Skype has announced that all French-based Skype users with a broadband internet connection can make unlimited SkypeOut calls to landlines in France for free. This offer is valid in France from September 7 to December 31 2006.

Previously, French-based Skype users were required to pay for all SkypeOut calls from their PCs to traditional landlines. Calls between one Skype software account to another across the world, remain free.

Skype anticipates that free calling to all landlines in France will expand Skype's increasing penetration into the French market.

The company decided to offer the free service after the success of a similar initiative for Skype users based in North America in May this year. France is the first European country where Skype has launched free internet calling to landlines.

Skype claims over 113 million Skype users. Aside from making free calls to all landlines in France, SkypeOut remains unchanged to French-based Skype users who can purchase credit to call mobiles and international phone numbers.