SkypeOut Calls From A BlackBerry
The first client to provide Skype ability to the Blackberry platform is from SHAPE Services with their latest IM+ release. This new software will run you $25 smackaroos. Here’s the kicker, not only does it allow you to IM and chat with all of your friends on Skype, but you can also make voice calls through 3G/GSM/CDMA networks. You don’t even need WiFi. To make a call to a Skype user it’s free, and calls to cell phones and land lines are charged a very small amount from your SkypeOut account. If you’ve paid $24.95 for unlimited SkypeOut for the year, all of your calls are free!. This is amazing news for BlackBerry users. You can deactivate your entire voice plan, and just pay for BlackBerry data, as unlimited Skype calls would only cost $24.95/year. You don’t even need a desktop client, this thing runs right from the BlackBerry. Theorectically.
I am new to all this, so please forgive my stupid question. Is there any option for VoIP on the Blackberry that does not require a voice plan?
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For those people complaining about VOIP over 3G not working.
It works fine, it works better than fine, it’s better than my ADSL connection at home.
I’m in Australia, we have a nationwide (98% of the population) 3G network - exactly the same specs/frequency as Cingular in the US.
So yeah, Skype or any VOIP over Cingular is going to be extremely good!
Those crappy EVDO networks you have over there though, wont work. 2 or 3 times the latency of Cingulars 3G network - which simply kills Skype/VOIP.
I use a Samsung Blackjack to make Skype, and SkypeOut calls several times a day. The only time I’ve ever had a complaint, turned out to be the other persons problem.
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I’ve been reading this whole thread and I’m still a bit confused. Here are my questions. If anyone can answer them simply I’ll be forever grateful:
If I get a Windows-Mobile enabled phone, like a T-Mobile Dash, for example, and put regular Skype software on it, and use Skype to make calls the same way I would if it were on my computer at home,
-Will I be using my T-Mobile phone minutes while I’m on Skype calls?
-Will the calls be going over the internet, meaning I’ll need a wireless internet plan in addition to my regular phone minutes plan?
-Or are they going over some other kind of network that doesn’t use minutes or T-Mobile’s wireless internet access?
-People keep mentioning these $25/year “data” plans–what is that? Is using that different from and cheaper than just accessing the internet on your phone on a per-connection basis and getting charged whatever that costs?
Thanks so much to whoever might answer these…
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hello Holly,
If you downloaded native Skype client onto T-Mobile Dash, you could certainly call Skype and SkypeOut contacts and exchnage chat messages. You could then use 3G or WiFi to use it. You don’t need a data plan if you were using it in Wi-Fi network. But you do need to have data plan to use Skype on T-Mobile Dash in any other network.
I think you will benefit from installing IM+ for Skype though, because the application generates less data traffic and doesn’t need a Wi-Fi network, which sometimes is not free.
If you were to sign up for Skype Unlimited, which costs $29.99 you could make/receive call within U.S. and Canada pretty much for free. You will only be charged for international calls based on SkypeOut rates and incoming calls by your wireless carrier.
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I tried this client on my blackberry and since IM+ calls you back I got charched for incoming minutes on my blackberry ( and skype out credits ) I asume if I am outside the US my incoming minutes would be very expensive, so that(IM+) doesn’t make any sense. May be there is adifferent way of configuring it, please tell me.
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Billy, I have realized some of the ways you may save on calls both when in the U.S. and when overseas. In both cases you may set the closest stationary number as the callback number in the menu of the application. This way your incoming call will be going to the callback number you inidicate, thus saving you bucks. Second, you may sign up for Skype Unlimited, then all you incoming and outgoing calls within US would be free. If I remember of some other ways I’ll be sure to let you know. Regards.
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I have an 8800 and an 8300 curve on rogers here in Canada. will the IM+ skype really help me in any way ???
- travel to Europe is also fairly frequent.
thanks
ron
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Ron, you may as well purchase Skype Unlimited plan for $29.95, which will allow you to make calls within US and Canada for free, even in IM+ for Skype. This is the best value if you make/receive a lot of calls via Skype. When overseas I recommend that you purchase the international SIM card and use it, instead of the one you use with Rogers. Most European carriers allow you to purchase a SIM card on a prepaid basis, so you wouldn’t have to have a contract.
Additionally, you will always save on calls in IM+ for Skype if you specify the closest stationary phone number in the callback number field. Please view my previous comment.
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Okay, sorry, but to clarify, below is the setup that I was thinking of:
1 BB 8320
1 Unlimited Data plan
1 Skype Out (Unlimited calling account)
________________________________________
Can I make the usual unlimited US & Canadian calls?
If I add the Skype Pro or Skype In feature to my account, can I receive calls on the BB?
Again, I would be using only a data plan on the BB, no voice plan.
