Panasonic, a leading maker of wireless DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) phones, has announced its first phone for using with Skype voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) service. The device does not require a personal computer, only a Wi-Fi network, still it comes at a price.

“With the growing popularity of Skype and the mass availability of broadband in homes, offices and hotels, the KX-WP1050 will be a powerful communications tool for anyone who wants to take advantage of easily accessible and either free or inexpensive Internet calling,” said Mike Timar, the U.S. marketing manager for Panasonic consumer electronics division.

Panasonic KX-WP1050 is shipped along with a portable wireless router that may be plugged into an open local area network (LAN) using conventional RJ-45 cables to provide wireless Wi-Fi 802.11b/g connection for the phone itself or any other device, such as notebook, that requires it. Obviously, the KX-WP1050 phone itself can be used in any 802.11b/g network that does not require authorization.

The KX-WP1050 model offers the range and security of WPA encrypted Wi-Fi technology, as well as quality of service (QoS) feature to improve voice quality. Besides, the first Skype phone from Panasonic sports loud handset speakerphone, as well as a built-in headset jack.The phone device is 0.62” (1.57cm) thick and weighing less than 4 ounces (113 grams).

According to the manufacturer, the 730mAh lithium-ion battery can provide up to a 55 hours standby time, and 4.5 hours talk time, and can be charged with the included travel router, or from a USB connection on a PC. The AC adapter shipped along with the traveller’s kit is compatible with all voltages from 100V to 240V, so it can be used by simply attaching the AC plug (sold separately) for that country.

The KX-WP1050 is available at the U.S. Panasonic online store and other Internet retailers in the U.S. with a $399 manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP). It will also be available in the Skype U.S. web store. Availability in Europe was not announced at this time.

Panasonic’s KX-WP1050 costs two times higher compared to SMC’s Wi-Fi phone sold by Skype in Europe, which is available for ?139 ($182). That said, the destiny of Panasonic's device is unclear, as business users are reluctant to use VoIP services, whereas consumers are generally looking for value and may consider the KX-WP1050 as too expensive.

Panasonic said that the KX-WP1050 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 doesn’t have to be in front of a computer. The user’s Skype contacts and call log are available on any of the cordless handsets in the system.