Skype on Three Network

LDR28

Hello All,
just wondering if anyone has experience of using the free Skype service through Three?

As my GF works abroad, unlimited mobile use of Skype would be really handy - which makes Three's tariffs very appealing. However, during a quick research mission into town last weekend I was informed by a salesman in CFW that the service is very unreliable and the only reliable option at the moment is on Iphone (which I've already ruled out).

Does anybody have experience of this service though Three, and in particular, on a HTC handset?

DarkFallout

I use skype on Three network with one of their cheapest chinese phones on prepaid.

It is true that quality of calls is unpredictable, but it is nice to have it as an addition to the skype on your laptop. And it is for free so I don't mind the unpredictable quality.

I use skype credits as well and talk quite cheap with landlines on the continent. Always buy them through cashback site. Again the quility is unpredictable, but I can manage.

Three network coverage may be unreliable, but again what do you want for free. I managed to safe fortune on skype in the last months as I am talking roughly about 1h every day with the continent.

LDR28

Thanks DarkFallout,
out of interest, do you use the instant messaging service as well? Is it reliable?

S0litaire

I've used Three's Skype app a couple of times, It's not too bad but 3G connection only.
But I added Skype's own app, which is better for general messaging but you don't get the free data and it's great on wireless rather than using your 3G signal and supports "Skype in" and Voicemail.

i'd not trust the CFW sales person, they'll get a better commission if they sell you a iPhone4 than a cheep "3" Skype phone.

So for me: I use Three's Skype app for when i'm out and about and no wireless is available but I tend to stick to Skype's own app on Wireless signal.

LDR28

S0litaire wrote: »

i'd not trust the CFW sales person, they'll get a better commission if they sell you a iPhone4 than a cheep "3" Skype phone.

My thoughts exactly, although in fairness he didn't try too hard to push the iphone as I'd already told him I was looking at HTC/Android.

DarkFallout

LDR28 wrote: »

Thanks DarkFallout,
out of interest, do you use the instant messaging service as well? Is it reliable?

I extensively text on skype with my friends.

Sending text messages requires much less traffic (almost nothing) than talking and therefore I don't think it will be a probelm.

However I don't to this on my cheap chinese handset as I don't have a keyboard.

As above I use skype on mobile when out, and use my laptop and wireless when at home.

Don't believe the salesman, he is trying to make money.

bubblesmoney

I use skype occassionally on my phone it is free on compatible three hand sets. My relatives use it almost every day for the past three years or more for free on skype, unbeatable for free international voice chat or messaging. You can leave it logged in continuously on the phone and anyone with skype on their phone or computer can call you for free and it is free on three network if you use their app, but it works only on 3g. But so what its free. My sister in law used to use it everyday almost any hour everyday for voice chat. If you want to call phone numbers then you can buy credit from skype. You can do conference calls between your phone and upto 24 other people on their skype account or phones. I have conferenced with 4 people at a time but sometimes can lose the connection. But I have had log in problems a few times on my old sony erickson phones which was frustrating at times.

devizes18193

I love it used it mainly in the uk 99% good to great call quality . I've used on a range of kit from mobile broband on the laptop to a cheap handset to nokia and sony smart phones .The best results where with the smart phones ,but the worse was not bad at all

LDR28

Thank you for all replies,

Great to hear that the service is usable as this will definitely be a factor when my current contract ends in 4 weeks. It's mainly the IM/text service that my GF and I use during the day, but good to know that voice calling is also reasonable.

4 weeks till I can switch...Now I just have to cross my fingers and hope the HTC Desire stock issues are resolved by then!

bubblesmoney

yesterday while using skype on the computer for video/voice chat i encountered a few problems, but switched to using skype on my phone as i am logged in all the time on skype usually. skype on the phone worked without problems yesterday both for texting via skype and also voice chat (calling international and receiving international calls. call quality was clear but can sometimes be poor). i know three other people who have been using skype on a regular basis for a few years now. the calls are received quicker on the phone with skype than on my computer at home when i am logged in with both devices.

i didnt even have a data plan on one my old phones and was never charged by three network for data use with skype as it is free on three network when using approved apps on approved phones. but have a data plan on new phone.

scott1975

Hi, does anyone know if you can use 3's unlimited skype via a laptop? I have one of 3's 3G dongles and a PAYG sim, does it have to be a mobile specific app you connect through?

Thanks