Skype gets first mobile users

Skype deal integrates VoIP calls with traditional mobile phone service

Skype has signed its first ever deal with a mobile phone company in a move that integrates VoIP calls with a traditional cellular mobile phone service.

Under the terms of the deal, Germany's third largest mobile operator E-Plus will bundle the Skype service as part of its 3G data package allowing Skype users to call its 9.8 million subscribers. Skype has more than 2.8 million users in Germany.

"E-Plus is the first mobile operator to partner with Skype, taking the first step to deliver our vision of making Skype available over any network, including 3G," said Niklas Zennström, chief executive and co-founder of Skype.

"Now anyone with an E-Plus data flat-rate subscription will be able to enjoy the benefits of Skype's personal communications service while on the move in Germany."
Zennström added that the company is looking to form similar partnerships with other mobile operators.

Andy Buss, senior analyst at Canalys, said: "It is essential for Skype to get as many clients as possible, so this is a good way to get at people who do not have PCs."

"But it is a delicate balance for mobile operators because, while Skype could prove a competitive advantage, it could also eat into their own call time. How the partners share out revenues is also going to be key."

Skype announced at this year's 3GSM conference that it had signed a deal with Motorola to develop software for the mobile phone platform, and new products are expected shortly.