Skype has introduced a promotion that allows US and Canadian-based Skype users to make free calls to traditional landlines and mobile phones in the United Kingdom, Mexico and Japan during three 'Skype Days of Summer' weekends, starting Saturday, 15 July 2006.

The three countries represent some of the most frequently called countries by Skype users and are among the leading destinations for all international calling originating from the United States and Canada.

Free SkypeOut calling to the United Kingdom, Mexico and Japan is available weekends July 15-16, July 22-23 and July 29-30. The free international SkypeOut calling offer to each country runs 48 hours from 12:01 a.m. EDT Saturdays through Sundays at midnight EDT, when international calling is at a peak.

According to a recent company-issued survey of its users, 70% of Skype users say the most important reasons they use Skype is to stay in touch with family and friends abroad, to make inexpensive calls to landlines and mobile phones, and for free calling to other Skype users anywhere in the world.

In addition, of Skype users surveyed, nearly 25% use Skype to make 100% of their international calls. 30% of users state their friends are "spread around the globe."