Skype has partnered with one of Europe's leading Wi-Fi network provider, The Cloud, to offer low-cost Wi-Fi access and Internet voice calls at 6000 of The Cloud's hotspots in the UK and Sweden. The partnership is apparently a key component of Skype's global roll-out of the new Skype Zones beta service, which enables Skype calls and access to core features via Wi-Fi for low rates across the world.

As part of a special initiative only available through this partnership, Skype users are automatically connected to Skype as soon as they turn on their Wi-Fi enabled device in a Cloud hotspot. The major benefit of this is that you can instant message (IM) for free over Skype, without needing to log on to Skype Zones.

Skype Zones access to Skype's Internet telephony via Wi-Fi costs 6.18 euros per month for subscribers or 2.50 euros for a 2-hour connection, enabling voice calling, chat, conference calling, and premium services, SkypeOut, SkypeIn and Skype Voicemail. The Skype Zones client supports Windows computers only.

The Cloud's network has more than 300 locations in London alone, according to the company, including coverage in 27 universities around the country and wide area coverage around payphones, city councils and libraries. There are also Wi-Fi hotspots in more than 75 train stations, 300 hotels and conference centres, airports, libraries, coffee shops, pubs, sporting stadiums and public spaces.

'We believe that the mobility offered by Skype Zones and has the power to revolutionise modern communications,' said Niklas Zennström, CEO and founder of Skype. 'Skype is bringing affordable Wi-Fi and voice calls to millions of users, enabling them to talk, IM and surf conveniently and cost-effectively from thousands of great locations. Our users in the UK and Sweden will benefit from The Cloud's extensive network coverage in places where people really want to use it.'

George Polk, founder and CEO of The Cloud, said: 'The Cloud's network was designed from the ground up to be able to support innovative new applications like Skype Zones. Skype is the global leader in easy to use, superior quality Internet telephony, and we are very excited to be part of their ground-breaking Wi-Fi roll-out. Skype has become mission critical for its millions of users, and we are looking forward to seeing this new service drive traffic in our vast range of sites.'

BIOS, Jul 20, 05 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Internet