Skype has continued to delight PC users for many years because they have been able to enjoy free international phone calls or at least, low-cost phone calls (anywhere in the world at local prices). The clever application has been available to select high-end smartphones as well, but it hasn’t been possible to run Skype on ordinary mobile phones. Until now. Skype has created a light version of its software that runs on phones that are compatible with Java software. It means hundreds of compatible phone models from all brands. You can download the free software here.

The trick with the light version of Skype is that phone calls are not free. Not even calls to other Skype users. When you want to dial someone (Skype name, landline, or mobile number), the software asks your permission to make an ordinary phone call to a local number. From there on, the call is routed like a Skype call. A call to Skype user is worth a usual phone call. You need Skype credits to reach mobile and landline numbers or if you want to receive calls in the Skype application. Skype for mobile phones
Skype Chat, or Instant Messaging, is practically free to use. You must, however, have a data plan/Internet access that allows you to connect to the Internet with minimal cost. The messages are transmitted as data via mobile network or Wi-Fi access point. You also have access to your Skype contact list and status.

We tried the Skype Java application and found it excellent for messaging with our Skype contacts and discovering their status. Chat works over Wi-Fi as well. We didn’t find making phone calls from Skype Java application very useful. Only if you have to dial a Skype name and don’t have access to a PC, this is the way. Remember! Using this application abroad can be very expensive because of roaming charges.

If you have a Windows Mobile smartphone, you should download the full Skype application. Nokia and other Symbian smartphone owners and iPhone users should download Fring or Truphone, because these applications can make pure Internet phone calls and provide free minutes to Skype and other Voip users.