Gordon Smith of Silicon Republic has been discussing the 3 Skypephone and its disruptive role within the market sector.

He sees VoIP technology as a classic case of the opportunity/threat dilemma for mobile operators, and the review of the device is built around 3’s decision to embrace and promote it as the phones primary feature. Literally, centralising the concept with the dominant Skype button on the handset.

As the review winds down, Smith remains level-headed about not currently being able to Skype to landlines at a lower cost, “it’s an obstacle that prevents the SkypePhone from being truly compelling instead of just interesting.” He then moves on to pose what can only be described as a leading question. 3’s exclusivity will end in June, and it is at this point when other providers will be able to snuggle up with Skype in similar collaborations - his question is, “will they?”