Skype signs up with first 3G mobile partner

As analysts predict operators will be hit hard by VoIP provider

Skype has announced it has signed a deal with its first mobile operator.

The net telephony firm has agreed a partnership with the third largest German mobile operator, E-Plus, which will offer its customers free use of Skype’s voice over IP (VoIP) service as part of its flat-rate data subscription package for 3G data card users.

Under the terms of the deal, Skype will continue as E-Plus’ exclusive VoIP supplier. Skype has already notched up 2.8 million users in Germany and will now gain access to a proportion of E-Plus’ 9.8 million customers.

No details are available yet on how many E-Plus customers are using Skype, as the ?¢‚Äö¬¨39.95 tariff was launched yesterday.

Amrish Kacker, senior consultant at research firm Analysys, said the move into the mobile market is not as significant for Skype as it may first appear.

Full article: silicon.com