Verizon Wireless has today announced that subscribers with unlimited data plans for BlackBerry or Android devices will soon be eligible for unlimited Skype-to-Skype calling in the US, as well as international calls at the extremely cheap Skype rate.
“Skype mobile on Verizon Wireless changes the game. For Verizon Wireless’ more than 90 million customers, Skype mobile adds great value because we’re effectively giving customers with smartphones and data plans the option to extend their unlimited calling community to hundreds of millions of Skype users around the globe,” said John Stratton, EVP and CMO for Verizon Wireless. “And you’re not limited to using a single type of phone; we’ll have nine smartphones ready right at launch in March.”
The initial crop of smartphones eligible for the new Skype initiative include: BlackBerry Storm 9530, Storm2 9550, Curve 8330, Curve 8530, 8830 World Edition, and Tour 9630, as well as the Motorola Droid, Droid Eris and DEVOUR.
“People want to take their Skype conversations with them wherever they go, whether it’s on a PC, TV or increasingly mobile phones. Verizon Wireless will give U.S. consumers the best Skype experience on mobile phones and will truly change the way people call their friends and family internationally,” said Skype CEO Josh Silverman.
Verizon’s move to open their data network to Skype calling likely comes in response to AT&T’s recent decision to permit Skype over 3G. Though some have expressed disappointment that it took a blink in the carrier cold war against VoIP to open the floodgates, it’s nevertheless a step in the right direction for a market, and especially a carrier, that has long tried its damnedest to keep everything locked down.
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