Free skype for 3 handsets

[Rindless]

As Three are offering free skype to skype calls on mobile handsets, it looks like a good time to look in to this.

Question is, the version of skype available to download at the three.co.uk web site will only install on a few handset (ie. N95 running the latest firmware).

Question is, if I have a 3G handset like the HTC Diamond and install the mobile windows mobile version available at the skype homepage, will it still work with the above free skype to skype offer from 3 ?

Is the version of skype available at 3 different from skype mobile from skype itself ?

 

[Badger0-0]

Good question and I'll be interested to know the answer to this one.

I've tried many times to install Skype on my N95 8Gb (latest F/W), running on 3 and it won't work.

 

[Rindless]

I've seen it working on the N95 firmware V30 (not the latest version).

Downloads from 3 but fails to install on the missus N95 firmware V21. (the lite version from skype installs but fails to connect.

Question is, should I wipe her N95 to install the latest firmware V31 if it isn't going to work ?

Shame there isn't a way to download and install firmware V30 (because I know that actually works).

 

[Jules Tohpipi]

As Three are offering free skype to skype calls on mobile handsets, it looks like a good time to look in to this.

Question is, the version of skype available to download at the three.co.uk web site will only install on a few handset (ie. N95 running the latest firmware).

Question is, if I have a 3G handset like the HTC Diamond and install the mobile windows mobile version available at the skype homepage, will it still work with the above free skype to skype offer from 3 ?

Is the version of skype available at 3 different from skype mobile from skype itself ?

It's my understanding that the version of Skype available at 3 is very different from those you download from the Skype website.

The 3 version of Skype doesn't quite work as you might first expect. Not all of the call is carried over the internet - only part of it - and this is why you must use 3's own application to get the free Skype-to-Skype calls. Basically, from your mobile to the mast is handled like a normal voice call. It's only when the call reaches 3's mast that it gets put onto the internet. This makes the Skype calls much more reliable because, as is often reported, pure data connections from mobiles are sometimes a bit flaky. The downside is that you can only use 3's Skype application for the free calls.

If you download the Windows Mobile version from the Skype website, then you will require that your handset be directly connected to the internet somehow. This could be either via a Wi-Fi connection or through a data tarrif on your mobile. All Skype calls will be carried 100% over the internet. 3 will charge you for using data, so the call will not be free. The point being that 3's own Skype application does not use a data connection from the handset.

One could say that 3's version works like Skype Lite (from Skype's own website), but there are zero charges. But you must use 3's own version if you want there to be no charge for sending or receiving Skype-to-Skype calls.

Hope this gives an overview of the situation.

 

[j0hn]

I saw some had better luck with this download
» iSkoot for Skype

from FAQ

19. Is iSkoot affiliated with Skype?

iSkoot and Skype have a Co-Marketing Agreement. iSkoot also partnered with Skype and mobile operator 3 to deliver the 3 Skypephone, and signed an additional agreement in April 2008 extending their partnership.

also you should find answers to your problems here

3G forum : your 3G community and resource.

 

[Throttle]

My wife has a 3 handset which has Skype supported on it yet she doesn't have a internet/data bundle on her tarriff does anyone know if she's ok to use 3 Skype on her phone or would she get hit for internet usage charges ?

Her contract started before the free skype usage appeared btw

 

[Badger0-0]

I should think she'll be ok, but as said it must be the Skype version that is on the phone or as supplied from 3.
Any other version will be charged as data.

Easy way to check, would be to install and just make a couple of calls and wait for the bill.

Or you could just phone 3.
I find there online support to be useless

 

[Throttle]

Yea i thought she'd be fine from looks of 3's website but just thought id double check incase anyone else had been using the service fine i try to avoid there customer service i used to be a customer and always found there non-uk call centre a challenge to get any help hence reason im no longer with them apart from a dongle the service was fine but support was hard work when tried any convo

 

[Badger0-0]

Yes, I know what you mean.
You can't beat people who can actually do something, as opposed to script readers

 

[Badger0-0]

Oh good luck trying to get it to work

My N95 from 3 won't work for love nor money with the installed Skype

 

[Throttle]

Well my missis has the K770i and did a test run with me using Skype and it worked ok with a short test run on that handset.

But yea i agree with the scripted foreign staff they was hardwork to deal with, Its a pity really id stayed with them if there was someone who could actually speak rather than give automated answers back

When i was after a renewal at the time the deal they offered was worst than the site prices which i pointed out and just puzzled them there offer was worst than the new customers deal so i just went elsewhere