Thanks,
Leo
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Ok, so back to another original point, Helen. Has something significant changed with IM+ Skype in regard to usage of Skype Out credit EVEN IF you have an unlimited plan? When I used it, granted it was several months ago now, it didn’t matter if you had unlimited or not because in fact you were still using credits. Why? Because when you use IM+ Skype you “call out” to Skype which then routes the call to your destination AND Skype calls you back using Skype IN because of call-forwarding. So, even in your “unlimited” calling area you still use Skype credits. Now, even if you route it to you a land line the only thing you’re really avoiding is cell minutes. Of course none of this is a lot of money. We all know Skype is cheap, BUT I’m not sure who’s really at fault here for the mis-advertising and deliberately confusing information, Skype or IM+ for Skype.
Has something significant changed with the service that no longer uses Skype credit for call forwarding (which IM+ really is).
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woodi68, I beleive the version you currently have is the old version of IM+ for Skype, which didn’t support the Unlimited Plan. Try to download the new version from http://shapeservices.com/en/products/details.php?product=skype&platform=none
If you have Skype Unlimited, your calls with IM+ for Skype within US and Canada should be free.
Regards.
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Hi Helen, I just verified that even with my Unlimited Skype Out plan that it will charge me $0.039 connection fee plus $0.017 per minute for using IM+ Skype. It even puts up a message to that effect as you are dialing OR as you are receiving a call. So, whether I’m receiving a call or placing a call it charges both of the above mentioned fees. I currently have it setup to route to my landline. P.S. I was calling or receiving calls from another Skype account, not a landline. So our theory of “Skype to Skype is free” is not true for this product.
Helen do you work for Skype or for IM+? There seem to be several contributors to this thread who are insistent about this product to the detriment of the conversation and more importantly to the detriment of the facts.
So, I just bought a new chat client for my BlackBerry. At least I can chat with my Skype contacts for free.
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I just tried this also and these are some questions I have?
1) How much data is being used when calling with IM+ for Skype. With Rogers in Canada, I only have the $40 plan which provides 7mb and the email I receive monthly pretty much takes all 7mb. Is it only using data for the connection to Skype? I noticed it said it uses roughly 5kb ever hour of connection but does it use your data plan while you are on a call?
2) When I receive a call back from IM+ for Skype, it is using my voice plan minutes. Problem with this is if I am roaming in the United states, my phone charges are going to be enormous.
I see Helen said that you can set up different locations but if you are in a Hotel where the front desk answers the phone, this does not work very well.
The only way I see this really being useful is if I am in the United States, I would have to purchase a SIM card from the area I am in before it becomes beneficial to avoid roaming charges.
Perhaps I’m missing something but sure seems like a lot to do even after you’ve paid for service that is supposedly supposed to save you money.
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For the call to be free, you have to follow these steps:
1) Unlimited Plan
2) In IM+ for Skype settings you need to select Unlimited under Plan option
3) The landline/cell number you set up as callback should be a US number
4) The number you are calling should also be a US number
Note: Make sure you have the latest version inslalled. SHAPE Services http://www.shapeservices.com offers updates for free.
For Skype to Skype calls to be free, you need to have SkypeIn of the local area.
Example, let’s say I live in Dallas, Texas with the area code 817. If I purchase SkypeIn number with the area code 817, my calls from IM+ for Skype to other Skype contacts would be free. Note: I should insert my SkypeIn number as callback in application settings.
Finally, I think this table might be helpful http://shapeservices.com/en/products/details.php?product=skype&platform=bb&page=saveim
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Hello Steve,
1)The application uses very little traffic. I would say in idle mode, 5Kb or less. Data used depends on the length of your contact list, the frequency of contacts getting online/offline. When you are on call, data in only used once to get you connected with the party, so it is very minimal.
2)Your reasoning and observations are correct. I mean the fact that you would need to purchase a SIM card while in the U.S. in order to save on calls. You see, U.S. carriers may sell prepaid voice plans with no data plans (not efficient at all) or sign you up for a contract. If you are a frequent U.S. visitor signing up for a contract is your best bet. Otherwise roaming there with Canada plan will generate a bill you would not want to see. You may ask your carrier if your roaming charges when using data in the U.S. are charged at the same rate as when you are in the local area in Canada. If the answer is yes, you may use IM+ for Skype to chat with your Skype contacts.
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This is a lie! It’s not free even if you have unlimited. I’m not sure how many times i have to correct you on this Helen. What part of this don’t you understand? Have you REALLY ever tried any of this?
This service uses call forwarding, which is not free for Skype even if you have unlimited plan.
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I bought +IM for skype for my blackberry 8830 to do one simple thing: to make a skype to skype call. (1) can I do it for free? (2) if not does this mean I have to get skype credit even if I am not calling a landline?
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Hi Aaron, I bought it too for the same reason. There are no free calls with this product because it uses call forwarding. The ONLY way it uses your data plan is for chat or for checking the status of other users. If you place a call to anyone Skype calls them and then “forwards” the call to you where ever you indicate the call should be received, on your cell or on a landline.
