Skype Expands Unlimited Calling Subscription Options

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Skype, the global leader in internet communications, lowered the cost of nationwide domestic and international calling today with the expansion of new unlimited calling subscriptions for consumers in the U.S. and Canada. This launch marks the first time Skype has offered a single, monthly flat rate subscription for unlimited international calling to 34 countries worldwide. As part of this launch, a new subscription for calls to Mexico is now available. In addition, Skype brings back its popular unlimited U.S. and Canada subscription and now includes a monthly flat rate option for the first time.

“Our goal is to provide simple, clear options that allow people to choose the free or inexpensive communication methods that work best in their lives.”

While Skype-to-Skype calls remain free, the unlimited calling subscriptions give individuals the most cost-effective way to call virtually any landlines domestically or internationally. The subscriptions do not require a long-term contract and give customers the choice of paying monthly, quarterly or annually. The three subscriptions now available to consumers in the U.S. and Canada include the following:

Unlimited U.S. & Canada: Unlimited calls to landline and cell phones in the U.S. and Canada. ($2.95 per month)
Unlimited Mexico: Unlimited calls to landline and cell phones in the U.S. and Canada, and to landlines in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey; up to 80% off normal SkypeOut rates to landlines in the rest of Mexico and up to 40% off normal SkypeOut rates to all Mexico cell phones. ($5.95 per month)
Unlimited World: Unlimited calls to landline and cell phones in 34 countries*, including the U.S. and Canada, as well as to Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey; up to 80% off normal SkypeOut rates to the rest of Mexico landlines and up to 40% off normal SkypeOut rates to all Mexico cell phones.($9.95 per month)

Unlimited calling is subject to Skype's fair usage policy. Calls to premium, non-geographic and other special numbers are excluded.

Each subscription also includes a Skype To Go number, which lets users make international calls at local rates from a cell phone or landline phone. A user dials an assigned access number and the call is connected by Skype to overseas numbers. Calls are charged at standard Skype calling rates.

“Skype is known for pushing the boundaries of online communications by providing free voice and video calls. We know Skype users have different communication needs – whether it’s doing free video calls to others on Skype, or using Skype to make calls to friends or family members who are on landline phones,” said Don Albert, Vice President and General Manager of Skype North America. “Our goal is to provide simple, clear options that allow people to choose the free or inexpensive communication methods that work best in their lives.”

From now until June 1^st, Skype will offer a 33% off discount on 3-month and 12-month subscriptions. To purchase one these subscriptions, simply go to skype.com/go/subscriptions for more details.

For details about the fair use policy, go to http://www.skype.com/legal/terms/fair_usage/.

* The 34 countries included in Unlimited World subscription are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada (landlines & mobiles), China (landlines & mobiles), Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Guam, Hong Kong (landlines & mobiles), Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Singapore (landlines & mobiles), Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, USA (landlines & mobiles).

About Skype

Millions of people every day use Skype software to communicate with others through free voice and video calls, as well as instant messages. Skype's 309 million registered users have made more than 100 billion minutes worth of free Skype-to-Skype calls. Many people also use SkypeOut or one of our global subscriptions to save money when calling landlines and mobiles at home and abroad. No longer bound to the computer, Skype conversations can also be had on a broad range of cordless handsets, mobile devices and other Skype Certified hardware. We've made it easy for Skype users to list and recommend their favourite local businesses to the rest of the community with SkypeFind. And even when you're fluent in Skype, there is always more to discover: hundreds of third-party developers have created software plug-ins to make Skype even more useful. All of this makes Skype the leading global internet communications company.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required for Skype and all Skype Certified devices and accessories. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY), and you can learn more and get Skype at www.skype.com.

Skype, SkypeIn, SkypeOut, Skype Me, Skype Certified, Skypecasts, associated logos and the “S” symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.