Skype changes landline charges

Skype has introduced new call packages to make it cheaper to call people who don't use the popular VoIP application.

Skype has always enabled free calls over the web between two people who are both using the service, but it still costs to make a call to a landline or mobile using Skype.

However, Skype's new packages will dramatically reduce the cost of calling landlines in many different countries, according to the company.

You can now pay a monthly flat rate of £2.95 to make calls to landline numbers in 20 European countries. If you just want to call numbers in the UK it costs £1.95 per month and you are not tied in to a minimum contract length.

Stefan Oberg of Skype said: "Now we’re making it even easier for the Skype community to call their friends and family who are not yet on Skype. Our subscriptions give people an easy, hassle-free choice for how and when they want to catch up with their loved ones."

"When you combine the free features Skype is known for – from instant messaging to conference calling to video calls – with our subscriptions, it’s hard to find a better alternative," he continued.

Skype is owned by eBay but recent rumblings from the online auction house suggest that it could be sold off soon.

www.skype.com/go/subscriptions