iSkoot powers Three UK’s Skype service

I’ve had a load of people asking me how the Skype service actually works after posting up my ‘The Test‘ post a few days ago.

I’ve been mumbling my way through a ‘and the 3 system calls Skype basically and vice versa’ description which, whilst broadly accurate, doesn’t actually help those who specifically want to know what’s powering the back-end.

The answer, of course, is iSkoot. iSkoot extends the reach of Internet telephony by allowing users to make and receive calls over the Web using any mobile phone. Reaaaallly smart.

From their recent press release:

Skype is available today on X-Series handsets from 3 UK. The solution uses the iSkootMobile software and is now available in 3’s UK stores in addition to being available in 3’s other markets around the world beginning early 2007. X-Series customers will be able to make unlimited Skype calls from their Nokia N73, with more handsets to follow.

“This is a significant milestone, as 3 is the first mobile operator to bring Skype-enabled mobile phones to consumers,” said Eric Lagier, Skype’s Head of Business Development, Mobile. “Skype has been working in close partnership with iSkoot, who have helped to make the promise of mobile Skype a reality.”

“We are extremely proud to be working with Skype and bringing this first-of-its-kind solution to Skype users,” said Jacob Guedalia, CEO of iSkoot. “Skype is the clear leader in internet calling and now, thanks to iSkoot, it is available on mobile phones and Skype users can always stay in touch.”

Although it’s working only with the N73 on the Three service, it’s actually supported on Motorola (RAZR V3, SLVR L7, PEBL, v557), Palm Treo 650 & 700p, Sony Ericsson v600i & w600i, Nokia 6021, 6102, 6600, 6680, 6682, 6030 and, … GET THIS!! The Nokia E-Series.

Ooooooooooooooooh. iSkoot is definitely going places by making it work on the E-Series. It looks like quite an easy install process:

1. iSkoot can send you an SMS message with the link to our software. Just check the “SMS” box when you register and provide your mobile phone number (including country code) and we’ll send you the link.

2. Download Directly to your Phone at go.iskoot.com! Register with iSkootMobile to receive your security code, enter it in at go.iskoot.com using your phone’s browser, and install iSkootMobile right onto your handset.

3. Download to your PC first – If you are in the US, you can choose your wireless provider and phone type in the menus below to get the software that’s right for you. If you are outside the US, just click on “Register to Download” or “Check for Updates” at the top of the page to access our free software.

Me, I think I’d use option 2. You know just the other day I was sat wondering if I could try and download the Skype app from Three on to my T-mobile E61. I tried visiting mobile.three.co.uk on the E61 browser but got no response 😉

So, that’s a task then: Get Skype / iSkoot working on my E61. I’ll give it a go shortly. Support for the Blackberry 8700 is coming soon too. My dad will love it, he’s a big Blackberry user and was even considering buying a Three phone just so he could get Skype service. If he can get it on his Blackberry via iSkoot, he’ll be extremely happy.