? Or is this to be all mobile platforms - in which case will you charge Mac users (as this is a seperate development from the PC)? If you begin charging for all of those, then how long until you start asking for payment for any skype to skype type call and skype ends up being another useless provider like Vonage...

You see, you're going down a slipery slope here. You guys must know this is against the primary reason your users have for using Skype - it's free. What about people who use other open clients - such as Fring (which also supports VOIP calls using Skype). You didn't develop Fring, it's been available for years on all platforms (including older Symbian platforms). You are justifying the right to charge based on your R&D costs, but you didn't R&D fring...

sprognak commented Saturday, Jun 5

"the proposed fees are more than justified by the investment in engineering, R&D and design which we’ve made (and will continue to make) in order to create great products."

But you're NOT charging for the product. You're charging for the service. The service has ALWAYS been free and is STILL stated as free on your website.

By all means sell the Skype app in the appstore, but don't charge for a service when your entire business since conception has been built on the promise that it was free...

chukpun commented Saturday, Jun 5

When is skype available on Xperia

norman.bates.motel1 commented Sunday, Jun 6

There have been a number of comments regarding the imposition of fees for the use of Skype over the 3G network beginning at the end of 2010. Your response is always try it for free until the end of the year - implying one has nothing loose.

For somebody considering the purchase of an iPad or iPod Touch/iPhone there is something to loose. If the primary use of a device is as a VOIP client, one might prefer to purchase the WiFi only models and not be subject to any monthly fees. If 3G iPad is purchased now for a VOIP client, what you're saying is that it is now impossible for the customers to have any idea what total monthly costs will eventually be.

The incentive to know pricing NOW (and not the end of the year) is because ATT will be eliminating unlimited 3G access in the US after June 6, 2010, after which data usage fees will be unknown if use exceeds 3G subscription limits. New Skype fees at the end of the year add to pricing uncertainty.

So that's why not to "why not try it until the end of the year."

smokingroove101 commented Sunday, Jun 6

I for one will not be supporting Skype if the charges for using it over 3G come into effect.

The thought that they could get away with this blatant misdirection of their main unique selling point is the first stab at Skype loosing credibility. Everyone with a mobile phone is paying for a coverage plan, so are already paying for calls and internet. Why pay an extra fee to make calls when you can already do this?

Skype as it is now is a great service but adding the charge for making Skype to Skype calls over 3G is nothing more than a rip-off and a lack of care for listening to it's customers thoughts and requests.

Skype, you have been warned.
Let's see if they actually listen to their customers now.

smokingroove101 commented Sunday, Jun 6

Peter, the people have spoken and the vast majority have said they do not want Skype to Skype calls over 3G to be a chargeable service.

Will skype simply ignore the customers wishes and bulldoze everyone into this or will they show some backbone and go with customers legitimate requests regarding this?

silvaramesh commented Sunday, Jun 6

data calls are not really free. We pay a monthly subscription for our data plan to the sevice provider. VOIP service suppose to be free using that data platform. when we have to pay for the VOIP calls , actually we pay double charge. one for the data and for the calls. this will be the end of skype as why do we have to pay for skype, when we can directly dial the number from our phone ? isnt it the same ? (may be little less in prize).
This is another rip off from apple. they want money in every thing do (may be not all but most of the things) my advice is , buy some other phone like nokia N8/N900 where they have built in skype and those companies are not to make a buck out of other peoples work. skype can charge for VOIP calls but that will be the end of this lovely company, cos there will be some one who will give us VOIP free. and it will be the nature that we will be grabbing it with whole of our hart

norman.bates.motel1 commented Sunday, Jun 6

Free calls
It’s what Skype is made for.

Using Skype to call another person who also has Skype is totally free. Yep, absolutely nothing. Zip. Zero. Zilch.

Free Skype-to-Skype calls.
To anywhere in the world.
And at any time, day or night, morning or weekends.

Free calling
You’ve downloaded Skype, and so has your friend. Now you can get started on the really cool stuff – such as making completely free and great quality calls from your computer. That’s the great thing about Skype, you can use your internet connection and turn your computer into an internet phone and make free Skype-to-Skype calls.

helenbelle commented Tuesday, Jun 8

my input for what it is worth.....Firstly, I used Skype over 3G on the weekend to call Australia from the UK. It worked brilliantly. The clarity was excellent and there was no delay on the line. A couple of times for about 10 secs the sound pixelated. But this disappeared quickly. The line dropped out once (in a 40 min call) due to network slowness. Overall I was very impressed.

