How does Skype mobile work please?

x-Princess-Vikki-x

Hi..

I was just wondering if any of you techy people could give me some info on how skype on your mobile works?

Do you have to be connected to it constantly to recieve a call?
Whats the signal like?
Do you get delays?
Got any step by step instructions of how to make a call?
Is it worth it do you think??

Just thinking of getting a 3 contract you see as my partner is also on 3 and he is joining the forces soon so need to keep in touch.

Thanks guys.

Snakeeyes21

On the 3 network if you get one of the skype compatible phones its just a java app that works in the background, which you keep running and just minimise, i have mine on 24/7.
you can only recieve skype calls when the app is running, so its best to keep it on.
when the app is running and you recieve a skype call your phone rings just like a normal call.
to make a call you just open the app and click on one of your contacts, it then dials the skype service number and connects your call.
simples

greggypetty

I use Skype, and it is great and all, but I can't seem to figure it out either.

x-Princess-Vikki-x

ah thats great snake eyes! Thanks

Richie78

I have the skype s2 phone from 3. Everything that SnakeEyes says.
It needs to be in range of a data capable transmitter to work but that shouldn't be a problem if you are in a populated area.
other things are...you can't call UK numbers using the skype app.
If you leave the app running permanently, your battery stby time is reduced big time.
Worth looking into...I bought 2 phone contracts (me and my gf) at the same time and was given 2000 free 3-3 minutes / month. I also work away from home so that has been great. Don't know if they are still doing that though.

JoolzS

DH and I both have Skype phones on the 3 network. I took a chance when I saw them on a shopping channel for around £70 for the pair. It has worked out great. Originally we had to buy £10 credit every 90 days on each phone to keep the Skype service working, but that has now gone and Skype is available all day, every day for absolutely nothing (although I do believe there is a fair use policy, but I've never fallen foul of it).

One minor problem we have found is that if DH phones me (he's a truck driver) from somewhere in the UK then we do get a very noticeable delay on the call. We have got around this by me phoning him back and then there is no delay. I can't work out any obvious reason for this - but it's so easy to work around for free phone calls that neither of us really cares.

The mobile PAYG service we both have costs us 12p for everything else - 12p per text, 12p per photo message, 12p per minute for any calls other than Skype to Skype; which is another thing I also like. There's no peak or off-peak. DH's phone is currently dying (due to his being very careless with it) and will probably cost around £70 to replace - I will have no hesitation in replacing it just to keep the Skype service.

I will add, having re-read your original post, that my DH had very little success in using the Skype phone to contact me from other European countries very recently. This might be an issue if your OH is posted abroad. However, UK to UK calls - fantastic and free.

Julie

Im_just_careful

Considering the initial question:-

A Three Skype phone (or any Three branded phone) works well with Skype. Within the UK you also get free Three to Three calls (on PAYG) which will not require the Skype application to be running on both phones all the time.

Assuming that the person joining the forces will be going abroad the problem is the requirement for something to run Skype on in the foreign location.

Other than the obvious PC, a phone which also does WiFi might be helpful if there is WiFi available so consider that when buying and give the WiFi enabled Three phone to the person joining the forces.

By the way, I believe unlocked phones put onto the Three network will not be so easy to use with Skype as the Three branded phones.

Hope that helps.