If 3G start charging for Skype-to-Skype calls....
Just to be clear, remember that the network is not "3G" but just "3". Let's call it "Three" to avoid confusion. 3G refers to the technology of transmitting data!
3G data is available to users around the world, on multiple networks. So it is not "3G" who will start charging for calls. If anything it will the network "Three" or Skype themselves. This charge will impact everyone around the world who uses Skype via 3G mobile, not just the customers of Three in the UK.
However, the Skype offering could get slightly less attractive from next year, when there are plans to start charging for Skype-to-Skype calls on 3G, as well as coming under pressure from the looming Google Voice for Android. Critics claim Skype and 3 will be breaking the promise of "free Skype-to-Skype calls forever".
The last statement is a little bit confusing. Remember that Skype calls on Three are not even actually handled by 3G data, but as an ordinary voice call via a masked number. This is therefore a superior service to Skype-over-3G (or even Skype-over-WiFI) which other users on other networks have to contend with.
The charging aspect is also unclear so far. From what I have read it is actually Skype themselves that want to start charging for Skype-to-Skype calls that are placed via 3G data, irrespective of whatever operator you are using. For example, I am on o2, and also make use of free Skype-to-Skype calls. I too will be subject to the same charge if I chose to continue using Skype. The new charge (from early 2011) will take the form of a small monthly fee being charged by Skype. Skype argue that this cost has come in to support the development of its apps, especially for the growing demand of the iPhone 2.0 Skype app.
http://www.iphonehacks.com/2010/05/skype-2-finally-allows-voip-calls-over-3g-skype-to-charge-monthly-fee-from-2011.htmlhttp://www.zdnet.com/blog/apple/skype-to-charge-for-3g-calls-wait-what-updated/7046However, it is not clear whether this will even impact users on network Three in the UK, who firstly do not even place calls via 3G, and secondly as Three used to market a rock solid promise stating "Free Skype Calls
forever". (Of late, I have noticed that these specific words no longer seem to appear on their website).
The other thing that is also worth noting is that it is possible to make other types of VoIP calls (non-Skype) over 3G which may well remain absolutely free over 3G data. Now Skype has long thought that they can do whatever they want due to their huge market share, which includes a growing possy of extremely gullible iPhone geeks. However, I can see plenty of customers who primarily make peer2peer calls to other VoIP customers simply voting with their feet once Skype introduce this completely daft and unjustified charge. They will also come under pressure to keep it free, if Google voice really takes off as planned on Android, and if that remains free.