3UK launches Skype phone on November 2

3UK, the mobile phone company, has announced the release date for its Skype phone, which will provide mobile VoIP services.

The 3 Skypephone will allow Skype users to make free calls over the internet. It will also allow customers to send instant messages to other users for free.

The phone, which will also function as a standard mobile phone, will be available in the UK on November 2.

3UK will distribute the 3G handset free to contract customers, as long as they pay a minimum £12 a month on standard mobile calls.

It will be available to pay-as-you-go customers for £49.99 plus a minimum top up of £10 each month.

VoIP calls will be carried over Hutchison Whampoa’s own mobile network, helping to ensure call quality.

3, which is a UK subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa, has been developing 3 Skypephone for over a year, in conjunction with Skype. The companies hope to sell several hundred thousand of the handset in the remainder of this year alone.

The device will be sold in the UK, Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland, Macau and Sweden.