Not sure if you heard yet or not, but Skype and Verizon have announced that they’ve been working to develop an always-on Skype Mobile app. Holy cow, can you believe it?! Can you imagine the implications! Let’s talk about this and what it all means for the hosted VoIP sector of the business VoIP industry.
So, “What does this technology do exactly?” you ask. “Good question,” we say.
Well, the app will basically allow for unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls. Doesn’t seem that cool now that you know this is the only function, huh? But here is the kicker. According to Fierce VoIP, “the app will allow for unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls and cheap international calls at Skype’s VoIP rates.” Apparently you also need a data plan. But who doesn’t have a data plan now-a-day anyways. So basically the app can save you money on international calls. But there is more to this if you are a hosted VoIP PBX fan…
This new relationship between Skype and Verizon is great news for hosted VoIP, now every phone can be a VoIP phone! It is very encouraging to see the integration between these two communications providers. Verzion is willing to work with Skype here in the pursuit of creating a better product, and that is something to be commended. They are probably making money off this too but let’s just pretend it’s all in the pursuit of benefiting humanity, just this once, please.
The hosted VoIP sector of the business VoIP community is also excited because of the implications this has on video communications. It almost seems as though this first attempt at a VoIP app is only a move to test Verizon’s network capabilities. As Verizon and Skype further integrate and strengthen the relationship there is a good chance that they will begin development on a video communications application, don’t you think?
So Skype and Verizon are working together. Does this mean that now other VoIP providers offering a hosted VoIP PBX or other business VoIP solution will be able to develop applications too? Are the floodgates open? If I had to guess I would probably say no. But I do think that we (hosted VoIP and other types of VoIP service providers like Skype) have broken down a long standing barrier. And that is a good thing.
I must say, I have to commend the individual at Skype or Verizon who forged this strategic partnership. Way to step it up and think big. We are all sitting and waiting for the next step, though. “What is that,” you say. Well, smart phones with video communications capabilities, of course.
What do you think about the new relationship between Skype and Verizon?
