Skype(TM), the global Internet communications company, today
announced the launch of Skype Pro. Skype Pro is a new Internet
communications package offering zero cents per minute calls to
domestic landlines along with a series of premium Skype features and
discounts on Skype Certified(TM) hardware.
Skype's popular features such as video calls from one Skype user
to another, sending instant messages, transferring files, conference
calls for up to 10 participants or joining in Skypecasts (live
moderated conversations with up to 100 people) remain free to all
Skype users across the world. Skype users can also use Skype to make
free calls from one Skype account to another.
"With Skype Pro, we're making it easier for our 171m registered
users to buy our paid for communications products. Skype Pro lets you
call landlines and mobiles all over the world for exceptional value.
The combination of Skype's free features with Skype Pro is very
compelling. Along with zero per minute calling, Skype Pro includes
free voicemail, a generous discount on SkypeIn numbers, attractively
priced Skype devices plus five euros of SkypeOut(TM) credit when you
sign up for five months. Skype Pro is a simple and cost-effective way
for people to keep in touch with one another the world over," said
Stefan Oberg, VP & GM of Telecoms at Skype.
From today, people can choose to pay a low monthly subscription of
EUR 2* and make zero cents per minute calls to domestic landlines in
15 countries in Europe. Skype Pro subscribers will also receive
discounts on Skype Certified devices and accessories. Skype Pro's
subscription package includes:
-- Zero cents per minute calling to domestic landlines in
(country) previously EUR 0.017* per minute
-- Free Skype Voicemail (normally EUR 15* per year)
-- EUR 30 discount on SkypeIn(TM) numbers
-- EUR 5 Skype Credit included as part of the introductory offer
(see below)
-- A EUR 30 discount on a Philips VoIP 841 cordless phone
-- A EUR 10 discount on an SMC WiFi phone
-- Additional discounts on a series of Skype Extras are also
available including desktop sharing, avatars, emoticons and
ring tones
* 15% VAT is added where applicable and all Skype Pro calls are
subject to a small connection fee of up to EUR 0.039 per call.
For a limited time only, you can purchase Skype Pro on a five
month basis for EUR 10 and receive EUR 5 Skype credit absolutely free.
After this introductory period, customers can continue with their
subscriptions for just EUR 2* a month.
Skype Pro will initially be available across Europe in the
following countries:
-- Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Portugal, Spain
and the UK
Skype Pro will be rolled out to other countries worldwide later in
2007.
The European Interactive Advertising Association's (EIAA) 2006
Mediascope Europe Study has found that 45% of Internet users in Europe
now go online every day of the week, which demonstrates the increasing
importance of the Internet in our everyday lives and its growing role
as an engagement medium among European consumers.
The average European Internet user now spends 11 hours 20 minutes
a week online compared to 10 hours and 15 minutes a week in 2005, an
increase of 11%. With this increase, the average European is now
online 5.4 days a week. The study also demonstrates that 15% conduct
calls via the Internet - a growth rate of 50% from last year.
As the world's largest Internet communications community, Skype is
committed to giving its users the ability to set their conversations
free at home, at work and on the move. It is focused on further
developing its ecosystem of more than 50 hardware partners and more
than 160 Skype Certified devices to broaden the appeal of Skype to a
wider base of users who want to use Skype away from the PC, no matter
where they happen to be. This is especially true for Skype users who
want to take advantage of the mobile Skype experience, which is
already accessible to more than 5 million Skype users on over 120
different Windows Mobile Smartphones and pocket PC devices.
For more information about Skype Pro, please go to
http://www.skype.com/products/skypepro/
Footnote:
** All SkypeOut calls, including calls made by Skype Pro
subscribers, are subject to a connection fee. For details on the
connection fee, go to
http://www.skype.com/products/skypeout/rates/connection_fee.html.
** Skype Pro is reserved for residents within (Country) making
calls to landline telephones within (Country) and does not include
calls to any mobile, premium, special or other types of non-geographic
numbers.
About Skype
Skype is the world's fastest-growing Internet communication
offering, allowing unlimited free voice, video and instant messaging
communication between users of Skype Software. With over 171 million
registered users, Skype is available in 28 languages and is used in
almost every country around the world. Skype generates revenue through
its premium offerings such as making and receiving calls to and from
landline and mobile phones, voicemail, call forwarding and
personalization including ringtones and avatars. Skype also has
relationships with a growing network of hardware and software
providers. Visit Skype at www.skype.com.
Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). To learn more visit
skype.com.
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, SkypeIn, SkypeOut, Skype Me, Skype Certified, Skypecasts,
associated logos and the "S" symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.