The UK Mobile operator 3 has teamed up with Skype to launch a new 3G internet phone that will let you make free internet calls and send free text messages.The operator already offers access to free Skype calling through an application for its X-Series phones.

“This is the first time,” says 3, “that an operator has offered a mass market device which is tailor-made for free calling over the internet from a mobile”.

Skype-to-Skype calls will be free from a 3 Skypephone as long as you are on a paid-up contract or have PAYG 3 credit topped up monthly. In the UK, the 3 Skypephone will cost £49.99 on a PAYG tariff. It will be free as a contract option.

Other than its Skype capability, the new Skypehone hasn’t got a specification that will wow the crowds.The 3G handset comes with a two-megapixel camera, an MP3 player, internet browsing, Bluetooth and comes in black or white with either a blue or pink trim and a MicroSD slot (so you can boost the 16MB of internal memory up to 1GB).

CEO Kevin Russell said: ‘To enable Skype to go mobile in this way brings free internet calls together with an affordable 3G handset. Mobile has the potential to massively increase access to internet calling.’

The device will be released in the UK on 2 November on prepay and contract. Sykpe-to-Skype calls will remain free as long as customers stay on the contract or top up their prepay credit each month.

Earlier this year Orange and Vodafone faced criticism after they blocked the VoIP capability on the Nokia N95 in a bid to protect voice revenues.

The Sykpephone will also be released in eight other countries, including Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong and Italy.

visit www.three.co.uk