How the official Skype Java mobile version works
As there are so many VoIP service providers like Jajah/nonoh today, Skype is not as attractive for calling rate. However, Now, you can get an Unlimited World calling subscription from Skype from $9.95/month
, which makes their calling rate competitive again. Except their new pay monthly plans, another important move of Skype is the releasing of the official mobile Java Skype version. However, how does the official mobile Java Skype version work? And what is its rate? It seems that most descriptions on the internet are not so clear.
Fring is the only “really” mobile Skype client (except the Windows Mobile version of Skype) to me. And this official Skype Java mobile version is just another similar approach of third party mobile Java IM/VoIP softwares that supporting Skype like EQO, Nimbuzz and so on. The reason is that this official Skype Java mobile client only can transmit TXT chat via wireless data link. It is almost impossible to transmit voice by this mobile client due to the limitation of J2ME application’s performance. Moreover, there is report mentioning that making 20 minutes call per day with the official Skype Java mobile client will use only 1M byte traffic, which is too little for voice.
Then why Skype claims that this Skype Java mobile client can receive Skype call and make Skype/SkypeOut calls in some country? In fact, it will be clear by reading the explanation of cost: To receive Skype call will use SkypeOut credit and users have to input their mobile number to login the Java mobile client. In other words, it is the same as to set call forwarding when you are offline, your SkypeOut credit was used to call you mobile phone and the voice is transmitted over traditional PSTN. And this Java mobile client uses Skype To Go function to make Skype/SkypeOut calls in some countries, which means via access number.
In general, this official Skype Java mobile client is almost nothing new comparing to third party Java mobile VoIP/IM client. If your mobile phone is supported by Fring, it will be a better choice.
Translated from Skype网络电话的移动Java手机版如何工作？
