Mobile operators began to support Skype

One of the British mobile operators began selling special SIM-cards, intended primarily for making calls and exchanging text messages via Skype.

British operator Hutchison 3G (3 UK) has started offering SIM-cards to its subscribers, which will allow them to call and exchange instant messages via Skype absolutely free of charge, reports MForum. The operator was one of the first in Europe to not only open its 3G networks for Skype, but also made a number of special offers for users of this popular VoIP messenger. In particular, 3 UK has already released co-branded Skype-tubes together with the company INQ.

Operators have different attitudes towards VoIP. In total there are three options for the interaction of cellular companies that are accustomed to receive direct profits from user conversations and text messages, with this phenomenon. The first is to ban. In particular, the US operators in the terms of the contract do not allow to transmit VoIP traffic over 3G networks, however, they calmly refer to the use of VoIP in the WiFi coverage area. Others, like German T-Mobile, completely block VoIP-services. Others, including the Russian “Megaphone” with its “Multifon” service, follow the winged saying “You can’t stop - head on” and create their own applications for voice over the Internet.

Such as 3 UK, the third way - resolution and support - are in the minority, at least for now. “In the next year or two, this behavior of operators can hardly become a mass trend, since most of the cellular companies are not psychologically ready to open their networks to third-party VoIP providers,” believes Vitaly Solonin, leading consultant for J'son & Partners Consulting. Nevertheless, in the way chosen by 3 UK, Mr. Solonin sees not only a good image step, but also a groundwork for commercial success. There are several components of profit making - not only direct (selling SIM-cards and phones, possible deductions from Skype when a subscriber makes paid calls outside the network, etc.), but also indirect ones - increasing subscriber loyalty and reducing their outflow to competitors.