3 offers Skype to businesses

Mobile provider 3 is extending Skype support to its business customers following the success of the service among consumers.

Customers on 3 are able to make Skype-to-Skype voice over IP (VoIP) calls for free, as well as send and receive Skype IM messages using a phone running a Skype client, such as any Symbian Series 60 device or 3's own-brand Skype handset. Skype service will be offered on the Business Mix and Match tariff.

The plans, which start at 12.77 exc VAT per month, offer free Skype-to-Skype calls, free voicemail, free use of Windows Live Messenger, and 300 free 3-to-3 minutes, along with a variety of options for call minutes, texts, and handsets, including the Nokia 95, HTC TyTN II, and the Skypephone.

This new service could prove especially useful to businesses that frequently speak with contacts abroad, as employees can now talk for free via Skype-to-Skype, and keep the costs of internal communications down for small businesses and the self-employed.