Regarding the charging issue which everyone appears to be very passionate about....I am not averse for Skype to continue charging as it does now over a PC/Mac for calls to landlines/mobiles. So the cost of a call over 3G comes out of my Skype balance. I don't agree with charging for Skype-to-Skype calls over any medium. As stated, many times above, this has always been Skype's big thing -> that Skype-to-Skype calls are always free. Why change this now? I understand about business costs rising, and having to pay for engineering and development etc. But why alter your base philosophy and upset so many of your customers?
Helen

gd-jac commented Tuesday, Jun 8

I would think that the introduction yesterday by Steve Jobs of FaceTime which Apple aims to make an open industry standard must have put a spanner in Skype plans whatever they are. A game changer...

jokiin commented Wednesday, Jun 9

the main attraction of Skype on the iPhone is Skype to Skype calling, the quality is normally pretty good, SkypeOut and similar subscription offers obviously create revenue streams but my experience is that the results are very hit and miss, I gave up on using these services and just use it purely for Skype to Skype, being able to do that over 3G would be convenient, but not at a cost, I'll stick to using it for free over Wi-Fi, if they start to charge for that then I'll just give it away altogether, I have other VoIP services and apps that work well and don't have subscription costs so will just stick to using those

beniltoncarvalho commented Wednesday, Jun 9

@peterparkes

Hi Peter, I'm not sure what you meant by "premium services are also ones which our customers find valuable – give it a try and see what you think"... I'm a Skype user for years (including Skype Credit and paid subscription), isn't that enough?

Anyhow... Thoughts about the questions on my previous post (which I paste below for your convenience)?

"Peter, the one thing that is not clear for me and I was hoping that you could clarify: regarding the charges for 3G Skype-Skype calls, are these specific for those using the iPhone app? Or, no matter what, all of us are subject to the fees when the calls are placed through 3G (assuming that these are not 3 UK or Verizon US users)?"

I'm not sure about Verizon US... but 3 UK promised us (I'm one of their customers) free Skype-to-Skype calls for life (which is placed through 3G, as far as I understand)....

lordmoggy commented Thursday, Jun 10

I did warn you this could happen, but nobody listened!!! As previous complaints have said Skype to skype has always been free. But sadly now that selling point which built Skype as a company has been threaten by greedy filthy thieves. They say that pc skype to skype has not been affected and wireless skype will remain free. But i say for how long??? Maybe not long for all greedy people and companies see only dollar signs!!!! But as i know and so do some others there are alternatives to free voip communications one such company is nimbuzz another is fring....Nimbuzz is the next big all rounder which has support for pc to pc , pc to mobile and mobile to mobile at present fring is mobile to mobile only. The telco's are scared because they now have true competition to their carrier networks. Because all we really need is a data plan from the telco's and nothing more, just like our data plans for the internet. If skype needs revenue for R AND D then they really should consider making us pay for each new release of the software in the apple app store. Doing this will help keep skype to skype free on all there platforms pc to pc, pc to mobile and mobile to mobile.

But if they dont consider these options and leave skype to skype free then droves of loyal customer will flock to other alternatives like fring and nimbuzz!!!

So Skype will you listen? Or will we jump ship while we see yours sink!!!!

Regards,

Moggy the Skype Guru

gd-jac commented Thursday, Jun 10

The Telcom are going to adapt and ultimately win because people are not going to endlessly have hundred of apps to talk to people with on top of it different devices. They need interporality on the same device. Steve Jobs nailed it when he unveiled FaceTime. At home I am the only one that uses Skype my daughter and all her friends are all on (so called – i.e. monthly 20 euro top-up) free mobile to mobile call within the same telcom.

Not for nothing the reaction of Skype – on Cnet yesterday (09/06). Re. –

Skype confirms, wants FaceTime with Apple's iPhone 4 video calling

michael_lowry commented Thursday, Jun 10

This is certainly an interesting development. The ability to make VOIP calls over the mobile data network is nothing new, of course. And Skype on the iPhone has been around for a while. What’s new is the combination of the two—and the fee, of course. This will be the first time Skype has attempted to charge users for Skype-to-Skype calls.

