3 to launch cheap Skype handset
The mobile phone operator 3 is working with the online calls firm Skype on a cheap handset that will bring free mobile internet calls to the mass market.
It has teamed up with a far eastern handset manufacturer to produce a phone, to be launched this year for pre-pay and contract customers. It will allow Britain's estimated 2.5 million Skype users to make free calls and send texts. 3 has been working with Skype, owned by eBay, for well over a year, and already offers the service on its niche X Series platform.
While some phone companies such as 3 are seeking to "mobilise" online services such as Skype to improve usage and revenues, other firms are looking to services such as advertising. One start-up, Blyk, offers British 16-24 year olds free texts and calls if they accept mobile adverts.
Yesterday the UK mobile technology firm ROK Entertainment announced plans to buy its US rival Xero Mobile before launching a competing service next year. Xero has tested an ad-funded mobile service in colleges across the US but has yet to launch a full service. ROK, which plans to float in the US this year, wants to buy Xero for its technology. It will use this for its own service, aimed at students, to be launched in Europe next year.
Regards Satdude. :thum:
The mobile phone operator 3 is working with the online calls firm Skype on a cheap handset that will bring free mobile internet calls to the mass market.
It has teamed up with a far eastern handset manufacturer to produce a phone, to be launched this year for pre-pay and contract customers. It will allow Britain's estimated 2.5 million Skype users to make free calls and send texts. 3 has been working with Skype, owned by eBay, for well over a year, and already offers the service on its niche X Series platform.
While some phone companies such as 3 are seeking to "mobilise" online services such as Skype to improve usage and revenues, other firms are looking to services such as advertising. One start-up, Blyk, offers British 16-24 year olds free texts and calls if they accept mobile adverts.
Yesterday the UK mobile technology firm ROK Entertainment announced plans to buy its US rival Xero Mobile before launching a competing service next year. Xero has tested an ad-funded mobile service in colleges across the US but has yet to launch a full service. ROK, which plans to float in the US this year, wants to buy Xero for its technology. It will use this for its own service, aimed at students, to be launched in Europe next year.
Regards Satdude. :thum: