3 UK announce free Skype calls starting May 1

[caption id="attachment_410" align="aligncenter" width="550" caption="3 UK embraces Skype"][/caption] In stark contrast to Deutsche Telekom, who has moved to block 3G customers from using Skype on their network, 3 UK has announced a two step plan to embrace VoIP calls on their network. From May 1, 3 UK customers on pay-as-you-go plans will not need to top up their account to use Skype. By August, customers using unlocked 3G handsets on other carriers will be able to purchase a 3 SIM card for £1.99, and use Skype for free. "We believe that, once you come to 3 and use Skype, you will use other services on 3," said Kevin Russell, chief executive at 3. Use of SkypeOut to call land lines and mobile numbers will still require a top up, and free Skype calls will only be available within the UK, not while roaming abroad. [ZDNet UK]