Visit my blog to read more of my thoughts about Skype on mobile devices.

seanfalli commented Thursday, Jun 10

I can understand how ti must look like just a cash cow for skype to try rake in some extra dollars. But I think it will backfire if they go down this road as there are plenty of other voip services offering freer user to user calls over any connection. But having said that i just changed service providers to Three (Drei) and took the optional skype packet which is very cheap. It gives me 5000 minutes per month so it wont really bother me. BUt i think if they want paid user for skype to skype the best option would be skype to skype remains free for subscription customers. That way they get to collect some extra money and wont tick to many people off and most likely will even pick up alot more subscribers. Skype to Skype free calls still costs someone money somewhere down the track and paying a litle for it would be alot better option then having to hear advertising on the line before your cal is connected. And that would most likely be there alternative way of covering skype to skype cost charges they incur,.

audreypeters commented Thursday, Jun 10

I think a main issue on this thread is that we feel miffed to have to pay a further charge for Skype and iPhone when we already have a worldwide monthly subscription with Skype. That indeed is double charging. As a long time paid subscriber to Skype, I would not pay additional fees.

My second issue is not related to iPhone but perhaps Skype could answer why we still don't have Skype for Palm WebOS? Quite frankly AT&T's new charges means I'll be leaving AT&T and the iPhone and I'm guessing so will many people once they see their new bills.

beniltoncarvalho commented Thursday, Jun 10

@peterparkes, thanks... let's hope for the best (we for ours, skype for theirs)

jlscamper commented Friday, Jun 11

Hi, I have tried your Skype over 3g to call a mobile phone from my Iphone 3gs and it works fine, but I paid for this from my Skype credit. I do not think its fair to charge for skype to skype calls, you should just charge a one off fee for the app but if you do decide to charge I will remove skype from my iphone and use fring instead.

m.giannos commented Friday, Jun 11

Skype hi! the iphone app is amazing. Now with the iphone4 is it possible to insert videocalling????? I am looking foward to your reply!!! Again excellent work...

vincelicari commented Saturday, Jun 12

Skype, are you being charged to run voice data over mobile phone provider networks?

If no, then please explain why you would change your long standing policy of skype-skype calls being free.

If yes, then please make that clear and I'm sure many of is the form would understand a lot more as to why we would be charged for this service.

thank you

mustached_locket commented Saturday, Jun 12

No biggie, nobody is twisting our arms to use it, and I won't. Of course, it doesn't cost Skype anything extra to route data traffic from a 3G connection. Bandwidth is bandwidth. 3G is already obscenely expensive, and telecoms are getting away with murder (and they have for years: with current long-distance charges not having anything to do with reality, laughable SMS rates, etc.). Skype simply wants in on the action -- charge the user for something that doesn't cost a cent more to provide.

jiggypepper commented Sunday, Jun 13

Wow I can't believe skype to skype over 3g won't be free anymore. Skype is going down the drain by the looks of it

merlin0919 commented Sunday, Jun 13

... that is ridiculous. Skype over 3G will cost money ???
I pay for the 3G connection to my provider already it is not Skypes business how I go online. Really scary !!! I hope they will reconsider that stupid plan. So for I like Skype and don't wanna hate it from 2011 (I hope somebody will read this comment !)

silvaramesh commented Sunday, Jun 13

m.giannos

are you blind ? dont you see the bigger picture? iPhone will charge you for using skype to skype calls. may be the phone companys been thretten but thats the feature. we will pay only for the data plane and there will be numbers any more. network opartors has to deal with it. if skype gonna charge for free viop call it will delay my dream but some one will make it true. that company will re write communication industry. I dont think its gonna be skype with the way things are going. may be NIMMBAZ will.....

escalayer commented Monday, Jun 14

just to side track.. i wondering when will the skype for iphone include push notification ??

mike.and.astra commented Monday, Jun 14

Hey Peter,
I'd like to thank you and your team for providing us the ability to make calls over 3G. Honestly, I've been a little baffled at some of the comments about having to pay for the service. This type of service has never been available before on this platform. Yeah, there's Fring, but anyone that used that service know what's it's like pinging one server to another and the lag involved. The other similar services cost a heck of a lot more than Skype, so I'm wondering why someone would drop Skype and switch to pay more. Intriguing.
I will mention my only issue I've had that pops up time to time. When making calls, on occasion, there will be a delay in my relay over to the person I'm speaking with, so they won't hear my speech until several seconds later. No idea what's causing this. I tried resetting the iPhone. I have a really good Internet connection speed too, around 8 Mb/s.

