3 October 2007
Consumers could soon benefit from a new mobile internet handset allowing them to make low-cost calls on the move.
Mobile phone operator 3 and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) company Skype have reportedly teamed up to create a handset offering mobile users free calls via the internet simply by using a mobile phone.
The initiative, which will be available for both pre-pay and contract Skype customers, will allow consumers to log-in to the service to make free calls as well as being able to send instant messages while on the go.
Although 3 remained tight-lipped about the move, a spokesman for the firm admitted that it was working with "a leading internet communications company...to produce an exciting new product to make free internet calls completely mobile".
"The move marks a radical step forward in operator thinking and will mobilise internet calls for a mass market. It will also close the gap between internet communications and mobile calling and is something you won't see from any other operator," he added.
Skype has an estimated 2.5 million regular users to its VoIP service.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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