TELECOMS & MOBILE
Three Ireland to launch 'Skypephone'
30-10-2007
by Stephen Errity
In a move that could heat up the already competitive mobile market in Ireland, mobile operator Three has teamed up with Skype to launch a Skype-enabled handset.
The partnership, which was announced on Monday, sees Three and Skype hook up to develop a mobile handset that enables users to make internet calls without being tied to their PC. Using the Three 'Skypephone', messages sent from one Skype user to another are free, with a per-minute charge applying for calls and messages to landlines or mobiles. Free Skype-to-Skype calls will be available to Three users with the new handset as long as they are on contract or top up their pay-as-you-go credit at least once a month.
In addition to Skype functionality, the Skypephone is also a regular 3G handset with the ability to make standard voice calls and access Three's range of internet services. It features a two-megapixel digital camera as well as a built-in MP3 player and Bluetooth capability.
Available in black or white, with blue or pink trim, the handset was developed by Skype and Three in partnership with Qualcomm, using Qualcomm's BREW platform to integrate Skype with the phone's address book and messaging functions.
Owned by online auction giant eBay, Skype is a web-based video, phone and text messaging service that currently has over 246 million users worldwide.
Commenting on the partnership with Skype, managing director of Three Ireland Robert Finnegan said: "The Three Skypephone is set to revolutionise what Irish consumers expect from their mobile phones and throws down the gauntlet to the old networks more than ever beforeĀ research shows Irish consumers are some of the most savvy when it comes to using mobile services and the Three Skypephone has the potential to massively increase access to internet calling in Ireland."
Three Ireland spokesperson Rachel Channing told ENN that the final retail price of the phone had not yet been decided, but would definitely fall into the sub-EUR150 range. "The phone is aimed at all consumers, both personal and business, but particularly those who have family or friends living abroad," she said.
The phone will be available from Three Ireland stores and the three.ie website in time for Christmas. In addition to the Irish market, the Skypephone is also set to be launched in the UK, Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, Macau and Sweden in the coming months.
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