If you have any advice let me know!

FYI all those waiting for push, it looks like Skype is waiting for iOS 4.0's local push notifications, so sit tight.

chudo1001 commented Monday, Jun 14

Where's the DISLIKE button??

I would like to know how Skype justifies charging for subscribing to a plan, paying international call fees and then also charging again for trying to make the call over 3G??? Need answers soon, or I (like many others) will take my business elsewhere.

Thanks.

striker333 commented Tuesday, Jun 15

Well...I have an iphone and ended up changing to a BB. However, since I am in Canada and not a verizon customer since they aren't here I don't even have access to skype on BB. I considered ditching the blackberry so I could have skype with my iphone as I found it invaluable. However since finding out that I will be charged for using MY DATA PLAN to possibly make 3G calls the iphone became less appealling and skype even more so. I will be cancelling my subscription on renewal and skype can take that to the bank. First because it limits BB users to one carrier worldwide!!!! and the 3G B$

neilpalfreyman commented Thursday, Jun 17

I just downloaded the application, signed in & told me it's only free for 3G till the end of the month.
It's nice to see Skype are lying to our faces... To quote from above:
"In the meantime, Skype-to-Skype calls on 3G will be free until the end of 2010, so download and enjoy"

Free my arse!

thefazios commented Thursday, Jun 17

This question has been asked many times, but no answer was provided: will people who tether their iphone 3G connection with their mac or PC still incur charges fro making skype to skype calls?

is.skype.evil commented Friday, Jun 18

Yes where is the dislike button.

My experience of the quality of Skype calls on iPhone over 3G over the last few weeks has been so variable that I wouldn't be prepared to pay for a subscription. My experience of other voice over IP applications on the iPhone has been similar so I don't think that it is a Skype issue.

Skype should have done extensive market research before introducing something like this. Given the comments here and that they haven't determined pricing yet it is clear they haven't got their thinking straight.

Here in the UK 3 Mobile offer free Skype to Skype calls from your mobile and my experience of the the call quality is that is much much more consistent (typical mobile phone quality) than from the iPhone over 3G. It seems Skype want you to pay for an inferior service because you have a shiny iPhone but you can get a better service free here in the UK if you don't.

Being in marketing I compare it to when coke introduced New Coke http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Coke back in 1985 and the backlash the followed turned it into an unmitigated disaster for Coke.

As a long time Skype user using Skype on Windows, Symbian, Windows Mobile over 3G connection I'm not sure where this is going to end. If Skype is going to charge for Skype to Skype calls over 3G for the iPhone, does that mean that they will charge for other platforms on 3G or even all Skype to Skype calls?

Why risk such bad publicity to make a few bucks off your raving fans. (Many who won't be raving so much about Skype after this announcement )

@PeterParkes I'm not sure how much clout you have over this decision, and maybe there is a good reason why you are charging for this as I understand some of the issues, however you don't seem to have explained it that well here. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this offline with you.

@mike.and.astra There are many other services that cost considerably less than Skype so I'm not intrigued why people would drop Skype to pay less, especially when Skype make announcements like this.

cute-july-1980 commented Saturday, Jun 19

it's really a great app, but unfortunately still up to now the quality is not good or bad

rickievz commented Saturday, Jun 19

iPhone app working great here in NYC. Able to speak to friends around the world via Skype to Skype and making some local calls. The sound quality is awesome. No complaint on my part. I'll wait until the end of the year to see what happens with the Skype over 3G fee...

lk5962 commented Saturday, Jun 19

I have been going to the States for years now paying approx €1 a minute on cell roaming. I now have an iPhone and can call home for a few cent a minute in a free wifi area. Skype is the best thing since the invention of the wheel as far as I'am concerned.

anjana_bhat commented Sunday, Jun 20

Does it work on an ipod touch??

sejilen.rungassamy commented Sunday, Jun 20

Since the last few months I've been using the Skype app on my itouch.It works really great.But I would like to make a request though.
I noticed during a skype call with a friend from my itouch to a PC ,that I could not see him even if he had a webcam.
I understand that with an itouch,your friend would not see you as the itouch is not equiped with a webcam,but at least it would be much appreciated if you could see him.

