Is this why Skype is touchy lately? R more people using Skype?

Five million ready to make Skype calls over 3G
June 3, 2010 - 1:06PM



Nearly five million people have downloaded a Skype phone application launched on Sunday, allowing iPhone users to make Skype calls over mobile networks.

Before the launch of the application for use on high-speed third generation (3G) networks on May 30, consumers could only use Skype on their iPhone when they had access to Wi-Fi. Although some exclusive deals with operators in some countries, such as 3 Mobile in Australia, have allowed calls on the operator's network from different phones from time to time.

"We've had millions of downloads to date," Russ Shaw, Skype's general manager for mobile, told Reuters, referring to global iPhone users. "That's really positive."

A Skype spokeswoman said the number of downloads of the application was nearly five million by Wednesday morning US Eastern Time.

Shaw said the app saw a good mix of demand across Skype's three main operating regions: Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

However, Skype faced a lot of complaints from web commentators after it also said on Sunday that it would start charging for 3G calls between Skype users next year.

This was seen as a big turnaround since the main reason Skype became popular was because Skype-to-Skype calls have always been free whether subscribers use it on their computer or their mobile phone.

Shaw said the company needs to start charging for the service so that it can fund the investments needed to ensure that the quality of 3G Skype calls stays high.

He declined to give specific details about pricing plans except to say that the service would still be competitive with rival services including traditional cellphone calls.

"We're not going to want to price ourselves out of the market," he said. "I can't ignore the fact that consumers (currently) use us for free."

Apple is expected to announce a new iPhone on June 7. Shaw said Skype would hope to support the next iPhone too but noted that he had no details about Apple's announcement. AT&T Inc is currently the exclusive US iPhone provider.