Do all mobile networks support Skype

ney · 18-10-2011, 22:58

I know 3 do but was wondering if all mobile networks support skype and do they take a data charge or some of the free montly data allowance unless you on wi-fi.

Darren

oilman · 19-10-2011, 13:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by ney

I know 3 do but was wondering if all mobile networks support skype and do they take a data charge or some of the free montly data allowance unless you on wi-fi.

Darren

As far as I know, only 3 supports Skype via 3G.

Assuming, you wish to use Skype to avoid expensive overseas call charges, then:-

On others, you can use Skype via mobile wifi, but you will normally charged out of your data allowances. It may well be that some of others exclude Skype as they do with PC tethering, and you could end up with an unexpectedly large bill -you would need to check.

If you use your home broadband wifi, this will come out of the home allowance, but this is usually insignificant if you use audio only. Using video mode can consume a lot of data even for home broadband.

However, there is a way round the 3G only on 3. If you have a number abroad you regularly call, you can get a Skype To Go number assigned to it. This will be a local UK number (02number).

If you are with any mobile network then you call the Skype To Go number and then call is connected over Skype i,.e. the call is in two parts 3G to Skype router, Skype thereafter. Each part is charged separately.

Calling the Skype to Go number costs the same as calling any UK landline. As it will be an 02 number, then this call may be free with any inclusive minutes. Many landlines offer unlimited UK calls now, so you can use this instead of a mobile if you prefer,

You will pay the skype call costs either as Skype credit (not 100% certain, but think so), or as part of a subscription.

You can have up to six phones registered to any Skype to go number (landline or mobile), so can be good for families.

Note: you will always be charged the local call costs (or free if part of your plans), even if the end person does not reply.
This is fair because you are calling Skpe who has answered, and they are simply trying to connect you to another phone.

Roush · 19-10-2011, 13:56

Skype calling over 3G isn't exclusive to Three (although it may have been some time ago).

I can make 3G Skype calls on my iPhone on O2. It comes out of my data allowance obviously, but it works just fine.

wilt · 19-10-2011, 13:58

I think T-Mobile have something in their Ts and Cs about not using the data for VOIP. Not sure about the others.

Thine Wonk · 19-10-2011, 19:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilt

I think T-Mobile have something in their Ts and Cs about not using the data for VOIP. Not sure about the others.

O2 forbids VOIP in the T&Cs, don't know if that includes Skype.

IslandNiles · 19-10-2011, 19:13

Somebody needs to look at these ridiculous terms and conditions. I'm pretty sure that, with Orange, I'm not supposed to use any messaging services apart from Orange's own. I use WhatsApp pretty much every day.

Thine Wonk · 19-10-2011, 19:33

Yet Three encourage Windows Live, Skype and even tethering on some plans. I believe in net neutrality, they provide you with the connection, what you do with it is up to you.

paulbrock · 19-10-2011, 20:18

I can make skype calls(both voice and video) on Orange OK.

ney · 19-10-2011, 21:15

Thanks for the replays. I will have to look at this more as I have never really used Skype before.
Was just looking at ways of saving money.
The now we are on the BT evening and weekend landline call plan as well as BT Infinity option 2. Dont want to move to BT anytime call plan as im not in most week days as im at work and dad only uses the phone now and again. Also BTs call plans and packages are now dear enough.

Darren

18-10-2011, 22:58	#1
ney Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Scotland, Dunfermline Area Posts: 10,704	Do all mobile networks support Skype I know 3 do but was wondering if all mobile networks support skype and do they take a data charge or some of the free montly data allowance unless you on wi-fi. Darren

19-10-2011, 13:13	#2
oilman Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,854	Quote: Originally Posted by ney I know 3 do but was wondering if all mobile networks support skype and do they take a data charge or some of the free montly data allowance unless you on wi-fi. Darren As far as I know, only 3 supports Skype via 3G. Assuming, you wish to use Skype to avoid expensive overseas call charges, then:- On others, you can use Skype via mobile wifi, but you will normally charged out of your data allowances. It may well be that some of others exclude Skype as they do with PC tethering, and you could end up with an unexpectedly large bill -you would need to check. If you use your home broadband wifi, this will come out of the home allowance, but this is usually insignificant if you use audio only. Using video mode can consume a lot of data even for home broadband. However, there is a way round the 3G only on 3. If you have a number abroad you regularly call, you can get a Skype To Go number assigned to it. This will be a local UK number (02number). If you are with any mobile network then you call the Skype To Go number and then call is connected over Skype i,.e. the call is in two parts 3G to Skype router, Skype thereafter. Each part is charged separately. Calling the Skype to Go number costs the same as calling any UK landline. As it will be an 02 number, then this call may be free with any inclusive minutes. Many landlines offer unlimited UK calls now, so you can use this instead of a mobile if you prefer, You will pay the skype call costs either as Skype credit (not 100% certain, but think so), or as part of a subscription. You can have up to six phones registered to any Skype to go number (landline or mobile), so can be good for families. Note: you will always be charged the local call costs (or free if part of your plans), even if the end person does not reply. This is fair because you are calling Skpe who has answered, and they are simply trying to connect you to another phone.

19-10-2011, 13:56	#3
Roush Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 2,938	Skype calling over 3G isn't exclusive to Three (although it may have been some time ago). I can make 3G Skype calls on my iPhone on O2. It comes out of my data allowance obviously, but it works just fine.

19-10-2011, 13:58	#4
wilt Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Potterspury Posts: 930	I think T-Mobile have something in their Ts and Cs about not using the data for VOIP. Not sure about the others.

19-10-2011, 19:07	#5
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	Quote: Originally Posted by wilt I think T-Mobile have something in their Ts and Cs about not using the data for VOIP. Not sure about the others. O2 forbids VOIP in the T&Cs, don't know if that includes Skype.

19-10-2011, 19:13	#6
IslandNiles Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 13,091	Somebody needs to look at these ridiculous terms and conditions. I'm pretty sure that, with Orange, I'm not supposed to use any messaging services apart from Orange's own. I use WhatsApp pretty much every day.

19-10-2011, 19:33	#7
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	Yet Three encourage Windows Live, Skype and even tethering on some plans. I believe in net neutrality, they provide you with the connection, what you do with it is up to you.

19-10-2011, 20:18	#8
paulbrock Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Wapping, London Posts: 16,222	I can make skype calls(both voice and video) on Orange OK.

19-10-2011, 21:15	#9
ney Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Scotland, Dunfermline Area Posts: 10,704	Thanks for the replays. I will have to look at this more as I have never really used Skype before. Was just looking at ways of saving money. The now we are on the BT evening and weekend landline call plan as well as BT Infinity option 2. Dont want to move to BT anytime call plan as im not in most week days as im at work and dad only uses the phone now and again. Also BTs call plans and packages are now dear enough. Darren

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Do all mobile networks support Skype