3 UK to Scrap Top-Up Fee Requirement for Skype Users

Hutchison 3G UK (3 UK) has announced that it will offer unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls and instant messages at no charge to anyone with a 3 SIM card. Starting from next month, there will be no data charges or top-up fees for either contract or pay-as-you-go customers who use Skype on 3's UK network. Anyone with a 3 UK branded Skype-enabled handset will be able to buy a 3 SIM and talk as much as they want to other Skype users without ever having to pay another penny.

All new customers will need is a pay-as-you-go SIM from 3 costing £1.99, which can be used, initially in any Skype-compatible 3 handset.

During the summer, 3 will expand its offer making it possible for anyone with a compatible unlocked 3G handset in the UK, to take advantage of free Skype calls, whether or not their phone is from 3 UK.

Kevin Russell, Chief Executive Officer of 3 UK, said "Communication through the internet is exploding. Internet calling or VoIP, social networking, instant messaging and email are used by millions in the UK every single day. They are open to all on their PCs and laptops. We want people to be free to communicate from their mobiles in the same way as they do from their PCs.

"In future you will be able to buy a 3 SIM for unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls for less than the price of a cup of coffee and talk for as much as you want without ever paying us another penny. We won't ask you for a top-up or a monthly commitment. If you want to talk on a mobile for free, just join us and give it a go. This is for everyone."

Currently, 3 UK's Skype userbase generates 1.5 million minutes of free Skype-to-Skype calls every day.

3 UK has found that regular Skype users are less likely to churn than non-Skype users and use more traditional voice minutes than non-Skype users in addition to calling their Skype contacts. They use Skype IM, but also send more SMS than non-Skype users and are generally higher margin customers for the mobile network operator.

Posted to the site on 23rd April 2009