Does anybody know if it's still free to skype other sktpe uses on a mobile phone with the 3 newtwork in the USA.

As it costs a fortne to use a phone in the usual way, I am plainning on going to the states next year. and if usuing skype from a uk phone works for free then it will be a good alternative.

anyone any idea's on this?

I would suggest not. Skype on a 3 handset uses a unique combination of Internet AND Normal Phone Service - both of which incur roaming fees.

You might want to pick up a Nokia Series 60 handset that you could install a VoIP client on, then you could use it with WiFi access points - only if they're free, mind.

VoIP over a cellular network while roaming = MEGA money (if it even works).

It works in 3 european countries e.g. 3 Italia but I don't think so for USA.

However you can get a sim4travel sim card from carphone warehouse which should receive calls for free in the USA. Leave your three phone at home and just tell it to divert calls to the sim4travel number which is a UK number. (Which means people can use their minutes to call you so no additional expense for anyone).

Thaanks guys for the info, at least I know not to use skype in the states now, better to find these things out before you get a wacking great bill