Skype Mobile for Verizon Wireless Doesn't Work Over WiFi, Skype Explains Why
Back in February, Skype announced that it struck a deal with Verizon Wireless, the largest and most reliable mobile network in the US (as described by Skype). The purpose of this deal was to allow Verizon Wireless customers to use the popular IM (instant messaging) and VoIP (Voice over IP) application on their mobile phones. On just a select few at first: BlackBerry Storm 9530, Storm2 9550, Curve 8330, Curve 8530, 8830 World Edition and Tour 9630, DROID by Motorola, DROID ERIS by HTC, and Motorola DEVOUR.
A few days ago Skype stayed true to its word and released Skype Mobile for Verizon Wireless. The application can be used free of charge by Verizon Wireless customers, granted of course they have the models presented above.
With Skype Mobile, Verizon Wireless customers can make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls, calls that do not cost a thing. They can also make calls to landline phones or international phone numbers. For these calls some charges apply – low ones. Last but not least, by using Skype Mobile, Verizon Wireless customers can send and receive unlimited instant messages to other Skype users.
Verizon Wireless customers that got the Skype Mobile app can do all these things – but they cannot do them over WiFi. Skype provided this explanation why the app does not work over WiFi.
“Verizon has the best network, with incredible coverage and reliability across the US. We’re making full use of that with the Skype mobile app. But even if coverage isn’t an issue for you, using Verizon’s network has another major advantage: battery life. Using Verizon’s own 3G network means that you’ll be able to talk for longer, with fewer trips back to the charger. More significantly, because the calls are placed over the voice network, just like a regular phone call, you’ll be able to use all your favourite accessories – bluetooth headsets, car kits, and so on – when making a Skype call, giving you more flexibility to make calls when you’re on the move,” explained Skype’s Peter Parkes.
The Skype Mobile for Verizon Wireless app is available for download here.
The funny bit is that Skype for Verizon does not work over WiFi, only 3G; while Skype for iPhone does work over WiFi, but doesn't work over 3G.
A few days ago Skype stayed true to its word and released Skype Mobile for Verizon Wireless. The application can be used free of charge by Verizon Wireless customers, granted of course they have the models presented above.
With Skype Mobile, Verizon Wireless customers can make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls, calls that do not cost a thing. They can also make calls to landline phones or international phone numbers. For these calls some charges apply – low ones. Last but not least, by using Skype Mobile, Verizon Wireless customers can send and receive unlimited instant messages to other Skype users.
Verizon Wireless customers that got the Skype Mobile app can do all these things – but they cannot do them over WiFi. Skype provided this explanation why the app does not work over WiFi.
“Verizon has the best network, with incredible coverage and reliability across the US. We’re making full use of that with the Skype mobile app. But even if coverage isn’t an issue for you, using Verizon’s network has another major advantage: battery life. Using Verizon’s own 3G network means that you’ll be able to talk for longer, with fewer trips back to the charger. More significantly, because the calls are placed over the voice network, just like a regular phone call, you’ll be able to use all your favourite accessories – bluetooth headsets, car kits, and so on – when making a Skype call, giving you more flexibility to make calls when you’re on the move,” explained Skype’s Peter Parkes.
The Skype Mobile for Verizon Wireless app is available for download here.
The funny bit is that Skype for Verizon does not work over WiFi, only 3G; while Skype for iPhone does work over WiFi, but doesn't work over 3G.
