Skype WiFi arrives on iOS devices

18 Aug 2011

The Skype WiFi app, formerly Skype Access, is now available on Apple’s App Store which means iPad, iPhone or iPod touch users can make calls from more than 1m wireless hotspots around the world.

This means there’s no need to buy an hour or day Wi-Fi voucher if you’re only looking to check your email or make a quick Skype call.

“Skype WiFi is great for travellers all over the world: It’s a must-have app, for your iPhone or iPad, whether you’re on a business trip or enjoying holidays abroad,” explained Skype product manager Shadel Mahassel.

“Skype WiFi offers you a cost-effective and easy way to get online with an iPod touch, iPhone or iPad. Paying on a per-minute basis for Wi-Fi internet access is great when you’re abroad as you can avoid data roaming charges when you update Facebook, send a tweet, make a Skype call or upload photos.”

Wi-Fi access through Skype

Wi-Fi access prices through Skype start from US$0.06/4p/€0,05 (inclusive of VAT) per minute and you will only be charged for the minutes you are connected. There are no limits on the amount of data you can upload or download.

To mark the launch of the service on iOS devices, Skype WiFi will be free around the globe from Saturday, 20 August 00:00 till Sunday, 21 August, 23:59 BST for a maximum of 60 minutes.

Skype recently launched an iPad app and is reportedly focusing on bringing Skype to Windows Phones next after Microsoft acquired the company.

Last month Skype released version 2.1 of its Android app, bringing video calling to more Android devices.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com