With SkypeIn, people using Skype to make voice calls over the internet can now receive calls from fixed-line or mobile phones anywhere in the world, without having to pay costly roaming charges.
SkypeIn users can be given a regular UK phone number and any UK-based caller ringing into the SkypeIn number will then only be charged at their ordinary local or national rate.
Based on Cable & Wireless’ extensive interconnection network, SkypeIn makes it easier and less expensive for friends, family and business contacts to keep in touch by conventional phone.
Under its existing call termination agreement with Cable & Wireless, Skype’s 54 million users are able to call any landline or mobile phone from the internet as part of the premium SkypeOut feature. SkypeIn extends that facility to incoming calls.
Niklas Zennström, Skype CEO and Co-founder said: “Skype is revolutionising personal communications worldwide and offering people dramatic cost savings through free Skype-to-Skype calling and premium features such as SkypeIn. Cable & Wireless is a global leader in telecommunications and we’re pleased to develop our relationship and together champion advanced capabilities for modern consumers.”
Alan Whelan, managing director, Carrier Services, Cable & Wireless said: “This latest agreement extends our relationship with Skype, who are already successfully using our network for SkypeOut. We’re delighted to be helping drive new levels of innovation within Skype and deliver affordable, reliable global internet telephony.”