[November 10, 2004]

Skype Goes Cordless

BY JOHANNE TORRES

Zennström has done it again! The Internet rebel just made a deal with Siemens allowing Skypers to now call cordless. Skypers will be able to use Siemens Gigaset DECT cordless phones to call millions of Internet users across European countries such as Austria, England, Germany and Switzerland.

Skype's free downloadable Internet telephony software works with Siemens phones via the Gigaset M34 USB adapter, an open interface adapter that is plugged into the USB connection point of a users' PC. It communicates with the phone’s base station to either make or receive a Skype (news – alert) call. The handset then enables users to gain cordless access to the Skype features including free Skype-to-Skype calling, buddy lists, the Skype Global Directory and conference calling.

"Siemens continues its pioneering innovation by delivering a giant step forward for Internet telephony and messaging services for the residential market," said Niklas Zennström, Skype CEO and co-founder. "Skype is expanding the range of complimentary platforms to provide consumers with choice and flexibility alongside the quality gains and cost-savings of modern calling."

The adapter works with the recently launched Gigaset C340/345 and Gigaset CX340/345isdn, Gigaset S440/445 and Gigaset SX440/445isdn, Gigaset S645 and Gigaset SL440.

The Gigaset M34 USB adapter will also enable Gigaset phones to utilize the SkypeOut service—Skype’s Voice over IP ( VoIP ) (define - news - alert - tutorial)-based calling service that lets users make calls from their PC to any traditional phone around the world.

"We launched the Siemens Gigaset Internet telephony solution so that consumers can benefit from cheaper or even free-of-charge calling and messaging," said Paul Reitmeier, President of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) Devices of Siemens AG – Communications. "We are delighted to be working with Skype to offer Internet users an enhanced traditional phone experience."

The new adapter is currently available at retail outlets. The retail package includes a 120-minutes-free SkypeOut telephony voucher. A full user guide and troubleshooting instructions are available at Siemens’ Web site.

Skype Technologies S.A.
www.skype.com

Siemens Communications
http://www.siemens.com/communications