Skype Throws Down: Free SkypeOut<< Clearwire Going Public | Main | Wi-Fi in the Park With Joe >> Joseph Laszlo | May 15, 2006, 11:37 AM It didn't take long. Barely a week after AOL caused a stir by launching an AIM-based calling product with a free phone number and free incoming calls, Skype is doing the opposite. Until the end of the year Skype users get free outbound calls to anyone in the US and Canada. Free! Getting a SkypeIn number will still cost you though, as will voicemail. This is great from a promotional sense, but it's definitely going to cost Skype; interconnecting with the traditional phone network will always involve paying the phone company for the privilege. I hope this doesn't end up being a promotion that costs more than it's worth. I'm thinking about starting a pool on how long it takes AOL to follow suit, though if this costs Skype, it kills AOL's model of $14.95 flat rate outbound calling. |
 Subscribe for free JupiterResearch email updates:
|