Skype comes to Symbian, Blackberry and Android. And to Verizon 3G network

February 17, 2010

As you know, recently the U.S. operator AT&T allowed VoIP applications on iPhone to work over its 3G network. But the 3G version of Skype for the iPhone has not appeared yet. Today it became clear why. On the Mobile Congress in Barcelona Skype with Verizon presented there joint project. Specially for Verizon Skype developed mobile clients for some Blackberry smartphones, and Android smartphones by Motorola and HTC (still Skype worked only on Windows Mobile, iPhone and Nokia Maemo. Yesterday Symbian was added to this list). These devices (with preinstalled Skype) will let Verizon customers to make free Skype-to-Skype calls over 3G, chat and monitor the online status of their contacts. It also allows to make calls through SkypeOut - but only abroad (local US calls will be banned).

Interestingly, Verizon did not always felt such love for Skype. So far, they only criticized Skype and blocked it. And, of course, they don't plan to make good money by selling Internet traffic for Skype-calls. The only reason that made Verizon to abandon their principles is competition with AT&T + Apple iPhone alliance. And that's great, because users win, and it's a further step to free voice communications.