Skype, is planning to launch its service for iPhone users on Tuesday and for BlackBerry in May in an effort to expand beyond the barriers of desktop computers. They have been working to make its service work on the most popular advanced phones with Skype's feature-rich mobile offering appeal to new and existing customers. What a tremendous opportunity it would be to reach out and video touch like Capt. Kirk. Then my coach won't have to fuss at me about my customer contact.
In May, it will launch a program for BlackBerry devices. They have already announced Skype for Nokia phones and for phones based on Android, which is Google's mobile system, and Windows Mobile, from Microsoft. One of Skype's iPhone features is that it allows subscribers use to the phone numbers in their existing iPhone address book so they won't need to duplicate lists. The company is still considering whether it will offer video for the iPhone or other phones. 
Skype's iPhone application will be free to download and will allow free calls between Skype users. As with Skype on the desktop, fees will be charged for calls to regular phones. But if this catches on, you can get everyone you deal with to get it, and reduce costs at the same time.
The service will also work on later versions of Apple's latest iPod Touch device, which has Wi-Fi links but no cellular connection. The iPod Touch launched in 2008 has a microphone built in. If Skype could find a way to connect all those cell phone cameras and laptop cameras it might kick start a video telephone opportunity and we will really be in the 21st century. I'm thinking along the lines of staying in touch with clients when they go back to look at that house again, or when they decide to look on their own, you can have a video link with them, and stay connected. I see a wonderful opportunity in the making.
Mobile Skype has been available for a while in other countries. But in the United States for example, AT&T has had a monopoly on calls made from iPhones, as it is the exclusive carrier here. Sprint had the monopoly on service for the Treo in this area, so I had to switch carriers in order to have the phone service. That didn't make me happy. But to do this the Skype way sounds like a plan to me!
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