Until we see more flat rate data plants, it’s unlikely that Skype will release any kind of mobile verssion of its software. Eric Lagier, the company’s hardware and software business development chief, indicated that the decision is partly based on ensuring customers do not run up high data bills.

“We don’t want to be in a situation where we say: ‘Skype is free’ and then at the end of the month the user gets this huge broadband bill,” he told the news service.

Despite its reservations, Skype may be forced to act by its competitors. UK-based Truphone, has already released software that allows users to place VOIP calls on WI-FI enabled Nokia mobile phones. The Nokia phones act as a normal mobiles, using a service providers cell network, until the encounter a WI-FI hotspot. Nokia recently announced new WI-FI phones at the CES show in Las Vegas.

CAMBRIDGE, MA – January 9, 2007 – iSkoot, the service provider for mobile Internet communications solutions, today announced that the iSkoot client software has been Skype Certified.

This confirms that iSkoot meets Skype’s standards for usability and quality, making it the first third-party mobile client software to be certified by Skype. iSkoot allows mobile phone users to place and receive Skype calls from their handsets, without the need for PCs, special hardware, or WiFi hot spots. Users simply use local rates or minutes from their plans to speak to Skype contacts or use SkypeOut™ to make inexpensive calls to any phone from their mobiles. This will initially be made available in the US with more markets to follow.

“Skype’s endorsement of iSkoot represents a significant benefit for the 136 million plus Skype users who can now enjoy Skype on their cell phone, without needing PCs, special hardware or WiFi hot spots,” said iSkoot CEO Jacob Guedalia.

“Skype is always looking for ways enrich people’s lives and make our software easier to access and use,“ said Eric Lagier, Skype’s Head of Business Development, Mobile. “iSkoot extends our reach while giving mobility to our users who can now place and receive Skype calls straight from their mobile phones without needing WiFi. Skype’s certification of iSkoot gives our users total confidence that it meets our high standards and is a delight to use.“

Skype’s certification of iSkoot is part of the ongoing business relationship between the two companies. Skype and iSkoot also market the application to handset manufacturers and mobile operators, who could offer their customers service packages that include iSkoot.

Initially, the iSkoot client software supports Motorola RAZR phones and Symbian-based mobile phones, but the two companies will continue to work together and expand Skype to many more mobile platforms. iSkoot is available as a free download from www.iskoot.com.

Source: iSkoot Press Release