Thanks in advance

jenna.schwarz commented Monday, Jun 21

I was just wondering whether 3G to WiFi calls are possible or do the two people have to be on the same type of connection i.e. if one person is using free WiFi in the US and the other using 3G in the UK is that possible?

elliterate commented Monday, Jun 21

No doubt the ability to place calls over 3G is valuable, but I do not believe that is where people's objections lie. We object because we don't know what you're charging us for.

Yes, you've developed a product—a modified iPhone application that is no longer restricted to WiFi operation. Yes, that took time and money for you to develop. Yes, it is reasonable for you to be compensated for that.

But the key noun here is "product". You've developed a product and yet you're planning to charge for it as a service. By your logic, Microsoft would be justified in charging a monthly fee for using Windows. Having an operating system on your computer is a valuable thing, no? (After all, it would be rather unusable without it.) So why don't they charge us for its continued use? Because it's a product, not a service.

If you're going to charge us for a service, there had better be an actual service that is costing you money. As it stands, it just looks like you're charging us a convenience fee. A tax for the luxury of using our iPhones instead of our computers.

Since you've already said voice over IP (Skype-to-Skype) will always be free, if you're going to charge for voice over 3G, there had better be something about it that increases your operating costs. But it's unclear to us how voice over 3G is any different. If AT&T is not charging you to make calls over their 3G network, then their network is effectively an extension of the existing IP network (the internet) for which you already offer free service.

If you want to charge us for the new product you've built, then go ahead. But unless my use of that new product or feature is increasing your monthly overhead, don't charge me monthly for it. That's just sleazy.

newartistbuzz commented Monday, Jun 21

So I just updated to the new iOS on my 3GS I was excited to use the multitasking with skype to get incoming calls and.............It don't work!! Why, when that is the biggest news I have heard about multitasking and it is posted on both the skype website and apples website does it not receive calls on the iphone do I need to change a setting?

judders__1 commented Tuesday, Jun 22

When will skype be updated for use with the new iso 4 update on the iPhone as only compatible with unmodified iPhone with 3.0 or higher at the moment.

judders__1 commented Tuesday, Jun 22

Ps doesn't seem to work with multitasking.

pgd357 commented Tuesday, Jun 22

How foolish can you be regarding charging iPhone users a charge for using their iPhones. The writing is on the wall that your iPhone customers are not happy with your upcoming decision. Rather than agree it is a bad mistake you continue to try to justify your actions.

If you go forward with your choice I will not renew my monthly plan nor my skype number. I will also not use your long distance service anymore. I wonder if google voice will see this busness mistake you're making and and use this opportunity to lure away your customers.

You're not the only game in town. I am sure your competitors will be more than happy to accomodate your pissed off customers. Capitalism is great.

pgd357 commented Tuesday, Jun 22

One other thing. I have been using your long distance service more since you added the voi feature to the iPhone.

elliterate commented Tuesday, Jun 22

A monthly fee was just an example. It could be annual. It could be per-call. The point is that any recurring fee in the absence of increased operating costs is going to be viewed as sleazy. As sleazy as AT&T charging an extra $20 for the mere convenience of tethering on an already-capped data plan.

And yes, I'm assuming it's a recurring fee. I did so partly because the language of your post implies as much. (Saying that "calls on 3G will be free until the end of 2010" implies that you plan to charge us for the calls themselves, which precludes a one-time fee.)

But also, the most natural chance to charge a one-time fee for your iPhone development work (as a new iPhone app or as an in-app add-on) has been squandered by releasing a free version that supports 3G calls.

What's more, you've said nothing to rule out recurring fees, which tells us you're seriously considering them. And, again, seriously considering recurring fees in the absence of increased recurring operating costs is vulgar.

