Thread: Skype on a BlackBerry? If you are a Verizon customer it will be available in March!

"It's planned", "It's coming", "It's in the works". We have heard it all over the last year. Skype users have been patiently waiting for a BlackBerry version to arrive. Today we finally got our definite answer. Today in a press release at the Mobile Congress Conferance, Skype announced a "strategic relationship that will bring Skype to Verizon Wireless". Users on Verizon with a 3G data plan will get to enjoy Skype mobile starting next month. Supported phones will cover most of Big Red's newer BlackBerry inventory including the 8530, 9530, 9550 & 9630.

With Skype Mobile you can:

• Make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user around the globe on America's most reliable wireless network;
• Call international phone numbers at competitive Skype Out calling rates;
• Send and receive instant messages to other Skype users; and
• Remain always connected with the ability to see friends' online presence.

So where does this leave the customers on other carriers that want to use skype on their berry? No answer to that yet. Let's hope Skype will release a stand alone version soon so that everyone can enjoy Skype for BlackBerry.

• Sign up for more info here

Thank you for sharing. I have family in Peru who use Skype. Kudos to Verizon for working out this arrangement with RIM

fyi. Even without this application you can "Skype" out on your Blackberry. Basically you can configure a Skypeout access number on the web which you can dial to. Once you dial it, you can have preconfigured numbers or you can enter an International number.

Originally Posted by billandrewsjr

fyi. Even without this application you can "Skype" out on your Blackberry. Basically you can configure a Skypeout access number on the web which you can dial to. Once you dial it, you can have preconfigured numbers or you can enter an International number.

I bet if you wrote a tutorial, you would build some popularity. I haven't seen one about it yet.

I must say that i'm quite excited and look very much forward to its release.
I wonder if there will be a twist to it. There usually always is with Verizon..

March is also the rumored release date of the nexus one on Verizon. I am also very excited for that and intend to grab it as soon as it comes out. There is already a skype app on the android platform. Just a side note, of course.

Lets hope they release something for International users as well

Can't wait, my sister is on the iphone and she loves the skype, now we can connect...woohoo....hurry, March, hurry!!

Originally Posted by billandrewsjr

fyi. Even without this application you can "Skype" out on your Blackberry. Basically you can configure a Skypeout access number on the web which you can dial to. Once you dial it, you can have preconfigured numbers or you can enter an International number.

Never thought about this, sounds not only like a great idea, but also like a real thing!

I cannot see any value to using Skype if you can't use it on 3G or wifi... If it is using your minutes, what's the point?

I'm confused. The post by Brett Wyman says the same things as
Skype App on Verizon Uses Minutes not Wi-Fi/3G, Exclusive Deal - WIRELESS AND MOBILE NEWS
that it will not work with 3g and it WILL use minutes.

BUT on skypes website
Skype Mobile
It says that:

Skype usage won’t be charged against customers’ monthly Verizon Wireless data plans or minute allowances.

Who do we trust?

If you click the link on where I got my information from then you can ask if you can trust them. Personally, I've learned to not believe anything Verizon says. When it comes to them its a "i'll believe it when I see it" type of deal.

That's true, I would trust DSLreports over Verizon. But it just seems too blatant to be a lie. :-/

We shall see. I am hoping not. Everything I have heard goes the opposite what you said Brett but there again we won't really know until its released
Posted via mobile device

I do not see how this could help verizon. Sure, people who want Skype will flock to the stores, but once they are told they have to use their own minutes for skype, I don't think they will be interested anymore. And what's the point of using skype if you can't use it on wifi? I just don't get it verizon...

ok, so...I am confused. By using your minutes, does that mean voice minutes? So this Skype isn't going to be like every other app that uses data plan? Sorry, but I'm new to smartphones 3G/wifi talk when it comes to cell phones.

The DSLreports article made it sound like it uses minutes, but not necessarily minute for minute.

If it did use verizon minutes, the only purpose would be for international calls.

Verizon Wireless with Skype mobile™

The video on this page says. "..make unlimited calls to other people on skype and they won't use up your plan minutes".

Originally Posted by E-man

Verizon Wireless with Skype mobile™

The video on this page says. "..make unlimited calls to other people on skype and they won't use up your plan minutes".

Yeah, but I think the big stink that people don't like is the normal calls using Skype. How many of us call a Skype number on a regular basis? If you do then this will be fine for you. But I don't call anyone on Skype.

Originally Posted by Natemz

Yeah, but I think the big stink that people don't like is the normal calls using Skype. How many of us call a Skype number on a regular basis? If you do then this will be fine for you. But I don't call anyone on Skype.

Well, we will all just have to see how it all plays out.

How much longer until the app goes live? Will it be pushed by Verizon?