Skype, a leading voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service, has been gaining popularity for several years now and has become a very influential technology company. Recently a number of second-tier communication equipment makers announced a plan to build Wi-Fi phones that allow calling using Skype without a PC. Now Panasonic, a leading maker of cordless phones said it would provide Wi-Fi Skype phones as well, marking Skype’s becoming a de-facto worldwide alternative phone service.

“This new Wi-Fi phone for use with Skype follows the shift toward Internet calling entering the mainstream consumer market,” said Mike Timar, national marketing manager, Panasonic consumer electronics company.

The Panasonic Wi-Fi phone will give consumers access to core Skype features including SkypeOut, SkypeIn, Skype Voicemail and call forwarding via the Wi-Fi phone. The phone requires a Wi-Fi network that does not require browser identification, thus, it will be possible to use the device in free public wireless local area networks (WLAN).

Panasonic’s Wi-Fi Skype phone will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2006 in the United States. But Panasonic’s device will not be the only Skype phone for Wi-Fi networks: Taiwan-based Accton Technology was expected to begin volume shipments of its Skype-enabled Wi-Fi phones to Edge-Core and SMC Networks, as well as U.S.-based Belkin in August. Additionally, Netgear advertises its Wi-Fi Skype phone on the VoIP service provider’s web-site.

The Panasonic Wi-Fi phone joins the growing family of Panasonic Voice over IP (VoIP) products, including the recently launched Panasonic KX-TGA575S. The KX-TGA575S USB adaptor is an optional accessory for Panasonic 5.8GHz Digital Expandable Cordless Systems KX-TG5761S, KX-TG5771S, and KX-TG5776S. Using the adaptor with these systems means the user does not have to be in front of a computer, but still has to have one turned on.