Skype Technologies S.A. inked its first deal with a wireless carrier, announcing a contract with Germany’s E-Plus to provide its Voice over Internet Protocol service over the mobile operator’s network.
Beginning in October, Skype software will be bundled with E-Plus’ flat-rate data subscription, allowing users access to both a high-bandwidth Internet connection and free Skype calling. Germany’s third-largest operator with 10 million subscribers, E-Plus offers the all-you-can-eat plan at $50 per month.
Skype said the move marks an important step in its efforts to expand from behind the desktop into wireless, and it comes as activity on the Internet-calling playground heats up. Earlier this week, Microsoft Corp. announced the acquisition of VoIP provider Teleo in an effort to expand voice capabilities for its MSN Messenger Service. Google and Yahoo! also have launched voice capabilities to complement their instant-messaging offerings.
Skype said Motorola Inc. is one of “a number” of manufacturers it is working with to expand its services into wireless.
“The use of Skype is growing strongly,” said Uwe Bergheim, E-Plus’ chief executive officer. “Through our cooperation, we are combining the advantages of mobile and stationary Internet access.”
