Skype, a leading voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) service provider, on Thursday made available a special version of its software designed specifically for mobile handsets. Immediately, owners of over 100 Java-enabled handsets from leading manufacturers as well as Android-powered cell-phones can take advantage of Skype and save on long-distance calls.

“Making the Skype experience available for download to Android-powered devices, as well as hundreds of other mobile phones from the world's leading handset manufacturers is a major step forward for Skype. Nearly half the world's population are mobile phone users today and we know that many people who already use Skype want the option to use Skype on their mobile phones. We are committed to working towards our goal of getting Skype into the pockets of the mobile masses,” said Scott Durchslag, chief executive officer of Skype.

The lite version of Skype designed for mobile phones from LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson supports the following functions:

• Make Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world
• Send/receive instant messages to/from individuals or groups
• Make Skype calls at low rates to people on landline or mobile phones
• Receive calls to your online personal phone number on Skype
• See when your Skype contacts are online/available to chat

The lite version of Skype is available globally, with the ability to make Skype-to-Skype calls and low cost calls to landlines and mobiles abroad currently available in ten countries: the United States, United Kingdom, Poland, Brazil (Rio and Sao Paolo), Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Australia and New Zealand.

Given that millions use Skype network worldwide, usage of Skype-to-Skype calls between people in different countries will inevitably reduce long-distance-calls, which is something to worry about for mobile operators, many of which have fixed-price mobile broadband Internet access.

Users can visit www.skype.com/m using the mobile browser on their phone to download Skype Lite beta for mobile phones onto their device or visit this web-page from a computer.

Tags: Skype, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson