3 UK Launches Datacard That Allows Skype Access

LONDON -(Dow Jones)- 3 UK, the mobile telecommunications company owned by Hutchison Whampoa, Monday launched a datacard for use in laptops that also allows 3 UK's 3.2 million users to access services from voice over Internet protocol, or VoIP, provider Skype.

VoIP allows for cheap, or free, voice calls using Internet technology. Skype, one of the largest VoIP companies, is owned by eBay.

3 UK said the datacard, which will connect the mobile operator's third-generation network, will retail for GBP39.99. The company will bundle a Skype starter pack, which includes software, a headset and a starter voucher, with the datacard as part of a joint marketing agreement.

Company Web site: Http://www.three.co.uk

-By Nic Fildes, Dow Jones Newswires; 44-20-7842-9264; nicolas.fildes@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires"

Posted to the site on 13th March 2006