Pocket PC Thoughts: All-You-Can-Eat Local and International Calls from Your Windows Mobile Device

"Skype announced unlimited* calling today to over a third of the world’s population with the launch of its new calling subscriptions. The new subscriptions signal the first time Skype has offered a single, monthly flat rate for international calling to landline numbers in 34 countries. The new subscriptions have no long-term contract. You can make calls whenever you want – at any time of the day, on any day of the week. From today, you can choose from three types of subscription – from unlimited calls to landlines in the country of your choice through to landlines in 34 destination countries worldwide."



Skype has just launched new subscriptions for all-you-can-eat, local and international calls to landlines and some mobiles, effectively replacing the old Skype Pro, which offered all-you-can-eat calls within the US and Canada only. So, here's how the new model works. There are basically three types of subscriptions: one which covers calls within your country, one which covers calls within your region, and one which covers calls worldwide. Calls can be made 24/7 for a single, monthly flat rate with no connection fees. And to put the icing on the cake, the subscriptions come with one or more online numbers, voicemail, and access to Skype To Go.

What's the catch? For the most part, all-you-can-eat equates to 10,000 minutes per month, but that's more than enough for the average person. And what's the point? Some telcos in some countries charge through the roof for local and international calls, so you have the potential to save big here, especially if Wi-Fi is ubiquitous in your area. Of course, Skype is available for Windows Mobile, which would make your subscription pocketable. Any buyers?