KDDI and Skype announced a strategic alliance that will integrate Skype across KDDI’s services, starting with its “au” mobile offerings. Skype will initially be made available on the au Android smartphone (IS03 and IS01) starting in November. KDDI plans deeper Skype integration on a range of au Android devices as well as BREW devices in 2011.
The companies said they are working to offer a whole new communications experience. Japanese customers on the KDDI network can bring their Skype conversations with them wherever they go and stay connected with their friends at all times by sending and receiving Instant Messages with the Skype app running in the background. At launch, users will also be able to make unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user in Japan and around the globe without being charged against their monthly minute allowance or data plan.
Skype uses KDDI’s voice network for Skype-to-Skype calls. KDDI customers with data plans will have the Skype app “always on” and be able to see friends’ online status at any time. International calling is billed at competitive Skype Out calling rates.
“Skype on au is a breakthrough in giving customers in Japan unlimited, global communications options, while expanding their calling community to hundreds of millions of Skype users worldwide,” said Mr. Takashi Tanaka, Senior Vice President, member of the board of KDDI. “We look forward to working closely with Skype to extend these benefits beyond mobile to broadband, fixed line and cable, and thereby maximize the satisfaction of our customers in every area of our business.”http://www.skype.com