I have at least started just sending messages via chat to my contacts. That’s at least free and is still helpful. If I need a free call, I’ll just send them a chat message telling them to call me from their Skype to my landline or cell (though calling the cell obviously uses minutes).
Hope that helps… even though it’s not what you wanted to hear.
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Ok, guys. There are many comments here about calls made using IM+ on mobile devices within the US/Canada and the relative costs/pros/cons of doing so.
My issue is this - if I purchase a client like this (for my Blackberry 8820) I need it to work outside of the US ONLY, outside of the GSM band that the phone and my carrier (AT&T) supports, specifically Japan. However, there’re Wi-Fi spots everywhere. I’ve got unlimited minutes and data anyway inside the US, so that’s kinda moot for me. But if I can just Skype to my friends and family from any convenient hotspot while traveling - ESpecially where there is NO roaming network I can connect to… Then I’d consider it. And i don’t really care if it’s free or not, although the cheaper the better…
So, Helen? Woodi68? Any tips?
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Eric, IM+ for Skype is completely network independent and works in any GSM band. I travel a lot myself and that’s how I know. You are lucky to have a Wi-Fi enabled Blackberry for you can save on data now.
As for the comments from woodi68 I have to say that so far IM+ for Skype is the only application supporting Skype on BlackBerry that delivers the kind of voice quality you get with regular Skype, otherwise it wouldn’t have been certified.
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While IM+ may work in any GSM band, my blackberry doesn’t. Doesn’t that make a difference? I know the original GB article stated “you don’t even need Wi-Fi!”, but in this case, I would need it, right? Since the 8820 doesn’t at all function on the UMTS 2100 band that Japan uses.
Also, this whole setting of a call-back number confuses me. If I were state-side, I’d set it to be my own landline, and that’s that. But what about if I’m in a coffee shop in Tokyo? I can’t be tying up their phone. I was hoping I’d actually be using my Blackberry handset to do the talking, but I’m getting the impression I’d only be using the BB to initiate the process.
Is this incorrect?
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You are correct. You would initiate from you BlackBerry, but the call would be routed to which ever call back number you indicated, could be a Tokyo number, could be your handset. If you do choose your BB, then you would be paying for international airtime for an incoming call, PLUS the (though inexpensive) Skype call time for the “forwarded” call. Since we’re refering to Tokyo, I would assume you dont’ have roaming service there.
One thing I’m unclear of with the 8820 is it’s WiFi capabilities. If you are at a hotspot or WiFi area and you receive a call then it comes through over your WiFi connection and NOT your cellular connection? If that’s the case, you wouldn’t be using your minutes I presume which I would hope would also mean you wouldn’t be charged for international airtime.
When they refer to “you don’t even need WiFi” they mean because the call doesn’t use data, it is a normal phone call. That’s why WiFi isn’t required. This is a separate WiFi situation than you are experiencing with your 8820.
Once again, Helen attempts to confuse by refering to the GSM band. I’m on Verizon and this works fine too. The reason? Well, because the ONLY use it has for the data connection is to initiate the call or to chat. The call is not carried by any data network. The call is a call.
Also, I’m not sure where “Skype Certification” ever entered the conversation.
Helen, I don’t think you’re doing your company ANY justice by making more misleading comments. Your company being Shape Services.
I like your products a lot, but the more inacurate infomration you try spreading through “user” comments, the less I trust the integrity of your company.
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WTF! Can anyone give a hard and fast ruling on this software.
I am in the UK
We have a branch in OZ and there are times that we may want to call them from our blackberry when on teh road (still in uk) Is this benefical to us ?
If our users are traveling over to oz and they want to call back to us in the uk is this benefical?
Is there a lot of arsing around involved with this as some people arent that technically minded so it becomes extremely difficult if there is.
Many Thanks
Gavin
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I purchased IM+ Skype for my BB 8100 last week. I believed I would be able to make Skype to Skype calls for free via my data plan. THIS DOES NOT WORK. EVERY TIME I attempt to make a call to another skype user I am charged a for the connection and for the minutes. Then TMOBILE charges for the minutes used since the app calls my cell phone once the connection is made.
I want my money back.
Hope this helps.
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Guys, I’ve read a lot of your comments, but I can say that I’m using IM+ for Skype since summer and really happy with it.
First of all I signed for Skype Unlimited Calling plan, so I can call for free inside the US.
Secondly I have set up an Unlimited data plan and I am not charged for the data, which is used by IM+ for Skype, though not much, but still. BTW, woodi68, are you sure you have set up everything right, may be there are some carrier limits or smth at your side, because Unlimited data plan really works fine for me!
When I’m calling outside the USA I am charged SkypeOut credits for the calls. But I consider this as a payment for the use of Skype on my mobile. It’s always with me. I can receive calls even when I’m not in front of my PC, but traveling, at work or anywhere else.
And as far as I understand, if you use IM+ for Skype in WiFi hotspot you will only be charged for airtime minutes.
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