Skype for Android gets 3G VoIP calls at long last

Select Verizon users no longer have a corner on Skype's 3G calling. Now all Android users can place Skype calls over 3G, not just Wi-Fi.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations

Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).

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Jessica Dolcourt

April 21, 2011 11:27 a.m. PT

Skype for Android users in the U.S. will be able to start making VoIP calls over 3G today in addition to calls over Wi-Fi, a feature that loyal users have been wanting since the app first debuted.

This isn't the first time 3G calling has been available in the U.S. Back in March 2010, a partnership with Verizon brought a special version of Skype Mobile to select Android phones (and also to select BlackBerrys, the first time Skype became available for that platform).

Skype wouldn't share with us what, if anything, prevented it from releasing this version sooner--if there was an exclusivity deal with Verizon, if technical hurdles stood in the way, or if this was simply part of Skype's development plan all along.

What is evident is that Skype is continuing to develop its flagship VoIP app separately from Qik, the rival it bought in January. We thought for sure Skype would fold Qik's ability to place two-way video calls into Skype for Android and then retire the brand, but this doesn't appear to fit into Skype's plans, at least not yet. While loyal users will gladly welcome the ability to call over 3G, two-way video is still high on the wish list.

Skype-to-Skype calls remain free, with credits for calls to mobile phones and landlines selling at competitive rates.

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