That is from whence the vitriol in these comments has arisen. You would do well to address these concerns and complaints rather than repeatedly throw up your hands and say "We haven't decided." It reads as "We haven't decided whether or not to scam you."

pgd357 commented Tuesday, Jun 22

Just drop the idea of charging. In order to fully use the voi feature you will need monthly phone service and a phone number. The new revenues from iPhone users should generate revenue but a fee for voi would just confirm skype is greedy.

d0325mgray commented Wednesday, Jun 23

I just upgraded my iPhone 3G to the new OS 4.0. As soon as I started Skype, there was a message saying it wasn't compatible with this OS. I assume it means that it is not compatible with multi-tasking. How long do we have to wait for you to catch up with what your customers want. Apple claims that Skype will multi-task, but it doesn't.

mayur_svce commented Wednesday, Jun 23

Is there a Skype app yet for the updated iphone OS4 to support multitasking because when I updated my iphone 3Gs to OS4 and opened the Skype app, a message came up that it does not support OS4.

rickievz commented Saturday, Jun 26

Mayur_svce, I got the same message. The Skype app works find. They just need to submit an update to correct that and show it compatible with iOS.

rickievz commented Saturday, Jun 26

Reading all these comments regarding paying the Skype to Skype fee, and I truly believe about 80% of users complaining will stay with Skype and pay the "small fee" depends on the cost.

Think about it... Lets say the small fee cost $5 a month, which I think is high, but just a number. You call friends on Skype to Skype who lives in Paris, France. There is no fair usage policy since its Skype to Skype. Unlimited Talk to anyone who has Skype for $5 a month is a bargain. I spend a lot of time on Skype, with family and friends around the world.

We all just have to wait and see what comes out of all this next year.

my two cents.

pgd357 commented Tuesday, Jun 29

Hey Rick. I don't know how you derived your 80% figure but I can tell you with 100% certainty that I am leaving if a rate is charged. Line2 charges $15 a month. Right now I a skype customer because it's free.
If skype charges a fee I will let my local and long distance service expire, let my number expire, and use up my remaining credit ....... And leave.

Keep your statistical analysis to yourself because one customer leaving should be a concern to skype.

If skype charges I will let my local and long distace service expire, my phone number expire, and use up my credit and go Away.

hobday commented Thursday, Jul 1

Bluetooth!!! Please, please, please add bluetooth headset support to the Skype app. People have been begging for this ever since Skype appeared on the iPhone. Other apps support it, Apple allows it... It would make Skype infinitely more useful on the iPhone.

hobday commented Thursday, Jul 1

I should also have added my 2c worth about 3G Skype-to-Skype calling charges:

Google is likely to release desktop and client VOIP apps for Google Voice fairly soon, making Google Voice a free and direct competitor to Skype. If Skype starts charging for previously free services it will just drive more users to Google's excellent system. I fail to see how this is a good long-term business strategy for Skype.

garethroberts25 commented Monday, Jul 5

A few points..

1) Why only iPhone users? That's a good cause for a lawsuit my friend.

2) Okay I understand you want to make money - ok then, either make the app £2.99 one off purchase or only charge for Enhanced 3G calling where it dials a freephone number or whatever (as per the 3 UK and Verizon deal).

3) Do you think iPhone users are daft enough to pay for 3G skype - skype calls when the quality will be rubbish anyway?

4) There are no costs to you because the app is P2P. So why the charge?

You see I can understand if you charge for enhanced 3G calling, but not for damn 3G standard data calling. Why is it any different to wifi? We already pay for our data charges.

I bet I know what it is... Steve Jobs want's kick backs/split profits. I swear this iPhone is getting overpriced, snobbery junk and filling Steve's pockets at the same time.

reubenrowntree commented Sunday, Jul 11

Skype this is bad news!! It is a complete rip off to charge people for 3G data use. I will be switching to another application if you go ahead and charge people to use your application over 3g. I thought skype to skype was always supposed to be free.

paul.conman commented Monday, Jul 19

i cant believe it so im paying for my data on my contract buy credit on skype an now you are saying i have to pay another fee jus to use a piece of software that 100 other companies are doing for free lol. I THINK EVERY ONE WILL BE LOOKING FOR ALTERNATIVES .as of now lol skypes digging thier own pit ha ha ha.

joakim.tennfors commented Tuesday, Jul 20

I agree with the above comments about how bizarre it is to charge for 3G skype-to-skype calls. Something you might not have considered is that not everyone have WiFi internet. A lot of people ONLY use the oh-so-popular 3G broadbands with USB-modems. Do they have to pay this fee as well?

