Skype (NASDAQ:EBAY), the global Internet communications
company, announced today that all French-based Skype(TM) users with a
broadband internet connection can make unlimited SkypeOut(TM) calls to
landlines in France for free. This offer is valid in France from
September 7 to December 31 2006.
Previously, French-based Skype users were required to pay for all
SkypeOut calls from their PCs to traditional landlines. Skype is
offering all French-based people the chance to call their friends and
family on landlines in France, for free. Calls between from one Skype
software account to another across the world, remain completely free.
Skype has now significantly lowered the cost barrier for its
French customers wanting to keep in touch with friends, family and
business associates. Skype anticipates that free calling to all
landlines in France will expand Skype's increasing penetration into
the French market.
"At Skype, we remain faithful to our desire to innovate and
revolutionise the world of communications" said Jerome Archambeaud,
French Market Development Manager for Skype. " French consumers will
have the opportunity to make free, unlimited calls to landline phones
across the entire French population - that's a total of 60 million
people. All you need is broadband connection and a Skype account. "
After the huge success of a similar initiative for Skype users
based in North America in May this year, France is the first European
country where Skype has launched free internet calling.
There are over 113 million Skype users today and when coupled with
the soaring growth of worldwide broadband penetration which has
reached 62% (Source: Ipsos-Insight) internet calling is rapidly
becoming the communications medium of choice.
Aside from making free calls to all landlines in France, SkypeOut
remains unchanged to French-based Skype users who can purchase credit
to call mobiles and international phone numbers at very competitive
rates.
Skype is accessible through any of the following platforms: PC,
Mac, Pocket PC, Linux, and the new WiFi and DECT phones. To download
Skype, go to www.skype.com.
About Skype
Skype is the world's fastest-growing Internet communication
offering, allowing unlimited free voice and video communication
between Skype users. Skype is available in 27 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.
Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ:EBAY). To learn more visit
skype.com.
Skype is not a replacement for your ordinary telephone 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.
