UK mobile phone carrier 3 has decided the old saying of "if you can’t beat them, join them" is a mantra to live by, and has teamed up with Skype to bring the service to their handsets.

Announced on Monday, 3 will be adding Skype to their services on a special handset developed by Amoi.  Users who sign an 18-month contract will get the handset for free, pay-as-you-go users will be able pick up the phone for £49.99 ($102.88).

By use of a centralized Skype button, you will be able to switch the phone to Skype mode and call your contacts for free, just as you would from your computer.  User status will be updated in real time so you always know who is available at any given time.

To start, the phone will be on sale in the UK from this friday, with follow-ups planned for Austria, Australia, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy and Switzerland.  In locales not covered by 3, Skype is looking to partner with other carriers to expand the service.

While no details of the agreement were released, it is believed Skype will receive a royalty for their software, as well as a cut of revenue from the handsets.  In return, once SkypeOut phone service is supported, 3 will receive a percentage of the revenue.

No word on other countries or carriers was shared at this time.

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Entry was posted on Tuesday, October 30th, 2007 at 12:58 pm under Cell phones.

Read more entries by Sean P. Aune.
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