What's the big difference between WiFi and 3G anyways? We already pay for a way to access the internet. What difference does it make for you whether we surf on WiFi or 3G?

Please, reconsider this catastrophic idea as I can imagine it will cost you a lot of customers.

Sincerely, Jocke

sanji982 commented Thursday, Jul 22

I can't believe how low this legalised robbery is!!!
I will be looking for alternatives for sure!!!!!

striker333 commented Saturday, Jul 24

@Peter...when is skype coming to blackberry users other than those on Verizon? I am from Canada and feel we are being unfairly penalized. It is great that Skype reversed its decision to charge for 3G calls on the iphone, but really, what about the rest of us? Surely it wouldn't be that difficult to do.

aletde79 commented Sunday, Aug 1

@PeterParkes I am sure the original message that popped up when starting the app stated that there will be a 'small monthly subscription fee' to use the Voip over 3G service after August 2010. It's already been suggested that the date is wrong, but I feel it is violated our consumer rights that we are being kept in the dark as to how much and in which way we will be charged. Ok, you want to charge us for the service. I, for one, will strongly consider leaving Skype and possibly change from iphone to something else. But is all this uproar worth it? Would it not have been better to sit tight before launching this long-awaited change for another couple of weeks/month and make your executive decisions beforehand? I have recommended to my brother to get an iphone, but thank heavens, he has not yet bought it as now I have to urge him to reconsider. Skype is not only damaging their own reputation, it is also tarnishing Apple's. Iphones are not cheap, neither are the monthly mobile plans. In my opinion, as a phone for routine calling, the iphone actually sucks a bit (I get a lot of phonecalls going straight to voicemail etc), but all the extras, like being able to run skype for free, made it worthwhile. Now... the jury is out... mistrial??

tgreenlee commented Sunday, Aug 1

Sorry I won't pay a fee to send skype data over a network I'm already paying to use.

mara_hicks commented Tuesday, Aug 3

@Peter Parkes - I am so happy to find out that Skype has decided not to charge a supplemental fee for calling over 3G. Thank you! I just got an iPhone4 this weekend and today downloaded the Skype app and was reading about charges so I was ready to delete it but now I don't have to. My question now for you is, are there any plans in the near future to have video calls available on the iPhone? I want to video call from my phone to a computer or another type of phone such as a Droid via Skype. If so, will this still remain free or are there plans to charge for that service?

solylunayucatan commented Thursday, Aug 5

What a bunch of Whiners!

dpuarj4np commented Friday, Dec 17

Is it possible to make a video call using Skype (2.1.2) on iPhone-4?

harrijo77 commented Tuesday, Dec 28

I just recently bought a iphone4 and downloaded the skype app. When using my wi-fi connection on my phone could I make a call using skype to skype for free (no charge from AT&T). Thanks,

carolebob84 commented Sunday, Jan 2

I would like to use Skype on the 3g network when no wifi is available. How do I estimate how much of my data plan is used on a phone call - not video? I have a limited data plan of 200mb. How much is used per minute, or per 5 or 10 minutes if it is not just a multiple of the minute charge?

fredthecrazy commented Thursday, Mar 17

"To provide a great quality experience requires substantial investment on our part – an investment in engineering, R&D and design which we can’t make for free" blah blah blah Parker... from the start Skype has been free and is still free on EVERY platform, except for calls to real phones and it should stay like that. The iphone or 3G is just that ANOTHER PLATFORM. Why not start charging for the PC and Mac while your at it? You should keep in mind Google talk is here. You know very well that the whole point of using skype over 3G is to be able to bypass our cell phone carriers for long distance and minute charges, people will regularly buy skype credit to do that, thats all the money you should be asking for if this is not a question of being greedy our gouging customers. Charge me 10$ for the 3G skype app if you will but if you get another stupid montly fee out there im gonna to say no tanks and use just use one of the many other voip apps out there. Either ways, arent cell phone calls starting to be cheaper and cheaper? what the hell is the point of paying for skype to skype calls, id rather call phone lines.

jeannelibman commented Wednesday, Nov 2

I am new to iphones and skype. Should I be in a foreign country can I use my iphone to call a land line in the US? Do I have to do anything special, except be in a wifi area?Can I use the phone on a cruise ship? Is there extra charges for that?