Skype over 3G?

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Glee

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Topic # 62290 3-Jun-2010 11:05

I received this message from Skype recently. I thought the mobile operators would oppose this? Any ideas? Maybe because it's a pay service, Skype will give the operators a cut?

Hi there,

Can't find a WiFi hotspot to access Skype?
Not a problem. You can now make and receive Skype-to-Skype calls and call phones over 3G from your iPhone.

To get you started we're offering you free* Skype-to-Skype calls over 3G until the end of 2010. After that there'll be a small monthly fee.

And remember, you can always make free Skype-to-Skype calls when you do find the next WiFi hotspot.

Talk soon,

The people at Skype

JAMMAN2110

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Reply # 337705 3-Jun-2010 11:18

The use of VoIP over cell phone networks is against the terms and conditions for 2Degrees, Vodafone and Telecom.

I would also suggest that Skype might have deviated away from their normal structure on this and made it easier for networks to differentiate between Skype traffic and general internet usage.

In saying that, I've tried it, works great :)

freitasm

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Reply # 337706 3-Jun-2010 11:18

Yep, probably they will enable it on operators where there's a "revenue share agreement". I think operators would look the other way if a few people used Skype of mobile data connections, but if it eats away voice revenue things can obviously change very quickly.

Either way, an interesting move by Skype.

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vinnieg

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Reply # 337707 3-Jun-2010 11:18

I believe it's against the ToC for XT and Vodafone? BUt will wait for someone else to confirm.

In most cases, probably easier if you have free minutes just to call, because mobile data is pretty expensive still.

Are you using yours on an iPhone?

I think the official Android Skype is being released soon though ;) so the rumour mill goes

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

vinnieg

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Reply # 337708 3-Jun-2010 11:21

freitasm: Yep, probably they will enable it on operators where there's a "revenue share agreement". I think operators would look the other way if a few people used Skype of mobile data connections, but if it eats away voice revenue things can obviously change very quickly.

Either way, an interesting move by Skype.

Yeah I believe you are right, I think Verizon has it's own mobile Skype app for iPhones, they basically make you pay a monthly subscription fee

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

freitasm

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Reply # 337711 3-Jun-2010 11:29

All operators have T&Cs against use of VoIP applicatons over their 3G connections. Having said that they currently don't disconnect users who run those apps. I asked Telecom when XT launched about it, and go an official reply... Basically there's a line there in the booklet you receive with the SIM cards, but they aren't enforcing it.

Things can change, obviously.

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old3eyes

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Reply # 337765 3-Jun-2010 12:52

Heard on a Cnet podcast yesterday that carriers in the US are allowing Skype on there 3G networks but Skye is going to clip the ticket of this as well so you will be paying the carrier for the data used and Skype for call costs , even Skype to Skype calls..

Regards,

Old3eyes

freitasm

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Reply # 337780 3-Jun-2010 13:13

That's exactly what the OP posted...

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oxnsox

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Reply # 337810 3-Jun-2010 13:49

My understanding was that in the US Skype functionality via Android had been configured so that the Skype call originated at the carrier rather than the handset, thus enabling carriers to collect call revenue. So it's possible that model is going to be offered across the mobile platform.

Will be interesting to see where this goes as currently you can Skype from iphones and other handsets, and use Fring on Android. All using and generating traffic (and revenue) on network data services. So this indicated change by Skype will require quite a market shift which will, no doubt, be vigorously opposed by users, software writers and hackers...

The outcome may be changes in the way that telcos charge for data packets over international routes because ultimately it is an issue associated with that infrastructure rather than the mobile networks which they control.

I can see it now 'ComCom rules on Skype termination rates'.....