Following up on a recent rumor, Skype has made it official: Skype for the iPhone will be making its first appearance in the App Store on Tuesday, and to RIM's BlackBerry device in May.
Of course, we'll see if the Skype app shows up in the App Store on Tuesday: other highly-publicized App Store launches have been delayed by the App Store approval process. I'm hoping a company has finally learned to get it pre-approved and then launched.
Of course, we'll see if the Skype app shows up in the App Store on Tuesday: other highly-publicized App Store launches have been delayed by the App Store approval process. I'm hoping a company has finally learned to get it pre-approved and then launched.
The company has already released Skype for phones based on Android, Google Inc's mobile system, and Windows Mobile, as well as for Nokia Internet tablets.
The Skype app will be free to download and will require the user be on a wi-fi network; it will also be usable on the iPod Touch.
Calls will be free to other Skype users; calls to others will cost, but at a reduced rate compared to many other avenues of service.
Carriers have looked askance at VOIP solutions, as they have the possibility of reducing revenue in their cellular portfolio. Still, CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood said:
"The only area where I think there are some question mark is that it could erode roaming revenues. The carriers will be suspicious of this service but what we've learned from other markets is that (Skype) did not have the detrimental effect feared."
Translation: the carriers didn't lose the revenue they expected to.
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