Skype launches Skype Pro in Europe

VOIP is growing like topsy and the company that leads the charge, Skype, has now rolled out Skype Pro, a new Internet communications package offering zero cents per minute calls to domestic landlines along with a series of premium Skype features and discounts on Skype Certified hardware. Skype’s popular features such as video calls from one Skype user to another, sending instant messages, transferring files, conference calls for up to 10 participants or joining in Skypecasts (live moderated conversations with up to 100 people) remain free to all Skype users across the world. Skype now has over 171 million registered users, is available in 28 languages and generates revenue through its premium offerings such as making and receiving calls to and from landline and mobile phones, voicemail, call forwarding and personalization including ringtones and avatars. For a limited time only, you can purchase Skype Pro on a five month basis for EUR10 and receive EUR5 Skype credit free. After this introductory period, customers can continue with their subscriptions for just EUR2 a month.

“With Skype Pro, we’re making it easier for our 171m registered users to buy our paid for communications products. Skype Pro lets you call landlines and mobiles all over the world for exceptional value. The combination of Skype’s free features with Skype Pro is very compelling. Along with zero per minute calling, Skype Pro includes free voicemail, a generous discount on SkypeIn numbers, attractively priced Skype devices plus five euros of SkypeOut credit when you sign up for five months. Skype Pro is a simple and cost-effective way for people to keep in touch with one another the world over,” said Stefan Oberg, VP & GM of Telecoms at Skype.

From today, people can choose to pay a low monthly subscription of €2 and make zero cents per minute calls to domestic landlines in 15 countries in Europe. Skype Pro subscribers will also receive discounts on Skype Certified devices and accessories. Skype Pro’s subscription package includes:

* Zero cents per minute calling to domestic landlines in [country] previously €0.017 per minute * Free Skype Voicemail (normally €15 per year) * €30 discount on SkypeIn™ numbers * €5 Skype Credit included as part of the introductory offer (see below) * A €30 discount on a Philips VoIP 841 cordless phone. * A €10 discount on an SMC WiFi phone. * Additional discounts on a series of Skype Extras are also available including desktop sharing, avatars, emoticons and ring tones * 15% VAT is added where applicable and all Skype Pro calls are subject to a connection fee of up to € 0.039 per call.

Skype Pro will initially be available across Europe in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the UK

Skype Pro will be rolled out to other countries worldwide later in 2007.