While it will come as no surprise to see that Skype has launched its own VoIP beta for mobile phones (some 50 models in total), many are surprised that it has taken so long to get around to it. So what is happening, what will it cost you and when will it be available?

What is happening?

VoIP has been the largest breakthrough in the telecoms industry for some time, allowing free phone calls over the internet, but the transfer of the business model to the mobile phone industry has been protracted. While Skype currently have a service available with the 3 network, the rollout of the service to other networks has been very slow to say the least – and it is not even ready yet!

How much will it cost you?

There will many people reading this article rubbing their hands at the prospect of free Skype calls on their mobiles, and kissing good bye to those dread bills. However, they will be disappointed!

While the 3 network deal allows you to make free calls to other Skype users through your mobile, there are charges for those who do not use Skype. If you call a mobile or a land line you will incur the standard cost of that service – indeed if you set your Skype number to alert your mobile to incoming calls you will actually pay on both sides of the call!

Warning : Leaving your mobile Skype connected 24/7 may be very expensive!

When will it all be available?

The beta version of the new system is available now, so once the wrinkles of the new system have been ironed out and customer comments taken into consideration we should see a new “live” system. However, the chances of a “true” free Skype service are very slim at this moment in time.