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The beta version is available worldwide with a feature set that includes chat, group chat, presence (seeing when contacts are online), and receiving calls from Skype users and through SkypeIn. Meanwhile, additional features like making of Skype-to-Skype and SkypeOut calls from mobile handsets are initially supported in seven markets including Brazil, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Poland, Sweden, and the UK.
Users will not be charged to call or chat with friends, but other activities like calling friends who are not on Skype or receiving calls from other Skype users or over SkypeIn will be charged at regular Skype rates. Also, when users call Skype-to-Skype or SkypeOut from mobiles, the mobile operator will charge for data usage and local mobile calling minutes, since users are actually utilizing the mobile voice and data networks. Hence it is recommended that users get an unlimited data plan.
There are two ways to get the beta version: as a direct over-the-air download to a compatible mobile phone, or it can be downloaded to a PC and then transferred to the phone. To download and check the list of supported mobile phones click here. The software is free although there might be a small data charge from the operator if its downloaded straight to the mobile phone. The beta test is expected to last several months, after which a public version of the application will be made available to millions of mobile phone owners around the world. However, the company has not given any particular time period for the final release.
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