Will eBay extend free Skype to Phone calls in US into 2007? |
The podcasters Yahoo group recently discussed whether or not eBay would continue offering free Skype to phone calls in the US into 2007.
The consensus seems to be that eBay/Skype will probably extend the offer. I hope they do since Skype is our online business phone service and has been for a few months but it won’t be the end of the world if they don’t.
Also, this coming Sunday (12/17) our two year contract with Verizon is up and we’re not renewing. We’re planning to try out some of those pay-as-you-go phones, so any recommendations from others who have tried these services please let us know.
This is going to throw a bit of a wrench in our OnStar hands free online to Verizon hookup. We’ll have to go back to buying the ultra expensive minutes from Onstar ($13.99 for 30 minutes, $39.99 for 100 minutes).
I’m probably forfeiting my geek license by not having TV (175+ days now) and not having a cell phone contract, but I suspect the latter won’t last as long as the former. Then again, I’d like to experiment with WiFi options like the Belkin WiFi with Boingo and Skype phone or Netgear WiFi Skype phone. The problem with both these models I’ve been reading is that they don’t come with built-in browsers to be able to connect to free WiFi access points.
What we’d really is some sort of EV-DO with VoIP combo. This way we could use Skype as the phone. Hopefully a good option in this department will materialize in our shopping over the coming months. Again, if you know of a good option on this front please let us know below.
Did this post make you go hmm?
(Hmm, no ratings yet)
Loading ...Maybe Related Posts (plugin generated)
- Verizon CEO flames Wi-Fi and demanding customers
- Cell phone replacement with Vonage WiFi someday a reality
- Stolen cell phone watcher
- Skype (wireless) comes to Pocket PC
- eBay + Paypal + Skype … it’s true!
- Cell phone subscription machines, stand and be accountable
If you’re going to shell out for the Belkin, you might as well go with the Sony Mylo. Skype works and there’s a browser. I asked Joi Ito if it works with hotspots, and he said yes (he got one of the pre-releases). As far as EVDO with Skype, you’re looking for something like this. Unfortunately, it seems like it’s only UK currently. Working in telecom, I doubt we’ll be seeing this in the US anytime soon.
Comment by darkmoon — December 11, 2006 @ 11:23 pm PST
[…] Skype has been running a great deal the last few months, letting people living in the US call landlines in the country for free. That deal is set to run through the end of the month, with no announcement about an extension. TDavid wonders what happens come January 1st. Will Skype extend the plan, seeing the value of the promotion in other revenue streams? Will they announce new service plans for US users, so they don’t lose the customers? […]
Pingback by » Does Skype’s Free US Deal Have A Future? » InsideGoogle » part of the Blog News Channel — December 12, 2006 @ 2:48 am PST
Even if you do re-up with Verizon, you’ll want to wait a month without service, so as to get a better deal on a new phone. I believe if you wait a month (possibly 90 days, natch) you are considered a new customer, and Verizon treats new customers better than loyal ones. Assholes.
I’ve got thoughts on the Skype thing, in case you were interested:
http://google.blognewschannel.com/archives/2006/12/12/does-skypes-free-us-deal-have-a-future/
Skype’s my home phone (along with T-Mobile), and if they don’t continue the free plan, I may have to find a new VOIP provider. Skype’s lack of an unlimited plan is ridiculous.
Comment by Nathan Weinberg — December 12, 2006 @ 2:48 am PST
[…] On Monday I posted wondering if SkypeOUT calls to the US/Canada would continue to be free. The answer (thanks Techcrunch via New York Times) is, no, they won’t be, but an unlimited plan will be offered for $14.95/year until January 31, 2007 and $29.95/year thereafter. For those who don’t buy the unlimited plan, it will cost 2.1 cents per minute. I did the math, rounding up: […]
Pingback by Unlimited Skype calling in 2007 for $14.95 per year by Jan 31, 2007 » Make You Go Hmm — December 13, 2006 @ 10:22 am PST
[…] For more thoughts, check out Alec Saunders, Andy Abramson and MakeYouGoHmm. […]
Pingback by markevanstech.com - Just another WordPress weblog — December 13, 2006 @ 4:29 pm PST
The audio on the Sony Mylo is the best Skype audio anywhere….I’ve used it side by side my MacBook and the audio is better both to hear as well as to speak. The custom codec that Sony used is vastly superior to anything else I’ve come to find.
Comment by Andy Abramson — December 15, 2006 @ 8:16 am PST