Skype, Boingo Team for New Wireless Service

Skype Zones to use Boingo's wireless hotspots to allow Skype users to make their VOIP calls and access other Skype features.

VOIP provider Skype and Wi-Fit hotspot operator Boingo Wireless today said they were teaming to provide Skype users the ability to use the latter’s network of 18,000+ locations for unlimited wireless access for Internet telephony calls.

The new service, to be called Skype Zones, will cost $7.95 per month. Skype’s customers will be able to access the current beta version through a custom Skype build of Boingo’s software. Users log onto Skype Zones through one of Boingo’s hotspots and once connected can make Skype calls and access features such as presence, global user directory, contact lists and instant messaging.

“Partnering with Skype demonstrates the evolution of public-access Wi-Fi to include VoIP and other value added applications by allowing greater connectivity and productivity on the move,” said David Hagan, Boingo president and CEO. “Skype’s convenience and call quality have made it as important to travelers as email, and we expect Skype usage to increase traffic and revenue at our network of hot spots.”

“Boingo is a world-class company that offers Skype users unprecedented global communications mobility and accessibility, at an aggressive, market disrupting price,” said Niklas Zennstrom, Skype CEO and co-founder. “Affordable broadband access is fundamental to open communications, and partnering with Boingo to deliver unlimited Skype access around the world at such a compelling price point will generate new customers for both companies.”