Skype goes freebie crazy across the pond

Skype users can now make free SkypeOut calls to traditional landline and mobile phones in Canada and the US until the end of the year, the company announced on Monday.

Skype is trying to get more people in North America to use its SkypeOut service, which typically charges people to make calls to a landline or mobile phone. Skype calls made between PCs are free.

Skype, which is owned by online auctioneer eBay, doesn't break out the number of people using its premium services such as SkypeOut. But as of the end of April, it claimed to have more than 100 million registered users, nearly double the number of registered users it had in September 2005. About six million of those consumers are in the US, said a company spokeswoman. In comparison, China has 13 million registered users and Germany has five million.

Henry Gomez, general manager for Skype in North America, said in a statement: "Millions of consumers around the world are flocking to Skype every month. And we believe free SkypeOut calling will rapidly accelerate Skype adoption in the US and Canada."

While Skype executives are hoping to drum up more business with this promotion, SkypeOut calling is free only until the end of 2006. What's more, calls made to and within all countries other than Canada and the US will continue to incur charges at current rates.

The free SkypeOut promotion comes at a time when competitors such as AOL and Yahoo! are integrating more call features into their instant messaging clients. Starting today, AOL instant messaging users will be able to use AIM Phoneline, a new service that allows people to make calls from their IM client to landlines. AOL's service lets subscribers get free incoming calls from landlines. But it charges a monthly fee to make calls to landlines or mobile phones.

While the SkypeOut service will allow free calling to landlines, the company will continue to charge people to get calls using a service it calls SkypeIn, which costs about $38 for an unlimited 12-month subscription. Consumers can get the service for three months for about $12.80.

Skype is also trying to attract new users by enhancing its services. Last week, it released a new test version of its software that adds more features and functionality to the service.

For example, it's adding a feature called Skypecasts, which allows groups of Skype users to discuss shared interests via live, moderated discussions. The company also added SMS, integration with Outlook email contact lists, and shared contact lists.

Marguerite Reardon writes for CNET News.com