free calls tells you all you need to know mate. no you don't need to be connected to the net as it is a mobile phone like any other but with added skype thrown in so while you are picking up the brussel sprouts you can ring your aunty mabel up in australia. i have had skype on my mobile for over 12 months and it is great mate. all you need to do is transfer all your skype contacts from your skype phone which is connected to the computer and away you go. dont ask about the quality of connection on these phones as I use a Nokia N73 and I have had no problems.