Skype WiFi Now Available for iPhone and Ipad

b

Many of us use Skype in our daily lives, for voice over IP calling, video chatting, and conferencing, on both ourmobile devices and our computers. However, as you may or may not be aware, Skype also has a secondary service, providing cheap WiFi access at more than a million locations worldwide.

On the Skype blog, a post explains the decision to port Skype WiFi to iOS:

“Skype WiFi is great for travelers all over the world: It’s a must-have app, for your iPhone or iPad whether you’re on a business trip or enjoying holidays abroad. Skype WiFi offers you a cost-effective and easy way to get online with an iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. Paying on a per-minute basis for WiFi Internet access is great when you’re abroad as you can avoid data roaming charges when you updateFacebook, send a tweet, make a Skype call or upload photos.”

When I travel I usually only bring the iPad for portability. I’ve often gone to enquire about hotel Internet access and found that it was only being offered at an unreasonable price, such as $15 per day, a fortune to spend when I only need it for a few minutes a day to check email. Skype’s WiFi service is a solid alternative that will allow travelers to get online at one of Skype’s WiFi hotspots, located in hotels, airports, train stations, convention centers, bars, and restaurants across the world.

The Skype app is free to download, but using the service will require Skype Credit. Luckily, Skype is far more affordable than most other WiFi options. Rates start at $0.06 per minute, and there are no data caps. An hour’s access will cost $3.60, so it may not be a great option compared to a flat rate hotel charge if you need constant WiFi access, but for checking emails, sending tweets, uploading photos, and keeping in contact with Facebookfriends, it’s a price that can’t be beat.

Skype WiFi can be downloaded in the App Store, and is available for immediate use. While the app was designed for the iPhone, it is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.