Skype has been hunting for the right application to run on Windows Mobile smart phones and has now developed it themselves in Skype 2.2.  The new client will enable Skype calls to be made over 120 different Smart Phones in existence already through Wi-Fi networks using Skype’s VoiP service.

Under a beta plan users will be able to make free calls to other Skype users.  Users can also utilize their Skype in and Skype out accounts to make and receive calls to landline phones as is available with normal skype products that are not resident on cellular devices.

Skype was previously available on Pocket PC devices.  Over 5 million Pocket PC device downloads have occurred under that service plan.

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The Free Skype Ride will be ending at the end of the year.  Since May Skype has offered customers free VOIP service for all calls made withing the United States and Canada in an attempt to attract and hold new potential customers.

Skype will now charge $29.95 (the industry standard rate) for a years worth of unlimited calling service.

Customers that sign up for a yearly plan prior to January 31, 2007 will receive a half price discount.

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Foonz is a new internet service that allows users to establish a free account.  From this Account you can setup a contact list with contacts, then whenever you like, you can call Foonz to start a group conference call. 

Foonz then sends out a message to everyone in you invite group.  They send messages via text messages or by email or even by instant messaging services.

The members of your group can then call in to the number provided in the Foonz message notification.  When they call in they are joined to the group call.

Sign up for free at the foonz web site

Foonz has separate agreements with existing phone companies that covers the expense of the call, which is how they receive funding and keep their service free to the end user.  Foonz has a policy of not sharing or using your personal information nor that of your contacts, other than the occasional promotion for a new Foonz service or upgrade.

Foonz does push for users to utilize their cell phones, which seems to work best with their system allowing for users to automatically log in as soon as they phone into the system to establish a new call.  This does not stop the service from being available from any phone you may wish to utilize. 

Foonz is available for service in the US and abroad as well, however text message notifications to people in the intended conference group will only be delivered to US based cell phones.  That won’t stop notifications through IM or email.

There are many services that will charge $50 a month or more for similar functionality plus the foonz service can rapidly allow users to establish a conference call rapidly at anytime with out having to schedule the conference online or through outlook.  The convenience is fast, friendly and definitely geared towards spontaneous conversations of groups, associates or even friends just catching up with each other or hoping on the phone after an online conversation.

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A good deal of VOIP hype centers around Skype and Vonage, but the truth is that there are many other providers that offer some very comprehensive packages at attractive prices and with extra solid service packages.

ViaTalk provides internet phone service at rates that start out at $10 per month to $200 year for service that starts off with 500 minutes of calls per month all the way up to unlimited calls and a large set of features.

These plans like their competitors cover calls in the US and in Canada and ViaTalk is currently offering a 6 month free service plan, which as of today (Nov 7) actually makes the plan more attractive than Skype’s free offer, which expires in 2 months at the end of the year.

They also offer broadband phone service plans for businesses with rates based on the term of contracts.  Contract time frames can be as short as 1 month or extend out 24 months with rates that run from $35/ month down to $30/month respectively.

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Skype is going on the hunt in North America, hunting for customers. Skype is offering free calls from its service to regular land line phones and cell phones. This service has taken off in Europe and in China.

Skype is hoping to offer their VOIP plan in the US, where many people use VOIP services at work, but still rely on traditional phone systems or cellular plans at home.

Detail on Skypes offer:

Or Shop for Skype Products and accessories at Skype Store USA !

“The promotional offer, which extends through the end of 2006, covers calls within the United States and Canada. Calls from North America to conventional phones in other countries will incur charges. Skype already offers free calling to users worldwide who call from computer to computer.”
Skype launches free call promotion in US, Canada

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