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Posts Tagged ‘VoIP’

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4 June, 2009.Skype

Since launching their free Skype-to-Skype calling initiative, 3 have seen a sharp rise in customer numbers and Skype calls according to Mobile News.

Kevin Russell 3UK chief executive said of the increase, “Sales and usage have gone up remarkably. It’s a cracking proposition, and we have seen a great jump in Skype usage and are very happy with it.”

With the Skype advertising campaign currently on TV and going into cinemas across the country throughout June the movement of 3 consumers embracing the VoIP service looks set to continue. All the details are here.

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11 May, 2009.Skype

In keeping with their Skype entirely free campaign 3 have created a handy Facebook application for expanding your VoIP-focused address book. UKGadgeteer passes on the details, “Simply install the Skype Friend Finder in Facebook, provide it your Skype account name, and then invite your friends to install the app too.”

Be sure to let UKGadgeteer know what you think of the app here.

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7 May, 2009.INQ1

At Skype Journal Martyn Davies, news editor for VoIP User has written a guest post reviewing the INQ1.

The article, titled ‘When Skype goes mobile: INQ1’ gives a bit of background on the handset and the look of packaging and phone alike before addressing the real meat – social mobile software. “The key feature of this handset is obviously the integration of Skype and other social networking features.”

Martyn goes through the details of the social side of the device, notably the single message inbox for all your communication needs. Although he has a few criticisms he points them out as being ‘really trivial’.

Overall he feels that what 3 are trying to do with the INQ1 “is still unique, and kudos to them for creating their own path among the mobile operators.” Agree or disagree let Martyn know over at Skype Journal.

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27 April, 2009.Skype

Ross Miller at Engadget has covered 3 offering entirely free Skype beginning from May 1st. “[3] says it sees the initiative as a win to everyone, not just the customers, as the hope is it’ll lessen calls to people on other networks, which carries a hefty Mobile Termination Rate fee. Whatever the reasons, we’re just happy to see at least one company embracing the VoIP service.”

The article has prompted a number of comments and a modicum of confusion. Gnormie helps out though, putting things plainly, “this change simply means that you get free Skype no matter how much you’ve topped up/what handset you have/what contract you’re on.”

To see all the comments click through, and for clarity and details on 3’s initiative point your cursor here and here.

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6 April, 2009.Misc.

Just Another Mobile Phone Blog (JAMPB) has reported on Skype’s reaction to the news that T-Mobile will be blocking the use of the VoIP service in Germany. This has led to Jean-Jacques Sahel, Skype’s senior executive for regulation issues in Europe accusing the parent company Deutsche Telekom of suppressing competition.

JAMPB states that, “T-Mobile has told users it will block the latter form of call [VoIP/Skype] and cancel the contracts of any users who try to evade the block.”

For the full story click through.

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4 March, 2009.Misc.

In the cyber clinic at The Independent, Rhodri Marsden has been thinking about VoIP. This follows from the discussions currently occurring between Nokia and the network operators O2 and Orange over Skype integration.

Rhodri sees the big four networks as relying on the majority of customers “remaining blissfully ignorant of VoIP.” And only now has it become an issue, with Skype set to be pre-installed on a high-demand handset.

He believes it is only a matter of time though before people catch on to VoIP, pointing out that “The fifth UK network, 3, recently enhanced its maverick reputation by launching dedicated Skype phones, and picked up huge numbers of subscribers as a result.”

Is this how you see VoIP going? For all Rhodri’s thoughts click through.

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27 February, 2009.Misc.

It’s been out there for a while that Nokia would be building Skype into their handsets – notably the N97 due out in June, which is set to be the first device graced with an integrated client for the VoIP service.

However, news has broken at Mobile Today that operators aren’t happy, in particular Orange and O2 who have threatened to not stock the N97. According to the post “The row centres around ownership of the customer, as well as potential lost revenue from calls from Skype’s internet call service.”

The piece also speculates on a potential split between operators with T-Mobile supporting the scheme and 3 having previously integrated Skype into handsets.

More on this at IntoMobile…

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19 January, 2009.INQ1

VoIP Watch’s Andy has been keeping a close eye on the news and he believes it won’t be long until the INQ1 lands in North America – something he is looking forward to.

It is an attitude that is linked to device divergence, specialising in one area while performing the necessary basic functions competently in others. He also believes the timing of the INQ1’s arrival in the states will be to its advantage. Find out why here, and let us know if you agree…

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1 December, 2008.INQ1

Andy at VoIP Watch was able to recently try out the INQ1 at the 3 store in Liverpool Street Station.

