Skype (now owned by eBay) will promote Skype-to-mobile service iSkoot. The program allows uers to have the same Skype features on a mobile phone as on a PC, such as address book, SkypeOut, setting your status and so on (no mention was made of Klonies, which are now free on Skype). “Skype and iSkoot will market the application to mobile operators, who could eventually offer service packages that include iSkoot, Guedalia said. ISkoot would share in that revenue, he said. Handset manufacturers will also be courted to preload iSkoot on devices.” The idea seems to be that if mobile operators can charge for a VoIP service they’ll be more receptive to allowing it on their networks… Of course, it’s also highly likely that eBay gets a slice of the revenue, which would be another source of income to justify the enormous amount it paid for Skype.
People would also be able to receive calls to their Skype ID on their mobile, but they’ll have to pay for it. It’s common for people to pay to receive calls in the US, but not in many other parts of the world, especially Europe. (via MobHappy)