We can end my speculation now - Verizon Wireless is indeed enabling Skype to work over Verizon's 3G network. Wow! This is ginormous game-changing news. It would appear the great firewall between allowing VoIP over 3G on carrier's networks is finally cracking. Verizon and Skype have announced they are enabling global Skype calling via an exclusive, easy-to-use Skype mobile offering for a variety of Verizon's 3G smartphones, which will allow you to:
- make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user around the globe on America's most reliable wireless network;
- call international phone numbers at competitive Skype Out calling rates;
- send and receive instant messages to other Skype users; and
- remain always connected with the ability to see friends' online presence.
This is great news for VoIP and Skype fans everywhere. Your move AT&T...
Wow!
Firewall cracking, indeed!
Now is Verizon Wireless ever gets the iPhone, then life would be sweet.
Check your facts, or better still attend the press conference. Verizon stated in very clear terms that the Skype calls transiting the VZW network would be carried on their circuit switched voice network and not as VoIP over 3G.
Thanks, I already knew that. What does it matter if it's VoIP over 3G (data channel) or VoIP over 3G (voice channel)? As long as it works. Though if the Skype client on Verizon Wireless's phones was 100% VoIP -- going over the 3G data/Internet channel that would enable Voice over WiFi Skype calls. Alas, the Skype client for Verizon phones only works when going over Verizon's 3G network.
Nevertheless, Verizon cracking open their "firewall" to allow Skype to essentially "steal" minutes from them is a still a very big deal. The calls would go over Verizon's network and would not use up your cell plan minutes when making international calls. However, there is one catch. Minutes would be deducted, if you use Skype to call phone numbers in the U.S. But why would you use Skype to make calls to U.S. numbers when your Verizon Wireless plan already has "free minutes"?