Seeing the opportunity the device affords those who’d consider themselves part of the mobile social-networking generation he was impressed. He finished his post by reiterating the point, “If you use Facebook and Skype it’s got to be on your to be considered list if you’re in the UK or another 3 served country.”

Had a hands on look at the INQ1, then why not share your thoughts at VoIP Watch?

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12 November, 2008.Skypephone S2

3G.co.uk has given the second incarnation of the 3 Skypephone, the S2, a good ol’ comprehensive reviewing!

Split into clearly defined sub-headings you’ll be able to find what you need to know from the review in a flash, ah-aaaa. And if words aren’t your thing then the star ratings give you an instant overview.

To see how the 4/5 of rating the S2 received stacked up, click here. The device has been in the public domain for a bit now, how are you finding it?

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2 October, 2008.3 Skypephone Skypephone S2

Skype’s upgrade to the 4.2 version of their software has prompted a post from Chris Dawson at Tamebay in which he turns his thoughts to their other recent ‘big news’, Skype Out on 3’s Skypephone.

Being able to have a mobile package on which you can call any number in the world via Skype is a significant change, something that is not lost on Chris; “This is a huge step forward, with other mobile providers attempting to limit VOIP on mobiles, even over WiFi, 3 have taken a brave step in fully embracing Skype.” This concurs with the thoughts of Andy from VoIP Watch, and is certainly the reaction 3 are hoping to provoke as the market moves forward.

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29 September, 2008.Skypephone S2 Tariffs

VoIP Watch gets understandably excited by the news that 3 will soon be allowing Skypephone users to make Skype Out calls to another network or landline. Currently Skype calling on the Skypephone is Skype-to-Skype only. 3’s new rates introduces calling packages, the most expensive of which costs £7.99 and allows users to call mobiles or landlines anywhere in the world via Skype.

As Andy from VoIP Watch says, “This is Huge…”

The industry’s premier Voice-over-IP blogger then goes on to talk more about 3’s ongoing commitment to reinventing what customers expect from a mobile service provider:

“3 is by far the mobile operator with the best grasp on where the market is heading. Their data plans are about the best deals around. Their marketing is crisp and message is easy to understand.”

Read Andy’s article in full here.

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31 July, 2008.Skypephone S2

A short post to direct you to those currently throwing up the details of the new Skypephone S2 and the comments they’ve put beside them.

Giving the most on the phone is Mobile Phone Reviews who, despite feeling the original Skypephone was fairly basic, appreciated its credentials and the genrous 3 tariffs available. Their reaction to the second incarnation is positive; looking forward to, amongst other aspects, the disappearance of the “dreaded robot voice” on VoIP calls.

Other sites giving it a mention include High Download Internet News List, iTech News Net and Gear Live.

Any thoughts on the imminent arrival? Let them know…

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Another quick post updating you on where the conversation and reaction to the release of the IM2, or Skypephone 2 is happening.

We have UK Gadgeteer considering the possibilities and suggesting that the addition of WIFI may require some T&Cs re-jigging.

Chris Dawson of Tamebay is talking about the release enthusiastically. Although disappointed that, with no sign of a camera on the front of the handset, those Skype video calls will be remaining elusive, he says “[he'll] be first in line to grab one when it becomes available”.

At TechRadar they’ve got Adam Hartley on the case, though he is confused by the mention of 2G by Just Another Mobile Phone Blog. He needs to check the 3 response that involved the words “generous pinch of salt”.

ElectricPig have got their news from Stuff.tv, but seem to have grabbed the wrong end of the proverbial stick believing the device to be arriving at the end of this month. As I read it, I thought Stuff.tv suggested that the release date and price were due to be arriving on the 21st July, not the handset itself.

More discussion of the 2g issue at Voip News and Jeb Brilliant joins in by spilling into the outskirts of a debate on roaming charges.

Got any thoughts to go with these? Let us know.

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10 June, 2008.Tariffs

Seemingly determined to cram the most amount of free Skype to Skype calls into our daily lives as possible, 3 announced a change in their business service plans yesterday, further proving their love for the cost-saving VOIP service.

Full details of the “compelling”, new Business Mix and Match tariffs can be found over at SMS Text News and TechRadar UK.

Ewan from SMS Text News is particularly pleased by the new announcement, especially the 300 free inclusive minutes to other 3 customers; free Skype to Skype calls, free voicemail and free instant messenger, which altogether leads Adam Hartley of TechRadar UK to conclude that this is a package that will appeal most to freelancers, the self-employed and small business users.

Bringing this back to the net, I’m prepared to go a step further and mention the appeal to web start-ups. Those guys who invent ingenious services with names like Pwoft and Zqueet generally, spend most of their time digging down the back of sofas for loose change and most already use IM and Skype to get their business done.

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