Use WiFi instead of 3G

[phaze3131]

You'll need a modified version of Skype to run over WiFi. Your email should come-in once you're connected to the internet with a WiFi link.

skype can't use wifi lol?

[grizgrin]

You'll need a modified version of Skype to run over WiFi. Your email should come-in once you're connected to the internet with a WiFi link.

skype can't use wifi lol?

Nope, prevents people from circumventing minutes plans etc...

[Se7enLC]

You'll need a modified version of Skype to run over WiFi. Your email should come-in once you're connected to the internet with a WiFi link.

skype can't use wifi lol?

I lolled at that, too, a year ago when it was true. No longer true, though. There are two versions of Skype, currently. "Skype Mobile" and "Skype"

"Skype Mobile" is only available on Verizon and was released a long time ago (almost a year?). It allows you to make Skype to Skype and Skype out calls, but it will ONLY work over data/voice (will NOT work on wifi). It will also charge you minutes for Skype-Out calls (Skype-To-Skype is free, however). This is not because Verizon wants to prevent you from using Skype over Wifi, but because of the way the app works. The app uses data to set up the call, but then initiates (or receives) a VOICE call to a special number. That call is then subtracted from your bill automatically. The conversion to/from Skype happens on the other end. Because of that, there's no reason for it to work over Wifi - it needs to make a voice call to work, so it requires that you have signal. It COULD be possible for them to re-write it to make the initial request over Wifi instead of 3G, but there's no point, really - the call itself goes over voice, so it would be misleading to say that it "works on wifi".

"Skype", on the other hand, is available for a number of android devices. In the US, it is limited to using only Wifi, but it can use cellular data in other countries (or if you have a hacked version of it). This version does the type of skype you expect - actually performing the conversion of voice to IP on the handset, allowing you to use it any time you have wifi access, even if there is no cellular signal.

"Skype Mobile" is nice if you want to make free Skype-To-Skype calls instead of a phone call from an area where you have cell reception. Because it uses the normal voice channel, the quality is actually pretty good, compared to normal Skype. If you are using night or weekend minutes, you can use Skype-Out to make international calls at the Skype rate instead of the Verizon rate. If you're not on night or weekend, though, you'll be paying for both domestic minutes on Verizon AND the skype international minutes for the same call.

"Skype" is good for Skype to Skype or skype-out calls over WiFi. Good if you don't have cellular data, are in a low-signal or no-signal area (like out of the country).

Hope that clears up any confusion! One version won't work on wifi, the other ONLY works on wifi. Kind of funny, really.

[phaze3131]

Just so odd I mean I just use skype for chat purposes on my PC, I think one time I used it for a call when I had a headset. Just odd they would make me wait for the slow data transfer over 3g just to talk to friends/colleagues.

[Se7enLC]

Just so odd I mean I just use skype for chat purposes on my PC, I think one time I used it for a call when I had a headset. Just odd they would make me wait for the slow data transfer over 3g just to talk to friends/colleagues.

Did you read the post right above yours?

There is no data transfer over 3G.

The Skype Mobile app goes over voice, not 3G. It makes a phone call. full-blown Skype only works on wifi - it won't use 3G unless you hack it.

EDIT: or did you mean like, typing chat (as opposed to voice-chat)? I'm not sure why they can't just do typing-chat over either wifi or 3G - probably because they were focused on the voice bit