Skype Mobile Set for Verizon Wireless Debut

Verizon Wireless and Skype announced at CTIA Wireless March 23 that Skype Mobile will become available March 25, "starting with nine Verizon Wireless 3G smartphones."

The deal allows Skype Mobile customers to "make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype contact around the globe; send and receive unlimited instant messages with [and from] other Skype users ... and call international phone numbers at competitive Skype calling rates," Verizon said in a news release.

Skype and Verizon Wireless first announced the deal in February.

"Skype Mobile will be available initially on ... Verizon Wireless 3G smartphones, including the BlackBerry Storm 9530, Storm2 9550, Curve 8330, Curve 8530, 8830 World Edition, and Tour 9630 smartphones, as well as Droid by Motorola, Droid Eris by HTC and Motorola Devour," Verizon Wireless said.

"Customers need a Verizon Wireless smartphone and data plan to use Skype Mobile. Skype-to-Skype calls will not be charged against their monthly minute allowances or data plans,"  the company said.

Russ Shaw, general manager of Mobile for Skype, said in a statement, "Skype Mobile will deliver an unparalleled experience for Verizon Wireless customers. It will be the best way to enjoy unlimited conversations with Skype contacts all over the world at no extra cost. In addition, Skype Mobile will allow people to easily and inexpensively make calls to land lines and mobiles abroad at Skype rates."